Need help - Question about tween novels

[jennifer_d_g]

My current wip really wants to be a tween in spite my agent's advice to keep the story smack dab in the middle of MG. It's a funny, upbeat, and non-message-y story about a boy and girl who've been close friends since they were toddlers and they discover something in their past that makes them become uncomfortable with each other. (I can't tell you

Comments

[elissacruz]

Like Kate said, if your characters are experiencing their first innocent crush, then that is still solidly MG. Just keep it innocent and light, and you'll be just fine IMO.

[jennifer_d_g]

I'm glad to hear you say that, Elissa. My story will be innocent and light so I'm thinking, yeah, my book will definitely fit in solidly as an MG.

[elissacruz]

Not that I'm an expert, mind you. But I just had a similar convo with my own agent, and he liked the light an innocent crush scenes I have inserted in the manuscript I just sent him. And mine is a lower MG, FWIW.

[kellyrfineman]

Well, agents are supposed to know these things, I think. And yet I'm pretty certain that a few houses were expanding their tween offerings. Plus, I don't think that age 12 makes something "definitely tween", nor does a bit of crushing. It depends on how romantic that is, and how descriptive you get. It can still be squarely MG, imo.

[jennifer_d_g]

Thanks for weighing in, Kelly. As I read these responses I'm thinking more and more that my book will indeed fit squarely in the MG category.

[robinellen]

I get more hits on my tween book review page than all of the others. I think it would be great :)

[jennifer_d_g]

How interesting. I know I personally enjoy tweens a lot. Tweens are old enough to get into interesting predicaments but not be terribly angsty about it. So, while I'm leaning toward believing my novel will be MG, I'm thinking that if it does turn more tween-y, then I'll be okay.

Another thought ...

[heidiayarbe]

I think no matter what you write and how you write it, your agent can find a way to "market it" to meet her needs. If that makes sense. She'll work it out the way she needs to sell it.

So, like everybody else said, follow your muse. You're an amazing writer. And you might surprise yourself. It might be more "grown up" than you imagined or vice-versa!
Good luck!
Heidi

[christy_lenzi]

I missed this post and your hints about your wip the first time around. Man--now I want to know what the hidden connection is! If you need a reader, consider my hand raised and waving!

[jennifer_d_g]

Aw, thanks! I'm nowhere near in need of a reader yet, but I appreciate the offer. I will definitely be calling on you, as always.

What does Erin think of the tween market? Does she think a tween can be an unpubbed author's break out novel?