Writing for Middle Grade and YA

Be guided through the crafting process for young adult and middle grade stories, from generating an idea that captivates a young reader to building scenes that feel authentic, with a series of practical exercises designed to elevate your writing.

Writing for kids and teenagers has always been a challenge – they’re ruthless and quick to abandon a book at first sight of a paragraph that’s too flowery – but it feels especially so now. Learn how to craft engaging writing for young readers, how to 'sell' a story to publishers and then your audience, and building a sustainable career.

In this course from award-winning author, Will Kostakis, you will learn:

• How to develop your voice to capture moments and authentically write from the perspective of a young person.
• Considerations for building your brand as an author, including the relationship between persona and output.
• Techniques for becoming a better writer through reading, and picking appropriate comp titles.
• Cause and effect, and plotting for middle grade and young adult fiction.
• How to write dialogue that propels action in your writing.
• Crafting dialogue and the important of indirect speech.
• Establishing place and setting to build a cohesive story.
• The importance of literary agents and how to pitch to get your manuscript published.

This course is suitable for anyone interested in finding out about writing for middle grade and YA and gaining practical advice to apply in writing exercises.

For more information, see our FAQ below.

Course level: Aspiring, Emerging and Developing

Writing NSW members receive a $20 discount. Contact Writing NSW for your discount code. Not a member? Join here.