Targeting the Young

To target young readers effectively, writers must understand their specific age group, create authentic and relatable characters, address relevant themes, and use an immediate, engaging voice.

Define Your Audience Precisely

“Young people” is a broad category. You must target a specific age range to tailor your writing style and themes:

• Picture Books (ages 3–7): Simple sentences, accessible vocabulary, and a strong reliance on visuals (around 500-800 words total).
• Middle Grade (ages 8–12): More complex plots, deeper themes like friendship and self-discovery, and generally 20,000–50,000 words. Protagonists are typically middle-school-aged.
• Young Adult (ages 13–18): Can tackle serious and complex issues (mental health, social justice, identity, relationships). The writing can be as sophisticated as adult fiction, but the perspective remains immediately in the character’s teenage life.

Create Authentic and Relatable Characters

Young readers need protagonists they can identify with, root for, and aspire to be.

• Character Age: The main character should generally be the same age as or slightly older than the target reader.
• Flaws and Growth: Characters should have depth and flaws, and actively grow and change during the story.
• Emotional Authenticity: Tap into the core emotions of growing up: vulnerability, insecurity, hope, and confusion. Avoid an adult-looking-back perspective with a preachy or condescending tone.

Focus on Relevant Themes

• Integrate themes that resonate with the experiences and challenges young people face today, such as:
• Identity and self-discovery
• Relationships (friendships, family, romance)
• Social issues (climate change, diversity, mental health)

Master the Writing Style and Voice

• Immediate Point of View: Use a close point of view (often first-person) to create an intimate, immediate connection with the character’s thoughts and feelings.
• Authentic Dialogue: Pay attention to how young people speak, but avoid using short-lived or outdated slang. The dialogue should feel natural and true to the character, not a forced attempt to sound “with it”.
• Pacing and Engagement: Young readers often prefer faster-paced narratives. Use compelling hooks and ensure plot points move the story forward.
• Hopeful Endings: While stories can explore dark themes, most young adult and middle grade novels should offer a sense of hope or possibility by the end.

Research and Engagement

• Read recent bestsellers and popular books in your target age group and genre to understand current trends and reader expectations.
• If possible, spend time with people in your target age range, listen to their conversations, and observe their interests.
• Use Beta Readers: Get feedback from appropriately aged readers to ensure your writing is authentic and engaging.