SCBWI's Blueboard - A Message & Chat Board
Genres & Age Categories => Middle Grade (MG) => Topic started by: YB on May 02, 2019, 09:41 AM
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Hello,
I just finished revising my MG manuscript, and there is one question remaining: should I divide it into numerous chapters to keep the reader occupied? I have initially created only three big chapters based on the plot, but would it make it difficult for this age group to keep on reading?
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I have initially created only three big chapters based on the plot, but would it make it difficult for this age group to keep on reading?
A 3 chapter book is fine for a beginning reader book (ages 4-8), but some beginning reader books have 5 chapters and the next step up, the early chapter book (ages 6-9) has 8-10 chapters. A middle grade book (ages 8-12) is two steps above a 3 chapter book, so these readers expect to see even more chapters. Look for the turning points and place a chapter break there.
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YB, Anastasia has given you excellent guidelines. Turning points make good chapter endings. Also some scene breaks. How long is your book?
MG has a huge variety...here's a helpful post from a literary agent to determine what type of book you've written: http://literaticat.blogspot.com/2011/05/wordcount-dracula.html
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Thank you so much! Your advice is truly helpful.
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Some kids (and adults) find very long chapters daunting. Just something for you to consider.
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It sounds like you've divided your ms into "parts," not chapters. I would look at dividing those parts into chapters by analyzing where scenes naturally break, and where you can put "page-turning" endings that lead a reader to turn to the next chapter.
Also, maybe go to the bookstore and take a look at the MG books on the shelves. That alone will give you an idea of what agents and editors and especially readers are expecting.
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Parts indeed! Than you so much. Now I have 37 chapters.