What Makes a Good Middle Grades Novel?

Choosing Good Middle Grades Novels What Makes a Good Middle Grades Novel: Understanding the Middle Grades Audience Middle-grade novels serve as a gateway to a world of imagination and exploration for preteens and teens. To create an ideal middle-grade novel, authors must first understand the unique characteristics and interests of their audience. Preteens and teens are navigating the delicate balance between childhood and adolescence, craving stories that resonate with their experiences. Consider incorporating relatable protagonists, age-appropriate themes, and a touch of humor to captivate this discerning audience. Most important of all, remember that all young readers are different. You aren't necessarily looking for what is popular for "all" students, but what particular books resonate with the interests of each student as an individual. It is a tough job, but a very rewarding one. The Right Books Makes All the Difference Essential Elements for Literary Success With Teens & Preteens You'll Find Just the Right Books, If You Know Where and How to Look a. Engaging Characters: The heart of any middle-grade novel lies in its characters. Craft protagonists who face challenges, exhibit growth, and embody the complexities of preteen and teen life. Relatable characters make the narrative more compelling and create a connection with readers.b. Age-Appropriate Themes: Middle-grade novels should address themes that resonate with the target age group. Friendship, self-discovery, and overcoming challenges are perennial favorites. Introduce these themes in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking, allowing young readers to reflect on their own experiences.c. Pacing and Plot: Maintain a brisk pace to keep the story dynamic and prevent young readers from losing interest. A well-structured plot with twists and turns will keep them eagerly turning the pages. Consider incorporating suspense and mystery elements and don't overlook the powers of spooky and funny. Every student has different tastes and reading abilities. Start by figuring…

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The Right Books Makes All the Difference

Query Tracker Review for Writers

Introduction to Query Tracker for Middle Grade Authors In the dynamic world of middle-grade literature, securing the right literary agent is a pivotal step toward bringing your captivating tales to a broader audience. One essential tool that stands out in this pursuit is Query Tracker, a platform designed to simplify the agent querying process for writers. As a middle-grade author, exploring Query Tracker opens doors to a wealth of opportunities tailored to your unique storytelling style. Query Tracker is one of our favorite writing tools for middle grade authors. So far, we have reviewed Kindlepreneur, Publisher Rocket, Scrivener, Scapple, Plottr and AutoCrit. These are all tools to help writers DURING the writing process. Query Tracker is an amazing resource for helping authors once the writing is complete, and it's time to look for an agent. Query Tracker is Among Our Favorite Tools for Middle Grade Authors. Tailored Features for Middle Grade Authors Query Tracker Has Been Selected as a Writer's Digest Best Website. For authors crafting stories that resonate with the middle-grade audience, Query Tracker offers a set of features designed to address the intricacies of middle-grade storytelling. The platform's extensive database includes agents who appreciate the nuances of middle-grade literature. Easily filter and identify agents who align with your thematic choices, increasing the likelihood of securing representation for your engaging and age-appropriate narratives.A standout feature for middle-grade authors is Query Tracker's ability to highlight agents with a strong track record and connections in the industry. Crafting stories that captivate the tween and teen audience is your strength, and Query Tracker ensures you're connected to agents who recognize the marketability of your middle-grade series. With this tool, you can align your submissions with agents experienced in navigating the terrain of the literary world, offering a strategic advantage in bringing your stories to the forefront of publishing opportunities.Query…

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Query Tracker is Among Our Favorite Tools for Middle Grade Authors.

