Here at Chicken Scratch Books, we only publish middle grade novels. Prospective authors can use our manuscript submission form that is available the first week of each month. Most of you probably know this, and it’s very clear on our website who we are and what we publish. Each month as the submission window closes, I’m always a little surprised at what has been submitted.

We regularly receive submissions that aren’t middle grade novels at all.

Many authors believe that’s what they’ve written, but in reality it’s not. Here are some examples:

• A narrative story that is less than 15,000 words, and doesn’t get deeply into a character’s head. This is actually a long picture book.
• A story that may have a middle grade age main character, but they are behaving and dealing with situations that are younger in scope. This is actually a chapter book with a mis-aged protagonist.
• A story that may have a middle-grade age main character, but they are behaving like a high-schooler. This is actually a YA with a mis-aged protagonist.
• A story that may have a middle-grade age main character, but the plot, character arc, and motive are more centered around the adults in the story. This is actually an adult story.

I have received many submissions of all of these types. Many of them were very strong writing, and intriguing stories, but just not middle grade. 

Some writers have expressed that if the protagonist’s age fits, that’s what makes it. Not so. Some have based the classification strictly on the themes and character interactions. Although interactions and themes play a role, there’s more to it than that.

So, what makes a middle grade novel a middle grade novel?

Characteristics of middle grade fiction

Middle grade age kids are between 9 and 14 years old. This is the age where they are shifting outside of themselves, and starting to notice and explore the world beyond. They’re still kids, but they’re starting to reach further out in their understandings. This is the prime age to help kids connect to discovery and growth for what they can become.

Kids in this age category are often voracious readers, devouring every book they can find. They often don’t have a favorite genre yet – they’re still exploring. But when they find books they LOVE, they can’t get enough. They often do hone in on one genre by the time they’re moving into the YA range, but while they’re here, they’ll read anything.

This is a unique age category, and many writers don’t really understand what sets it apart. It’s not just about the age. There’s so much more to it. For example, did you know:

• Middle Grade Novels have two levels – upper MG, and lower MG. The age of your protagonist, and the types of situations they face will dictate this level.
• Kids like to read UP. This means they like to read about kids just older than they are.
• Kids this age also tend to prefer 3rd person narratives. It puts the emotion at just a bit of a distance, allowing them to keep themselves separate as they explore new worlds. This is NOT a hard and fast rule. There are a lot of excellent 1st person MG novels. Authors should use the perspective that fits their story best.
• Kids also tend to prefer past tense writing. Again, it gives them a bit of a buffer for their emotional connection. This is NOT a hard and fast rule. There are a lot of excellent present tense MG novels. Authors should use the tense that fits their story best.

It helps if you have a good sense of what the other age categories in kidlit are too. Here’s a downloadable PDF Navigating Children’s Literature that shows the 4 age categories of kidlit, plus some basic expectations within each one. Knowing how this all works will give you a good sense of where your story falls.

These are just a few characteristics that help writers shape their middle grade novels. Combined with a focus on the unique elements of voice, pacing, and motive and theme, this information can help you craft a connectable story accurately.

Elements of middle grade fiction

As a writer, no matter the genre you write, making the elements of your story solidly middle grade will help ensure your readers will connect. The elements that have unique aspects in middle grade are:

• Voice – maybe the most important element of all middle grade stories
• Pacing – it has to be just right
• Motive and Theme – as these are presented, they have to be connected to each other

I created this video where I teach about these elements that are unique to middle grade, including some great examples. I also discuss a few other things to watch for in making your story fit this age category well. Watch the video What Makes Middle Grade Middle Grade here.

Books in the middle grade age category are unique. Authors that can nail the necessary elements produce some of the finest, purest storytelling around.

At Chicken Scratch Books, we only publish middle grade novels. It’s our specialty. We actually reject more manuscripts for not actually being middle grade novels, than for any issues with the writing or story itself.

As the writer, it’s your job to make sure your middle grade novel is firmly planted in this age category.

I love to see a fun story crafted with strong writing, with special attention to the elements and characteristics that make middle grade fiction unique. If that’s your story, please submit it to us

For more middle grade writing guides, access the links below, and as always, check out our shop for new middle grade fiction.