I wonder if there should be a MG/upperMG subcategory in SYW...

zeppelin123 · Mar 4, 2009

The main children's SYW deals with everything from board books for toddlers to upper MG. I notice that YA has it's own subform. It would be nice to eventually see one for MG (especially upper MG) as it is distinctly different from PBs and early chapter books.

C.J. Rockwell · Mar 5, 2009

I agree!

Maybe then we might get more helpful feedback that way.

I agree that it's a good idea.

Toothpaste · Mar 5, 2009

I think it might be useful yes, it will help clarify genres - I think people think Children's Books and immediately go to PB and Chapter Books. Upper MG tends to confuse some posters. But "more helpful feedback" . . . as one who gives a lot of feedback in this section that kind of stings to be honest. And CJ I'll note you never responded to all those posts who were trying to be helpful all those many weeks ago. Not saying you are obliged to, but I've read a heck of a lot of very helpful feedback that came in direct response to your questions, so I mean . . . ouch.

MsJudy · Mar 5, 2009

There are only about a dozen of us who regularly post and/or critique in this section. Other people drop in to ask a question or get feedback and then disappear again. So I'm not really convinced that dividing us into 2 separate threads is going to make much difference. Reaching out to more children's writers, telling them what a great online community we have, bringing in some fresh voices--that might help with the responses. But I don't think there are currently Upper MG lurkers avoiding these threads because they think Children's means PBs.

eric11210 · Mar 6, 2009

I'll admit I'm guilty of not posting and criting as much as I should. I've been insanely busy lately since I now teach in three schools plus do private tutoring (a total of 10 different courses). That said, I will say this:

At least here we do see some MG stuff. I saw almost none on the SCBWI board and while I wanted to contribute there, I felt like I didn't really understand the mechanics of what they were doing there. . .

Eric

C.J. Rockwell · Mar 26, 2009

Toothpaste said:
I think it might be useful yes, it will help clarify genres - I think people think Children's Books and immediately go to PB and Chapter Books. Upper MG tends to confuse some posters. But "more helpful feedback" . . . as one who gives a lot of feedback in this section that kind of stings to be honest. And CJ I'll note you never responded to all those posts who were trying to be helpful all those many weeks ago. Not saying you are obliged to, but I've read a heck of a lot of very helpful feedback that came in direct response to your questions, so I mean . . . ouch.

True, but I've had some experiences where people have confused my MG stories for picture books, a form I love reading, but am still terrified of attempting.

Not just on AW, but a couple other places I go where there's a section for children's writers to get feedback.

I think a distinction would be helpful.

Sometimes I don't reply because either I need time to simply absorb the feedback I got, especially if it intinally rubs me the wrong way.

Or I don't want to say something I'll regret later.

That said, my replies can still get pretty heated, but I try not to bite someone's head off.

Whether or not I succeed in that, you be the judge.

Lately, I probably haven't... :Shrug:

Sweetlebee · Mar 27, 2009

I didn't interpret "more helpful feedback" as you saying the Children's feedback has been less than helpful. I think you mean a MG section might bring in additional --more-- helpful feedback. I think it's true a MG section might attract some critters who otherwise have no interest in critting in Children's SYW.

So substitute "additional" for "more" and it's an entirely different meaning, not meant to criticize the quality of the feedback at all. I think that was your intention, so I hope others didn't misinterpet it and think you're an old meanie.

Smish · Mar 27, 2009

People generally mark in the thread title whether it's MG or PB. I have only been a member a few months, but I spend a lot of time in SYW. I haven't noticed any confusion. There are only a few new posts per week, so at the moment, I don't think the children's SYW forum is overwhelmed to the point where MG needs its own home. For those of us who often crit both MG and PB, it's convenient to have them together. This is, of course, only my opinion. I wouldn't be upset or anything if MG and PB were split into different forums, but I do think it's unnecessary.

Smish

Eldritch · Mar 27, 2009

I too would like to see MG have its own category.

stormie · Mar 27, 2009

Count me in. MG is definitely different from YA or PB or early chapter books. And usually when an agent lists anything they rep that's not for adults, they mention either "YA, "MG," or "PB." (I wonder where they think early chapter book fits? Maybe lower MG.)

PennStater · Mar 28, 2009

I've always thought it made sense to have a MG forum. I think a lot of people end up posting in YA because they think children's forum is for picture books and young reader books. The genres are all blurred anyways, but it might help writers hone their craft to their target audience.

jvc · Mar 29, 2009

I would agree that MG is different to both YA and PB. However, the children's SYW forum doesn't get that much traffic, or that many people posting for crits. This may be down to them thinking of children's as a PB forum for the very young, though. I'm not really sure Mac will go for the seperation of the MG from childrens. But since I'm currently writing an MG book, upper MG at that, and wouldn't mind seeing a seperate forum for it, I will mention it to her, and see if she goes for it. Fingers crossed

I wonder if there should be a MG/upperMG subcategory in SYW...

zeppelin123

C.J. Rockwell

Not so new, really

Toothpaste

THE RECKLESS RESCUE is out now!

MsJudy

eric11210

C.J. Rockwell

Not so new, really

Sweetlebee

Smish

Reads more than she writes.

Eldritch

stormie

storm central

PennStater

jvc

Fearsome Dragon Mod