How to Write for the Tween Market

Writing for the tween market is difficult. The tween market includes children between the ages of 9 and 12. These young readers are usually quite discerning when it comes to choosing books. Skill is necessary to write something they'll enjoy. Yet the payoff is rewarding; drawing in readers at this age helps develop a life-long love of reading.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Read books and magazines marketed to tweens. Understanding and studying the writing style necessary to become successful in the tween market is important. Tweens won't appreciate a tone meant for younger kids and can't handle some of the issues prevalent in young adult fiction.
2. Focus on either books or magazines. It's possible to write for both the book and magazine tween market, but two different style would have to be adopted. Tween magazines imitate young adult magazines by focusing on fashion, celebrity profiles and quizzes. But unlike young adult magazines, tween magazines shy away from topics such as romantic relationships, eating disorders and drug use.
3. Decide to market to either boys or girls. Tween boys and girls enjoy different things. Girls enjoy books that focus on romantic relationships, minus the sexual content found in young adult novels. Tween boys enjoy humorous, fast-paced novels that focus on boyish activities such as sports or video games.
4. Recall experiences from that age. Tweens want to read stories that engage them. Writing for the tween market requires passion. Channeling the anguish of that age taps into emotions that are necessary to write for the tween market.
5. Keep it fresh. The thing that distinguishes the tween market from middle-grade is a "hip" voice that includes a focus on fashion and pop culture.