Midde grade fiction has a unique audience, and thus unique expectations. These stories have to fit just right in this age category, or kids will put them back on the shelf. So what is ‘just right’? A few months ago in our WriteLetter, I identified 3 elements that are unique to middle grade fiction. First, we discussed middle grade voice. If you missed it, you can find that information on our blog here.

The next unique element is pacing. The pacing of any story has to be consistent and flow well, but in middle grade it’s especially important. Kids need a controlled, fast-paced story, that connects to their own understandings. There needs to be a steady clip that pauses for punch and builds tension, but then cruises along again at the pace of life. There needs to be introspection, and action, and dialogue that flows from scene to scene.

What I just described is true of all stories. So what is different about middle grade?

It’s all in the feel of the flow.

All the elements of story apply to middle grade, but how they’re presented takes on special urgency here. Kids connect – or they don’t. And they don’t read what they don’t connect to.

Four Techniques

The pacing of a middle grade novel is all about the feel of the flow. Does it fit the life of a middle grade reader? Does it flow smoothly and consistently?

I’ve identified four specific techniques that help middle grade stories fit ‘just right’. I use these techniques regularly with my authors as we work through the editing process. Here are the four techniques:

• One scene/one chapter
• Chapters of purpose
• Balanced presentation
• Punchy paragraphs = high impact

First – keep your chapter short. If the setting changes, either time or place, make it a new chapter. Middle grade readers like the story broken into encased segments.

Second – every chapter needs to serve one of two purposes. Either they solve a problem, or they create a problem.

Third – every page needs to be a good balance of thoughts, words, and action.

Fourth – to emphasize high-impact moments, use short sentences and paragraphs. It can ramp up the tension in important scenes, and it is a great way to end a chapter.

I created a video where I discuss these four techniques and give some examples from a great middle grade story. Here’s the link to watch the video Pacing in Middle Grade.

Fine Tuning Your Story

When I receive a manuscript submission, I can tell within the first few pages if the writer has a ‘correct’ middle grade pace for the story. It ‘feels’ different than stories for older kids, or younger kids, or adults. It fits the age category because the writer has done their research and knows what that looks like.

Applying these four pacing techniques to your manuscript will fine-tune the pacing and help bring out the heart of your story. You’ll find the flow that will keep your book in your reader’s hands.

I created this PDF Pacing Checklist to help you analyze your own manuscript, and see what you can tighten up to help the flow fit. Use it as a reminder while you write your first draft, and then again when you are polishing. Your unique pace is vital for a middle grade reader.

Pacing is one of those writing elements that feels ethereal and magical, but in reality, there are simple techniques you can apply to your story that make the pacing just right for middle grade readers.

Having the correct pacing in your middle grade story is very important to its ability to connect with your readers. Make your pacing unique, and the feel of the flow will be just right.