Writing for a Middle Grade Audience with Danielle Binks

Learn everything you need to know about writing for readers aged 8-12

Middle Grade (books for those aged 8-12) is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand readerships in Australia. It is also one of the trickiest age categories to write for, demanding a crucial understanding of language and audience. Through a series of writing exercises and industry insights from Danielle Binks, both a literary agent and a middle-grade author, this course will teach you all you need to know about writing for a middle-grade audience.

You will learn:

  • What makes a Middle Grade book, and how is it different from Young Adult literature
  • How to communicate big ideas to a Middle Grade audience
  • How to write compelling characters and plots to keep young readers turning the page
  • How to use language in an age-appropriate way
  • Industry insights into the Middle Grade readership, and how to pitch your manuscript for publication

The course is designed to take you 4-5 hours in total, and can be completed in short stages at your convenience. Scroll down to see the full course curriculum and a list of frequently asked questions.

"A fantastic course for emerging middle-grade writers. The information is relevant and delivered very well with a great mix of video, audio and written information."


KYD Members receive a 10% discount on this course and all other KYD online courses throughout the year. Become a member here, or contact [email protected] for more information.

Want to buy a course for a friend? Purchase a gift voucher here.


Your Instructor


Danielle Binks
Danielle Binks

Danielle Binks is a Melbourne-based writer and literary agent with Jacinta di Mase Management. In 2017, she edited and contributed to Begin, End, Begin, an anthology of new Australian young adult writing inspired by the #LoveOzYA movement, which won the ABIA Book of the Year for Older Children (Ages 13+). The Year the Maps Changed, Danielle’s bestselling middle-grade novel, was a 2021 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Notable Book, and released in North America in 2022 with Harper Collins. Her first solo YA novel The Monster of Her Age released in 2021, and won in the Young Adult category of the 2022 Indie Book Awards. Her latest middle grade novel is Six Summers of Tash & Leopold. Danielle is also teaching Fiction & Young Adult Writing in the Associate Degree of Professional Writing and Editing at RMIT University.


Course Curriculum


  Welcome!
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  Choosing MG: A Foundational Understanding of Middle Grade Literature
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  Writing Middle Grade
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish. We encourage you to approach this material not just as lessons to be finished once and for all, but also as a collection of resources to which you can return time and again.
How long do I have access to the course?
Forever! After enrolling, you have unlimited lifetime access to this course - across any and all devices you own.
Does the teacher provide feedback?
No. If you are interested in receiving feedback on your project, we encourage you to check out KYD's Manuscript Assessment Service: https://killyourdarlings.com.au/shop/manuscript-assessments/
How do I access my course?
All our online workshops are hosted at workshops.killyourdarlings.com.au, via the Teachable platform. You can access your workshop by logging in at that link, or by following the link in your welcome email when you enrol. Please note that as the Teachable platform is a separate website to KYD you will need to create a new account, and will not be able to use your KYD login details.
I'm a KYD member. How do I receive my 10% discount?
Click on 'Enrol in course for $169'. Enter the coupon code that was emailed to you when you became a KYD member at checkout, underneath the tutor's photo.
What if I have another question?
You can email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help!

Get started now!