Writing Middle Grade Guidelines

Middle-grade fiction is typically targeted at readers aged 8 to 12, creating engaging, age-appropriate content that captures their interest and speaks to their experiences is essential. 

Here are some guidelines to consider:

1. Know Your Audience: 

Understand the interests, concerns, and emotional development of middle-grade readers. Address topics and themes that are relevant to their age group, such as friendship, family, school, self-discovery, and growing up.

The middle-grader will go for stories he can associate with and characters he can bond with. 

This age group also enjoys stories with an element of adventure, whether it's a physical or emotional journey. Include challenges that push characters beyond their comfort zones.

Middle-grade readers also appreciate stories that involve characters solving problems and making decisions. This can empower them to think critically in their own lives.

2. Word Count:

There is a big difference between an 8-year-old and a 12-year-old. Because of that, there is simple middle grade and upper middle grade.

For the younger group, 8-10, the word count is between 20,000 and 35,000 words. You could get away with 15,000 words for a story specifically targeted toward 8- and 9-year-olds.

The word count for the older group, the 11- to 12-year-olds, is generally 40,000 to 55,000. This type of book might be considered a ‘tween’ book.

3. Language and Sentence Structure: 

Use vocabulary and sentence structures that are suitable for your target audience. While it's okay to introduce new words, provide context or explanations when needed. Avoid overly complex language that might frustrate or discourage young readers.

Your reader has graduated from chapter books and is maturing, but this age group is still young. Cursing or other undesirable language should be avoided.

4. Short Chapters: 

Middle-grade readers often prefer shorter chapters, which are less daunting and allow for easier reading and time outs for other activities.

Chapters are generally between 1000 and 2000 words. Former literary agent and editor Mary Kole says 2000 words should be the max.

5. Relatable Protagonists: 

Create main characters that middle-grade readers can relate to. These characters should have distinctive personalities and motivations.

These characters should face challenges, make mistakes, and experience personal growth throughout the story.

As children prefer to read up, the protagonist should be 12. If it’s an upper middle-grade (11–12-year-old), possibly 13 years old.

If it’s a simpler middle-grade (8–10-year-olds), you might have a 10- or 11-year-old protagonist.

6. Character Development: 

Allow your characters to evolve throughout the story. Let them learn from their mistakes and develop new skills, values, and perspectives.

In this genre, the protagonist still needs to grow in some way due to his journey.

7. Plot and Pacing: 

Craft a plot that’s engaging and easy for this age group to follow, and it should be age-appropriate. 

There should be a balance between action, dialogue, and reflection. This age group is beginning to see that actions can have consequences.

The young reader is able to comprehend more and is maturing, and so should the stories. Stories and conflict can be more involved, and you can now introduce more than one protagonist or point of view. 

For simpler middle-grade books (the 8-10-year-olds), you should stick to one point of view.

This age group can also be introduced to science fiction and mysteries.

Keep the pacing relatively brisk to maintain the young reader’s interest. Balance action scenes with quieter moments for reflection and character development. Short sentences speed up the action, longer ones slow it down.

8. Dialogue: 

Write authentic dialogue that captures the way young people speak. 

Avoid clichés and be mindful of staying current with modern slang and expressions. It might be best to avoid them; otherwise your book may become outdated down the road.

9. Conflict Resolution: 

While the middle grader is maturing, you still need to resolve conflicts in positive and constructive ways. Teach readers about problem-solving, communication, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.

10. Satisfying Endings: 

Aim for endings that provide closure and leave readers with a sense of hope or satisfaction. Happy endings still rule for this age group.

Loose ends should all be addressed, and avoid overly vague conclusions.

11. Settings: 

Describe settings in a way that helps readers visualize the story’s world. Use sensory details to immerse readers in the environment.

12. Emotional Resonance: 

This reader age group is capable of deep emotional connections with characters. Address emotions like friendship, loss, love, and fear in a way that’s accessible and respectful.

13. Diverse Representation: 

Include diverse characters in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, and background to reflect the real world and allow readers a chance to see themselves in the story.

14. Themes: 

Middle-grade readers often explore their own identities and understanding the world around them, including family and friend relationships and dynamics. 

Consider including themes of self-discovery, empathy, understanding others, inclusion, conflict, and support.

15. Subtle Morals and Lessons: 

If you want to include a moral or lesson, the takeaway, do so subtly. Middle-grade readers appreciate stories that encourage thought without being hit over the head.

16. Limited Romance: 

While it's okay to include crushes or innocent feelings, keep any romantic elements age-appropriate and secondary to other plot elements.

17. Humor and Fun: 

Try to incorporate humor and lighthearted moments to keep readers engaged and entertained. Even if it's a mystery or sci-fi, you can write in some humor. Middle-grade readers enjoy stories that make them laugh.

18. Illustrations: 

Middle-grade novels don’t always have illustrations, but the simple middle-grade books often do. 

If you’re including illustrations, they should complement the text, giving the young reader a visual of the story and characters. 

Remember, the key to successful middle-grade writing is to create stories that entertain, inspire, and resonate with young readers while addressing the challenges and triumphs of growing up. Keep their experiences and developmental stages in mind while crafting your story.

Every children’s book should ignite a child’s imagination, forge a connection with the protagonist, and allow the child to become immersed in the story.

I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.

OTHER HELP I OFFER:

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You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)