Write Middle Grade & YA
Writing for teens & tweens is immensely satisfying and rewarding.
You can write about almost any topic and be as creative as you like!
Middle Grade Category Overview:
- Novels or nonfiction for ages 8-12 or 10-14. Lengths can vary from 84-200 pages (novels are usually over 100 pages long), or 20,000-40,000 words. Illustrated nonfiction may have fewer words.
- Characters are children ages 9-14 (average character in middle grade novel is 10-13 years old). Protagonists can also be animals or fantasy creatures. Adults are almost never central characters.
- Stories can be in any genre (mysteries, fantasy, historical, and contemporary are popular), but the central conflict must be relevant to the middle grade reader.
- Characters are focused inward (Who am I? Where do I fit in?), adolescent emotions are dramatic, and concerns with peers, image, gaining independence from parents, making own decisions and developing unique talents are paramount.
Young Adult Category Overview:
- Fiction and nonfiction for ages 12 and up or 14 and up. Books tend to be 150 pages or longer. Manuscripts are generally 40,000 words and higher.
- Fiction can be any genre. Some of the most popular are fantasy, paranormal, dystopian, cyber punk, science fiction, historical, thriller, mystery and contemporary stories.
- Characters are teens ages 12 and up, though most are in high school. Fantasy or sci-fi protagonists would also embody the teenage mindset.
- Characters are taking more control of their lives (or seeing the need to take control, and trying to figure out how to do it), contemplating their place in the larger world, and thinking about who they want to be as adults.
Here’s everything you need to succeed writing middle grade & YA books!…
Children’s Book Insider $1 Trial Membership + Bonus Pack
Published monthly since May, 1990, each issue of CBI features:
✔️ Fresh & exclusive market opportunities, featuring publishers & agents seeking writers, contest, grants and more.
✔️ Exclusive "Above the Slushpile" member-only submission opportunities with top agents & publishers.
✔️ Interviews with leading authors, editors & agents.
✔️ Insightful how-to articles about every aspect of writing, revising & getting published, and much more!
"With CBI on my side, I went from being unpublished straight to the bestseller list! If you dream of writing for children or teens, this is the place for you."
Ken Derby, author of The Top 10 Ways to Ruin the First Day of School
Join us! A three month trial membership - with loads of great bonuses - costs just $1.
Middle Grade / Young Adult Blueprint
An acclaimed author guides you to a completed YA/Middle Grade novel of your own!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
You do not know how long I have been waiting for this.
With my Writing Blueprint I am confident that I will be able to finish my book.
I am literally in tears and can barely see the keyboard. Thanks and love to you all.
Mark S.
The Magic Portal to Great Writing – The Mentor Text Workshop
The art of reading, analyzing and extracting writing insight from great books is a crucial skill that every writer must have. Here's how to do it - the right way!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
This was AMAZING.
SOOO helpful. Thank you!
Vivian I.
How to Generate Amazing Story Ideas
Having trouble coming up with good ideas for stories? Not after watching this innovative workshop!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Ingenious and inspiring. I am already brimming with new ideas!
This was exactly the creative boost I needed. Thanks!
Robyn D.
Secrets of Writing a Page-Turner
Are your stories just blah? Learn the crucial technique of Narrative Tension and start writing page-turners today!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Lola, you were mesmerizing.
Your teaching was rich. If I can apply even a little of this, I will be thrilled. Thank you sooooo much for sharing.
Katherine P.
No Conflict, No Story
A story without conflict isn't really a story - it's just a procession of events. Here's how to build page-turning excitement by creating the right kind of conflict your story needs.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
This was absolutely incredible!
Totally invaluable. Changes my writing in the best ways!
Julia B.
10 Mistakes That Get Kidlit Manuscripts Rejected & How to Avoid Them
Can one little mistake ruin your chances of getting published? Indeed it can. Here's how to avoid the problems that commonly trip up writers seeking a book contract.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
This was magnificent. I learned so much! - Kimberly B.
This was one of the best workshops I've attended. Deborah navigates the world of queries and the pitfalls we can now avoid. - Tracy
Thank you Deborah! I thought that I was ready to submit my manuscript, but now I know how to be ready! - Debra P.
The Transformative Power of Outlining
Learn the easy way to use a crucial technique that creates strong stories.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Mind-bogglingly brilliant.
Sheila M.
Mastering the 5 Kidlit Story Endings
How do your readers feel after finishing your stories? If they aren't raving, you need a stronger ending. Here's how to finish your stories in style.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
WOW! Life-changing for this writer!
Thank you! I'm so glad I signed up!
Maureen H.
Mastering the 6 Modes of Narration
Learn the Secret Used By Top Authors to Create Excitement, Movement & Flow.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
This was a SPECTACULAR lesson.
Thank you SO much. Extremely helpful. I will be re-watching multiple times, so that this bakes into my DNA!
