Alison Weiss: Ten Things You're Doing Wrong in MG

Alison Weiss is an editor at Sky Pony Press. She was previously at Egmont for 6 and half years.

Missing the Middle Grade Mark: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Your character is too young or to too old.
• Your voice isn't authentic. 
• Your dialogue doesn't sound natural or natural to your characters. 
• Your vocabulary is too sophisticated. 
• You're putting characters in situations that don't make sense.
• You're writing what you think is a middle grade experience, not what's actually a middle grade experience. 
• Your book lacks conflict.
• Your making choices that will date your book.
• Your book is too long.
• You don't know the market.
• Sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
• You aren't asking your questions when you have the chance.