Cracking the Code: Middle Grade & YA Publishing Secrets with Meg Gaertner

In this episode of Writers with Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid welcome Meg Gaertner, managing editor at North Star Editions. Meg shares expert insights on the middle grade and young adult publishing landscape, the acquisitions process, and what makes a book stand out in a competitive market.

Guest Bio

Meg Gaertner is the managing editor of fiction at North Star Editions, where she acquires middle grade and YA books for the Jolly Fish Press and Flux imprints. Passionate about diverse storytelling, Meg seeks books that expand perspectives, tackle complex themes with nuance, and engage young readers. Her authors have earned starred reviews, awards, and spots on top reading lists nationwide.

Key Discussion Points

1. Middle Grade Trends & Challenges

• Middle grade books face increased competition with screen time, making shorter books (35,000–45,000 words) more desirable.
• Graphic novels continue to dominate, capturing young readers' attention.
• There’s a growing need for books targeting 13- to 15-year-olds, filling the gap between traditional middle grade (ages 8–12) and YA (which increasingly skews older).

2. YA Market Shifts

• Romantasy (romantic fantasy) remains hot, blending strong love stories with adventure and speculative elements.
• Dystopian fiction may be making a comeback, particularly in response to real-world anxieties.
• Thrillers continue to thrive, offering fast-paced, high-stakes narratives.

3. Understanding the Publishing Process

• The acquisition process is highly detailed, involving multiple meetings, marketing assessments, and budget considerations before a book deal is made.
• Query letters matter—Meg emphasizes the importance of a well-structured, concise pitch that follows industry standards.
• Authors’ marketing involvement is key—small presses prioritize working with authors who actively promote their books.

4. Editing & Writing Advice for Authors

• "Less is more"—Meg advises authors to streamline their writing for better pacing and reader engagement.
• Overwriting, excessive description, and redundant explanations slow down stories and dilute emotional impact.
• Writers should leave space for readers to interpret and connect with the story, rather than over-explaining.

Conclusion & Takeaways

Meg Gaertner’s expertise offers invaluable insights for authors navigating the middle grade and YA markets. Whether you're polishing a manuscript, crafting a query, or preparing for publication, understanding industry trends and expectations can set you apart. With a demand for shorter books, a growing interest in upper middle grade, and a continued push for high-concept YA, now is the time for writers to refine their approach.

For more publishing insights, listen to the full episode of Writers with Wrinkles.

Mentioned Links

• Learn more about North Star Editions: northstareditions.com
• Visit the Writers with Wrinkles blog: writerswithwrinkles.net