Vivianne L.
Writing for teens & tweens is immensely satisfying and rewarding.
You can write about almost any topic and be as creative as you like!
Middle Grade Category Overview:
- Novels or nonfiction for ages 8-12 or 10-14. Lengths can vary from 84-200 pages (novels are usually over 100 pages long), or 20,000-40,000 words. Illustrated nonfiction may have fewer words.
- Characters are children ages 9-14 (average character in middle grade novel is 10-13 years old). Protagonists can also be animals or fantasy creatures. Adults are almost never central characters.
- Stories can be in any genre (mysteries, fantasy, historical, and contemporary are popular), but the central conflict must be relevant to the middle grade reader.
- Characters are focused inward (Who am I? Where do I fit in?), adolescent emotions are dramatic, and concerns with peers, image, gaining independence from parents, making own decisions and developing unique talents are paramount.
Young Adult Category Overview:
- Fiction and nonfiction for ages 12 and up or 14 and up. Books tend to be 150 pages or longer. Manuscripts are generally 40,000 words and higher.
- Fiction can be any genre. Some of the most popular are fantasy, paranormal, dystopian, cyber punk, science fiction, historical, thriller, mystery and contemporary stories.
- Characters are teens ages 12 and up, though most are in high school. Fantasy or sci-fi protagonists would also embody the teenage mindset.
- Characters are taking more control of their lives (or seeing the need to take control, and trying to figure out how to do it), contemplating their place in the larger world, and thinking about who they want to be as adults.
Here’s everything you need to succeed writing middle grade & YA books!…
Children’s Book Insider $1 Trial Membership + Bonus Pack
Published monthly since May, 1990, each issue of CBI features:
✔️ Fresh & exclusive market opportunities, featuring publishers & agents seeking writers, contest, grants and more.
✔️ Exclusive "Above the Slushpile" member-only submission opportunities with top agents & publishers.
✔️ Interviews with leading authors, editors & agents.
✔️ Insightful how-to articles about every aspect of writing, revising & getting published, and much more!
"With CBI on my side, I went from being unpublished straight to the bestseller list! If you dream of writing for children or teens, this is the place for you."
Ken Derby, author of The Top 10 Ways to Ruin the First Day of School
Join us! A three month trial membership - with loads of great bonuses - costs just $1.
Middle Grade / Young Adult Blueprint
An acclaimed author guides you to a completed YA/Middle Grade novel of your own!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
You do not know how long I have been waiting for this.
With my Writing Blueprint I am confident that I will be able to finish my book.
I am literally in tears and can barely see the keyboard. Thanks and love to you all.
Mark S.
The Magic Portal to Great Writing – The Mentor Text Workshop
The art of reading, analyzing and extracting writing insight from great books is a crucial skill that every writer must have. Here's how to do it - the right way!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
This was AMAZING.
SOOO helpful. Thank you!
Vivian I.
How to Generate Amazing Story Ideas
Having trouble coming up with good ideas for stories? Not after watching this innovative workshop!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Ingenious and inspiring. I am already brimming with new ideas!
This was exactly the creative boost I needed. Thanks!
Robyn D.
Secrets of Writing a Page-Turner
Are your stories just blah? Learn the crucial technique of Narrative Tension and start writing page-turners today!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Lola, you were mesmerizing.
Your teaching was rich. If I can apply even a little of this, I will be thrilled. Thank you sooooo much for sharing.
Katherine P.
No Conflict, No Story
A story without conflict isn't really a story - it's just a procession of events. Here's how to build page-turning excitement by creating the right kind of conflict your story needs.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
This was absolutely incredible!
Totally invaluable. Changes my writing in the best ways!
Julia B.
10 Mistakes That Get Kidlit Manuscripts Rejected & How to Avoid Them
Can one little mistake ruin your chances of getting published? Indeed it can. Here's how to avoid the problems that commonly trip up writers seeking a book contract.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
This was magnificent. I learned so much! - Kimberly B.
This was one of the best workshops I've attended. Deborah navigates the world of queries and the pitfalls we can now avoid. - Tracy
Thank you Deborah! I thought that I was ready to submit my manuscript, but now I know how to be ready! - Debra P.
The Transformative Power of Outlining
Learn the easy way to use a crucial technique that creates strong stories.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Mind-bogglingly brilliant.
Sheila M.
Mastering the 5 Kidlit Story Endings
How do your readers feel after finishing your stories? If they aren't raving, you need a stronger ending. Here's how to finish your stories in style.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
WOW! Life-changing for this writer!
Thank you! I'm so glad I signed up!
Maureen H.
Mastering the 6 Modes of Narration
Learn the Secret Used By Top Authors to Create Excitement, Movement & Flow.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
This was a SPECTACULAR lesson.
Thank you SO much. Extremely helpful. I will be re-watching multiple times, so that this bakes into my DNA!
Vivianne L.
