What Kids Want in Books

Teach Them Diligently Homeschool Conf.

Conversations with Parents

I spent this past week at the Teach Them Diligently Homeschool Conference in Branson, MO. Full disclosure: we don’t homeschool our children. But I fully support those that do. And I love conversing with parents searching for books for their kids.

The Iggy & Oz series hits a very tight ninch. They are stories for kids who don’t enjoy reading. It’s a small, tight market. But that’s a good thing. The smallest viable market is typically the most profitable. And I’ve found that to be true in this case. But I wonder if a new market isn’t opening up.

I could go on and on about how more established Christian publishers need to open their eyes and expand their middle-grade catalog beyond celebrity authors. Still, I digress, and such a rant would only earn me a slap on the wrist with some and labeling me anti-traditional publishing, which is not true.

In my conversations this week, one question that kept being asked:

“Do you have any middle-grade science fiction or fantasy, specifically for boys?”

I would show them our YA options, but they would shake their heads and say: “That's probably too big for them?”

I would point them to Wingfeather or Dead Sea Squirrels, and they’d shake their heads and say read it, or they’re not into it.

They sought Middle-Grade science fiction and fantasy stories that showed boys/girls going on adventures and having fun. They didn’t need it to be a heavy Biblical-themed story, just clean and fun.

That makes me wonder- is this another untapped market? Is there an opportunity to reach unreached readers? If so, why is no one tackling this?

What about you? Please message me back or leave a comment. Do you have a young reader between 10-13? What stories do they want to read?

Regardless, We sold several books over the weekend. I had a fantastic time trying to help parents and young readers find books they would enjoy. I sold a number of the Iggy & Oz books, which is always fun and exciting.

Kickstarter

This week is the last week of the Interstice Undone Kickstarter campaign. It wraps up this weekend! If you could consider helping us close strong, we would appreciate it. The ebook is only $5. We’ve hit two of our three stretch goals and one of our backer perks! And for one last time, we are opening back up our most popular tier, The Writers Pack!!!

Summer reading

Next week, I will try and share my Summer Reading list for parents to challenge their kids with over the summer reading.

What I’m Reading, Watching,

Currently Listening to: The Way of Kings Audiobook

Currently Watching: X-MEN 97

Currently Reading: Operation Grendel