Session Date: Thursday, July 21, 2016
Starting Time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Duration: 90 minutes
Price: $89.99 | | | | About the critique: | | All registrants are invited to submit EITHER the query letter OR the first 500 words of their complete / work-in-progress middle grade novel for critique. All submissions are guaranteed a written critique by literary agent Jennifer Laughran. Jennifer reserves the right to request more writing from attendees by e-mail following the event, if she deems the writing excellent. | | About the webinar: | Middle Grade books are generally defined as being books for children aged 8-12.... and at the moment, these books are hot-hot-hot. From the commercial successes of titles like DIARY OF A WIMPY KID and Rick Riordan's LIGHTNING THIEF saga, to more "literary" award-winning fare, it seems most publishers are seeking the next great Middle Grade success story.
But middle grade is also a tough category to write for. Much of what appears in the slush pile is cheesy or derivative, or just lacks "spark." So what makes a great Middle Grade novel? What is selling? What are agents and editors looking for? And how can you make YOUR book stand out and shine?
In this live webinar, instructor and literary agent Jennifer Laughran will talk about what's happening in the exciting Middle Grade market, as well as examine some recently published titles to see what they got right. She'll also talk revision tips and tricks to help you take your work-in-progress to the next level. | What you'll learn:
| • | What's selling in Middle Grade... and what just isn't | | • | The all-important "Hook", and what "High Concept" looks like | | • | Finding the elusive Middle Grade Voice | | • | Common mistakes of Middle Grade submissions | | • | Overused beginnings and clichés that can drag down a work | | • | How to polish your work and stand out from the slush pile | | • | What "core curriculum" guidelines for schools might mean for your book |
| | | | Please Note: Even if you can't attend the live webinar, registering for this live version will enable you to receive the On Demand webinar and a personal critique of your material. Purchasing the On Demand version after the live event will not include a critique. |
| Testimonial:"This webinar was great! Jennifer's presentation was so well organized, straightforward with a large dose of humor...I have returned to my middle grade manuscript with new insights and energy."
- Webinar Attendee
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Who should attend:
| • | Writers currently writing or querying a middle grade novel | | • | Published or unpublished authors considering making the jump to middle grade fiction writing | | • | Writers who have been rejected by agents and editors, and want to evaluate why their novel didn't make the cut | | • | Writers who want a professional critique by a literary agent | | • | Friends and family of writers who want to help! |
| Instructor:
Jennifer Laughran is a senior agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency, the oldest children's-only agency in the US. Her many years of experience in the children's book field have made her one of the top kid's book agents working today. She reps picture books through YA, but has a particular love for Middle Grade novels -- the warmer and funnier the better. Clients include Daniel Pinkwater, Kate Messner, Jo Whittemore, Linda Urban, and many debut authors whose names you'll know soon! | | Upcoming Webinars | | What an Agent Really Thinks While Reading Queries | July 26, 2016
Price: $89.99 | | Register Now! | | How to Craft Memoirs That Get Published | July 28, 2016
Price: $89.99 | | Register Now! | | Missed a Webinar? | | Archived downloads of our previous Webinars are available for purchase at the WritersDigestShop.com. |
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