Best Manuscript Editor for Fiction & Nonfiction

AutoCrit Manuscript Editor Review Autocrit is one of the best manuscript editors for fiction and nonfiction. It stands as one of our favorite writing tools for middle-grade fiction authors seeking unparalleled manuscript editing precision. Tailored to meet the unique demands of crafting stories for young readers, Autocrit emerges as the best manuscript editor for fiction in the middle-grade genre. In some ways, it's like having your own full-time writing editor available 24/7. After trying it for a little over a year now, we're blown away by how useful the editing software is and how helpful its suggestions are for polishing a manuscript until it shines like the sun. Check out our suggestions for unleashing the power of the best manuscript editor for fiction & nonfiction, especially for middle grade writers. It's as easy as 1-2-3 With the Autocrit Editor Unleashing the Power of Precision Editing for Middle Grade Authors AutoCrit is one of our favorite writing tools for middle grade authors. Middle-grade authors often grapple with the challenge of maintaining a delicate balance between engaging young readers and adhering to the technical nuances of writing. Autocrit steps in as the ultimate ally, offering a comprehensive suite of editing tools specifically honed for middle-grade manuscripts.1. Precision in Every Word Choice: Autocrit meticulously analyzes your manuscript, providing insightful feedback on word choices to ensure clarity and age-appropriate language. For middle-grade authors, this means striking the perfect chord that captivates young minds while aligning with the literary standards expected in the genre.2. Crafting Compelling Narratives: The platform's Story Map feature is a game-changer for middle-grade authors. It not only pinpoints areas where pacing may lag but also ensures that each plot twist resonates with the target age group, making your narrative a captivating journey for young readers.3. Tailored Style Guidelines: Understanding the nuances of middle-grade fiction is essential, and Autocrit's…

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It's as easy as 1-2-3 With the Autocrit Editor

Review of Plottr for Middle Grade Authors

Unveiling the Power of Organization: A Review of Plottr for Authors In the dynamic world of writing, where creativity intertwines with structure, authors often seek tools that seamlessly blend the two. One such gem in the realm of writing software is Plottr. As an author of middle-grade books with a penchant for spooky classics, I recently delved into this tool, and today, I'm excited to share my insights in this review of Plottr. This is the fourth installment in the PurdyBooks series of Writing Tools for Middle Grade Authors. These are unsolicited and uncompensated reviews of my favorite tools for prewriting, writing and editing/revising my own middle grade fiction. Plottr is a Wonderful Tool for Middle Grade Authors 5 Reasons Why I Love Using Plottr Writing can be difficult. PurdyBooks helps authors find short cuts to publishing. User-Friendly Interface: Plottr boasts a user-friendly interface that caters to both seasoned authors and those just starting their literary journey. Its intuitive design allows for easy navigation, ensuring that writers can focus on the creative process without grappling with a steep learning curve. Plot Organization Made Effortless: For an author crafting a series of books for teens and tweens, maintaining consistency and coherence across multiple volumes is paramount. Plottr rises to the occasion by offering a robust organizational structure. The tool enables you to outline plot points, character arcs, and settings effortlessly, providing a comprehensive overview of your narrative landscape. Agent Submission Assistance: For authors seeking representation, the journey begins with compelling agent submissions. Plottr aids in this crucial step by helping you craft well-organized and engaging synopses. Its features streamline the process of condensing your narrative into a concise yet captivating description, a valuable asset when vying for the attention of literary agents. Crafting Irresistible Book Descriptions: Capturing the essence of your middle-grade fiction and non-fiction is vital for attracting readers…

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Plottr is a Wonderful Tool for Middle Grade Authors

Scapple Review for Writers of Middle Grade Books

Scapple Review for Writers Our favorite prewriting tool for writers of middle grade books is Scapple, from the makers of Scrivener. Scapple is both a free-flow brainstorming tool as well as a fun way to visually organize the plot line of your novels. The two most appealing characteristics of Scapple are its affordable price and ease of use. It is an especially useful tool for writers who are visually oriented. Scapple makes a great starting platform to get your ideas in order before moving on to either more planning (for plotters) or the first draft (pantsers) of your next bestselling book. BTW, PurdyBooks does not receive any sort of remuneration for this writing tools review. Scapple Helps Writers Organize Their Plot Scapple: A Must-Have Tool for Middle-Grade Authors Helpful Information About Middle Grades Reading/Literacy As authors of middle-grade books, we understand the delicate balance between nurturing creativity and maintaining organization. In the world of literary creation, where imagination runs wild and ideas flow freely, finding the right tool to capture and connect these thoughts is crucial. Enter Scapple – a versatile and powerful tool that can revolutionize the way you approach the writing process.1. Mind Mapping MagicAt the heart of Scapple is its mind mapping feature. For middle-grade authors whose stories often weave intricate plots and diverse characters, mind mapping becomes an indispensable asset. Scapple provides a virtual canvas where ideas can be visually represented, connected, and expanded upon. Whether you're brainstorming plot twists, character relationships, or spooky settings inspired by classic novels, Scapple allows you to bring your creative thoughts to life in an organized and visually appealing way.2. Seamless Integration with Writing WorkflowOne of the standout features of Scapple is its seamless integration with other writing tools. As authors working on a series for teens and tweens, streamlining your workflow is paramount. Scapple effortlessly syncs…

