Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers 🧚♂️ Writing Middle Grade Books with Jessica Renwick
Episode 222 / Jessica Renwich, who writes fantasy and horror for kids ages 9-12, joined us to share her experience as an indie middle grade author.
She has terrific insights on approaching schools for author visits and the impact of creating whimsical and fun content to appeal to young readers.
In addition to discussing how marketing middle grade books differs from marketing adult books, we also get into the things that often hold us back: perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and dealing with rejection. And also the lure of magical chickens! 🐓
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Topics:
- Jessica’s experience with the middle grade market: 95% of her sales are print books
- Why Jessia focuses on creating spooky and whimsical books for middle grade and how she layers in themes like strong maintaining strong friendships
- Jessica’s recommendations for school visits: how and when to approach schools, her media package, and how she handles direct sales at schools
- Dealing with impostor syndrome and perfectionism
- How Jessica uses targeted ads and book blurbs that focus on themes, which help her market to parents, teachers, and librarian
- The influence of awards on book legitimacy and author credibility in children’s literature
Links:
✨ Inkers Con digital conference: https://inkerscon.com/2024-digital-conference/ref/32 (Affiliate link)
Use JAMI24 or SARA24 and get $50 off registration!
🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing