Children’s Writing Web Journal

Baseball great Willie Keeler had a simple explanation for his batting prowess: “I hit ‘em where they ain’t”. If you yearn to see your name in print, you might follow Willie’s example. Why not “hit ‘em where they ain’t” by going where there’s less competition? One excellent — and underserved — field is writing nonfiction magazine articles. Nonfiction can be profitable because you can use the same research on several pieces. Find a topic you love, gather your information, and then craft several articles for different markets. Remember that children are most interested in the “how” and “why” of a subject, especially if you present it in a humorous or unique way.

Longer how-to articles. These differ from straight activities because they require more of an introduction than, “Have you ever wanted to make paper dolls? Here’s how!” Many magazines have theme lists for each issue, and want activities that also present information related to the theme. That same paper doll activity might be prefaced by several paragraphs on the history of paper dolls in the U.S., or focus on paper dolls manufactured during a particular decade. The “how-to” element would follow, with clear, step-by-step instructions children can complete on their own, or with minimal adult supervision. How-to articles for older readers might involve self-help topics, or tips for improving relationships, getting organized, or landing a summer job. Break these more abstract topics into several steps and use catchy subheads to keep the article entertaining.

Interviews and profiles. You don’t have to look far to find subjects to profile for magazines. Many publications want articles about kids doing interesting or unusual things. Research potential markets before finding your subjects, as each magazine’s audience and focus differs. Interviews with adults in your community who have unusual jobs or ordinary people who are making a difference in the world are also good subjects. Center your interview questions around areas the magazine’s target audience would find most fascinating.

Biographies. Many magazines need short biographies of adults whose lives are connected to themes for upcoming issues. When writing a magazine biography, focus on a small aspect of the person’s life, such as a pivotal childhood experience that inspired him to take a certain path in adulthood, or the one or two accomplishments for which that person is best known. Or, for famous subjects, highlight some obscure achievements. Many magazines love to receive biographies of unknown people who had an impact on a big moment in history.

Feature articles. If you enjoy research and are passionate about a topic, wait until you uncover some new, interesting, or tantalizing facts that would fascinate kids. Then study several recent issues of magazines for different age groups to determine which publications might be interested in a feature article on your subject. Many nonfiction editors prefer to see a query letter describing the article, the age group, and the slant you’re planning to take on the topic before you write the entire piece. Note the format of each publication you’re querying so you can mention any necessary sidebars, graphs, timelines or photos you’d need to provide.

Reviews. Some magazines have regular departments that take freelance reviews of children’s software, video games, books, or other products. Check the magazine’s guidelines before submitting any reviews, as sometimes they’re staff-written or written by kids. Also note if the reviews are targeted to the children reading the magazine, or to their parents. Regardless of the type of magazine nonfiction you write, your best chance for publication is if you custom-fit each submission. Study each magazine’s style, note if the articles tend to be light and humorous or have a more scholarly tone. Design your submission to look as if it belongs in the magazine by including sidebar material or photographs, if needed. Give the editor something she can use, but written in a way she’s never seen before. Want more great information just like this? Check out Children’s Book Insider, The Newsletter for Children’s Writers. Visit now for more info and a special offer.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 16th, 2008 at 5:56 pm and is filed under business of publishing, writing tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.