Navigating a Challenging Landscape for Authors and Readers
Middle grades literature occupies a unique and important space in the world of reading. Aimed at readers between the ages of 8 and 12, these books play a critical role in shaping young minds as they transition from early childhood to adolescence. However, middle grades literature on Amazon often finds itself overshadowed by children’s books on one end and adult literature on the other. Middle grade authors face significant challenges when it comes to categorizing, marketing, and reaching the right audience for their books on Amazon. See Booklists for Teachers on PurdyBooks.
The Overshadowing of Middle Grades Literature
Middle grade literature tends to get less attention compared to children’s and adult books on platforms like Amazon. For authors, this can create a frustrating experience, especially when it comes to discoverability. Unlike children’s books, which have clearly defined categories like picture books and early readers, or adult books with numerous genre options, middle grade literature is often lumped together with other categories or falls into a vague space between children’s and young adult (YA) literature.
Evidence of this can be seen directly on Amazon. When browsing book categories, you’ll notice there are clear sections for children’s books and young adult books, but middle grade literature lacks its own well-defined, distinct category. Middle grade books are often pushed into either the children’s or YA categories, where they struggle to find their true audience. For books that straddle the line between upper elementary school and middle school, this can make them difficult for readers to discover.
For authors targeting middle graders, this can be a real problem. When a middle grade novel gets lumped into a children’s category, it may be overlooked by older kids. Similarly, when categorized as YA, it may be passed over by preteens because it’s mistakenly viewed as too mature. The end result? Many middle grade books go under the radar despite their potential appeal.
Check out our PurdyBooks page What Makes a Good Middle Grades Novel.
Challenges for Middle Grade Authors on Amazon
Amazon’s categorization system is not designed to cater specifically to middle grades literature, and this causes several challenges for authors:
•Inadequate Amazon Categories: Unlike children’s picture books or YA fantasy, which have their own specific categories, middle grade books are often buried in broader categories. Amazon’s categories like “Children’s Books” or “Teen & Young Adult” are too broad to allow middle grade novels to stand out. Authors must select the best fit from limited options, often choosing between categories that don’t perfectly align with their book’s target audience.
•Targeting the Right Audience: Middle grade authors face difficulties in targeting their intended audience due to these broad categories. When a book is categorized too generally, it can be lost among a flood of titles, limiting its discoverability. Middle grade books that may appeal to both older children and younger teens can get lost between the distinct “children’s” and “YA” marketing niches.
•Difficulty in Marketing: The lack of a dedicated middle grade section makes it more difficult for authors to market their books on Amazon. Without proper categorization, marketing efforts such as Amazon ads or search keyword optimization can become ineffective. Authors may find themselves spending extra time and resources trying to position their book correctly, all while missing out on potential readers who simply cannot find their book.
Potential Solutions for Middle Grade Authors
Despite these challenges, there are strategies middle grade authors can use to help their books gain visibility and reach their intended audience:
•Choose the Best-Available Categories: Even though Amazon lacks a specific middle grade category, it’s important to select the most accurate categories available. This might mean choosing both “Children’s Books” and “Teen & Young Adult,” but authors should also consider adding sub-genres like “Action & Adventure” or “Fantasy” to help refine their placement.
•Leverage Keywords: Since Amazon’s categories are limited, authors should focus on using highly specific keywords that target middle grade readers. Keywords such as “middle grades literature on Amazon” or “books for 8-12 year olds” can help boost discoverability.
•Build an External Platform: Relying solely on Amazon’s categorization system can be limiting, so it’s wise for authors to build an audience outside of Amazon. This could include creating a personal website, engaging with readers on social media, or using email marketing to target middle grade readers and their parents directly.
•Collaborate with Middle Grade Communities: There are many online communities of teachers, parents, and librarians who are eager to find good middle grade literature. Reaching out to these groups, whether through blog posts, interviews, or guest articles, can help raise awareness of a book that might otherwise be hard to find on Amazon. Consider partnering with middle grade authors on Amazon to cross-promote books and reach a wider audience.
•Use Amazon Advertising Carefully: Amazon ads can be a useful tool if used correctly. Targeting keywords specifically related to middle grade content (rather than broader children’s book categories) can help place books in front of the right readers.
For middle grade authors navigating the complexities of middle grades literature on Amazon, the path to visibility can be challenging but not impossible. By carefully selecting categories, optimizing keywords, and engaging with external audiences, authors can overcome some of the obstacles Amazon’s system presents. And with increased advocacy for better recognition of middle grade books, there is hope that Amazon may eventually refine its categories to better serve this important and unique genre.
This post will resonate with both authors and educators looking to promote and discover middle grade literature. If you’re interested in more tips for finding middle grade books, you may also enjoy our article on the differences between middle grades and young adult literature.
