Writing for the Reluctant Reader

I am told reluctant readers are three times more likely to be boys than girls.  Thus the reason why publishers are looking to Hi/Lo Books –high interest, low reading level (also “low vocabulary” or “low ability”). These books are aimed at children in the intermediate grades, middle through high school. 

They are short, usually running from 400 to 1,200 words, with many illustrations.  They and are packaged to look like traditional chapter books so that struggling readers are not further stigmatized–especially important since struggling readers are probably already suffering self-esteem problems due to their reading difficulties.

Works for reluctant readers share many of the qualities that works for fluent readers do. They have strong characterization, featuring realistic protagonists that readers truly care about, with exciting storylines about interest topics. The best Hi/Lo books will appeal to both fluent readers as well as reluctant readers; the fluent readers will simply be able to get through them quicker.

Here are some thing you must consider if you want to write for this market:

• Characters, in addition to being compelling and three-dimensional, must also be immediately distinct from each other. No long, descriptive passages in Hi/Lo books or you will risk losing your audience. Don’t use similar names.

 

• Harder vocabulary items should be introduced within contexts to help make their meaning clear. Make sure these vocabulary words are repeated in order to reinforce their recognition. Remember, longer words and sentences and less commonly used vocabulary words increase reading difficulty level.

 

• Style needs to be consistent throughout the text. Sentence structure should be short, simple, and clear. Break longer sentences into multiple sentences, and use tight, concrete writing.

 

• Your plot and storyline must be presented in a straightforward way, without point of view switches or non-linear chronologic progressions. You want to push the reader swiftly through the story, so flashbacks, plot twists, and red herrings should be avoided. Tight, fast pacing is essential.

 

• Subject matter for Hi/Lo books must be geared to children – particularly boys.  It should be something readers have an easy time becoming emotionally invested in. They must be able to connect their own experiences to the text.
• You need to stay up-to-date with what kids at that age are interested in, such as funny situations, sports, disasters, teen conflict, family/friend problems, and street kids/gangs (rebellious boy saves the day).
• Some popular topics include Genres include science fiction, mystery/spy, and adventure. Nonfiction is especially appealing to boys, because the reader doesn’t need to read the entire text in order to obtain benefit.

Capstone Press

http://www.capstonepress.com

Publishes material for grade 2-4 level reading ability students with content that appeals to grade 5 students and higher.

 

Submissions

Capstone is keenly interested in meeting authors and illustrators. In fact, they play an integral role, connecting with our young readers and often deepening the reading experience by interacting with them online. Most of our titles are conceptually developed in-house and written and illustrated by freelance writers and artists. However, we are interested in receiving writers’ manuscripts and reviewing artists’ portfolios.

Fiction Author Submissions

Send your submission via email. Include the following in the body of the email, not as attachments:

Sample chapters

Résumé

List of previous publishing credits, if applicable

We will respond only if your writing samples fit our needs.

Fiction Illustrator Submissions

Send your submission via email. Include the following in the body of the email, not as attachments:

Sample Artwork

Résumé

List of previous publishing credits, if applicable

We will respond only if your art samples fit our needs.

Nonfiction Author Submissions

We accept nonfiction submissions through the U.S. mail only. Include the following:

Résumé

Cover letter

Up to three writing samples

Mail to:Editorial Director
Capstone Nonfiction
151 Good Counsel Drive
P.O. Box 669
Mankato, MN 56002-0669

Please note: manuscripts and writing samples will not be returned.

Nonfiction Illustrator Submissions

Contact us to make an appointment for us to review your illustrations.

Of course there are many publishers who are looking for Hi/Lo Books from authors who can write them well.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy