What is Going ON in the Middle Grade Market?
In this special episode of Writers with Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid dive into the challenges facing middle-grade publishing, including declining sales and shifting industry trends. They offer practical advice for aspiring authors on how to navigate the market and position their work for success.
Key Discussion Points
-
Lisa’s Viral Tweet
The episode kicks off with Lisa recounting the unexpected impact of her tweet about authors leaving middle-grade publishing. What began as a simple comment led to a viral moment, as agents, editors, and fellow authors chimed in on the state of the industry. While the tweet brought much-needed attention to the difficulties facing middle-grade authors, it also raised concerns among aspiring writers. Lisa and Beth discuss the importance of addressing industry challenges without causing unnecessary panic. -
The Decline in Middle-Grade Sales
One of the most striking statistics discussed is the 1.8 million fewer middle-grade books sold in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The hosts attribute this to several factors, including post-pandemic behavior shifts, where screen time has increasingly replaced reading for pleasure among young readers. The podcast emphasizes that this is a tough market but not an impossible one to break into. For aspiring authors, understanding the broader market trends is key to positioning their work effectively. -
Challenges with Bookstore Stocking
Barnes & Noble has significantly reduced the space and focus it dedicates to middle-grade hardcovers, limiting the visibility of these books. Additionally, Ingram, a major distributor, has cut back on stocking middle-grade backlist titles. Both trends have made it harder for authors to get their books in front of readers. The hosts stress that these changes are contributing to the current middle-grade publishing slump and that aspiring authors need to adapt by being more strategic in their approach. -
Actionable Writing Tips for Aspiring Authors
Despite the tough market, Beth and Lisa offer hope and practical tips for aspiring middle-grade writers. One crucial point is the importance of shorter books—around 35,000 words—given the current trends. Lisa notes that shorter, punchier middle-grade books are in higher demand, and starting with an action-packed first chapter is essential to capturing the attention of agents, publishers, and readers alike.
Lisa also suggests keeping chapters brief, around four pages, to maintain reader engagement, especially since middle-grade readers are competing with the attention-grabbing nature of social media and screen-based entertainment. By delivering concise, action-driven narratives, aspiring authors can stand out in this competitive space.
- Listening to Industry Feedback
Another key takeaway from the episode is the importance of listening to what agents, editors, and the market are telling you. Many aspiring authors fall into the trap of thinking they can buck trends with a long, detailed manuscript, but in a crowded market, it’s essential to adapt your work to what the industry is currently seeking. Beth and Lisa emphasize that if you’re serious about getting published, you need to think like a businessperson and give the industry what it wants—while still maintaining your unique voice.
Conclusion and Takeaways
This episode provides valuable insights into the current state of middle-grade publishing and offers actionable tips for writers looking to succeed in a challenging market. The key takeaways are clear: write shorter, punchier stories, pay attention to industry trends, and always make your first chapter stand out. Beth and Lisa stress that while the market is tough, it’s not impossible, and with the right strategy, middle-grade authors can still find success.
Aspiring writers should remain hopeful but strategic. By crafting compelling narratives that capture attention quickly, you can give yourself a better chance of standing out in today’s competitive middle-grade market.
Mentioned Links:
- Beth’s Substack on middle-grade trends (free)
- Previous episode with agent Anne Rose
- Writers with Wrinkles website
Next Episode:
On September 30th, tune in for a conversation with literary agent Cathie Armstrong of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Beth McMullen
Author
Beth McMullen is the author of the Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls series , the Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter series, and The Secret of the Storm series (Aladdin/S&S).
She is also the author of the Spy Mom series (Hyperion).
Beth lives in Northern California with her husband, kids, and very grumpy cats. She's obsessed with podcasts and might give up writing in order to have more time to listen. Could happen.
From Ghosts to Gatekeepers: Publishing Insights with Agent and Author Carey Blankenship-Kramer