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Scapple Helps Writers Organize Their Plot

Scrivener Review for Authors of Middle Grades Literature

Scrivener Review for authors This Scrivener Review for Authors of Middle Grades Literature is part of PurdyBooks' writing tools for middle grade authors series. In this post, we'll take a look at Scrivener and explain why it is one of our top seven favorite writing tools. In our series, we ONLY feature the tools that we actually use on a daily basis. In other words, these are writing applications that we have found to be extremely helpful and worth purchasing for authors of middle grades books. Scrivener describes themselves as, "... the go-to app for writers of all kinds, used every day by best-selling novelists, screenwriters, non-fiction writers, students, academics..." Read on to see how we describe Scrivener and to find out why we like it so much. PurdyBooks Writing Tools for Authors Series Writing Tools: Scrivener Review for Authors of middle grades literature Review of Scrivener for Middle Grade Authors Scrivener can be an invaluable tool for middle-grade authors of all literary genres. We like it for the price, the functionality and the organizational tools it provides. Here's how Scrivener can benefit middle grade authors from beginners to experienced writers:Organizational Features:Storyboarding: Scrivener's corkboard feature allows you to visually organize and outline your stories, making it especially helpful for planning the structure of your middle grade tales.Chapter and Scene Organization: With the ability to easily move chapters and scenes around, Scrivener facilitates experimenting with different narrative structures, crucial for creating suspense in middle school fiction.Research and Reference:Research Folders: You can create research folders within Scrivener to store information about classic novels, short stories, or any other relevant material that inspires your literary themes.Writing Process:Distraction-Free Writing: The full-screen mode in Scrivener helps you focus solely on your writing, fostering a productive environment for crafting engaging and suspenseful narratives.Word Count Tracking: Scrivener allows you to set word count goals…

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Review of Scrivener for Middle Grade Authors

Kindlepreneur Review for Authors

Writing Tools: Kindlepreneur Review for Authors Welcome to the first in a series of Writing Tools for Middle Grade Authors. Today's post is a Kindlepreneur review for authors of middle grade books. We're starting our series off with Kindlepreneur for a very good reason. It is, by far, our favorite writing tool for all authors and particularly for self-published authors. Kindlepreneur is founded and developed by Dave Chesson. Since Kindlepreneur is a writer's best tool, Dave is a writer's best friend. So let's jump into what Kindlepreneur is, what it includes and why it's so darned useful. (Although the PurdyBooks website uses affiliate links for certain books that we feature on the website, we are not receiving remuneration for this Kindlepreneur review or any of the associated links on this page. The following review is based on our own experiences with Dave Chesson, Kindlepreneur and Publisher Rocket.) What is Kindlepreneur? Kindlepreneur is much more than just a tool in your writing toolbox. It is a whole collection of tools, and most of them are indispensable for writers in general and for self published authors specifically. Whether you're seeking guidance on writing, marketing, or publishing, Kindlepreneur has you covered. Dave Chesson has assembled a website filled with tips on subjects as diverse as book editing, book formatting, cover design and self-publishing. You will find an extensive catalogue of helpful articles/posts on topics such as: how to write a nonfiction book, how to write a book in Google Docs and how to diagnose your book sales problem. In addition, you will also find reviews of other writing tools to help you decide on the very best methods of making your writing come to life. The next section of this blog post is dedicated specifically to highlighting some of Kindlepreneur's wonderful writing tools. Kindlepreneur Apps The amazing folks over at Kindlepreneur have…

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Kindlepreneur Review for Authors of Middle Grade Books