Footnotes: 5 Articles on the Differences Between Middle Grade and Young Adult

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Footnotesis a recurring series
on the GLA blog where I pick a subject and provide several interesting
articles on said topic. Two of the most popular writing categories these days are
Young Adult and Middle Grade. They encompass many of the same
characteristics but are shelved in different areas. Here are 5 articles
on their differences.

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1. Where is it shelved?One librarian gives her view.

2. Make ‘em real. Children Book insider publisher Laura Backes gives her tips for creating believable Middle Grade and Young Adult characters.

3. Perspective, Perspective, Perspective. The main difference between MG and YA lies within the perspective of the main character, writer Ruthanne Reid explains.

4. Drawing the line. Agent Michael Stearns breaks down the differences between middle grade and young adult.

5. Get out of the gray area. Agent Mary Kole gives her advice in determining if your story’s MG or YA.

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This guest series by writer
Nancy Parish, who runs her
blog, The Sound and Furry.


Want more on this topic?

  • Footnotes: 4 articles on pitching agents at conferences.
  • Footnotes: 4 articles on publishing myths.
  • Footnotes: 4 articles on dealing with rejection.
  • Confused about formatting? Check out Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript.
  • Read about What Agents Hate: Chapter 1 Pet Peeves.
  • Want the most complete database of agents and what genres they're looking for? Buy the 2011 Guide to Literary Agents today!
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