CHILDREN'S WRITERS MARKETPLACE

Fall 2007

I check web links to make sure they're working before the column goes to Jon.  The Internet is wonderful, but it changes constantly, and so do links and email addresses.  Sometimes web links and emails are pulled because response is too heavy.  Other times, a site might be malfunctioning and it's worth trying again in a few days.  You can usually tell from the message you get at the site or from a returned email. 

PLEASE DON’T send manuscripts for me to critique.  I am sorry, but I just don’t have time.  Nor do I publish anything so don’t submit material—either stories or illustrations.

GIRLS' LIFE 4517 Hartford Rd., Baltimore MD 21214: Karen Bokram, Editor. This publication is for girls ages 10-15. Uses some romance fiction. Query only on nonfiction. They use The Associated Press Style book and Libel Manual. Pays $150 to $500 on publication for 1st rights. Wants briefs of 100-200 words; features of 1200-2500 words. Has "Last Laugh" department, which uses quizzes and jokes. Email queries and fiction to mandy@girlslife.com Website: http://www.girlslife.com.

(UNITED KINGDOM) AQUILA, New Leaf Publishing, Studio 2, Willowfield Studios, 67a Willowfield Rd, Eastbourne, East Sussex, England BN22 8AP UNITED KINGDOM: Jackie Berry and Karen Lutener, Submissions Editors. Educational magazines for ages 8-13. They use a few short stories, but much more nonfiction: factual articles of 350-750 words. They also use arts/crafts and puzzles. QUERY with published clips. Pays $150-200 for stories; $50-$100 for articles for exclusive rights. Uses work by children as well. Email: info@aquila.co.uk Website: www.aquila.co.uk

CADET QUEST. Box 7259, Grand Rapids MI 49510: G. Richard Broene, Editor. This religious publication is for boys 9 to 14. They use fiction of 900 to 1500 words, articles 400-900 words. They pay .04-.05 word on acceptance for varying rights. They have a fiction theme list available online. All fiction purchases for the coming year will be made before April. They use puzzles. Takes email submissions—as text within, not as attachments. Prefers KJV. . E-mail: submissions@calvinistcardets.org . Website https://calvinistcadets.gospelcom.net/CadetWeb/pages/QuestPromo2.html

IN MY MAIL:

Total Reader is having some financial difficulties, but hoping to level out. They are asking to hold stories they want to buy. Candace Philp now is editor there.

Stories for Children Magazine A Free monthly Ezine for Children (3 to 12) Website: http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com

M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: VS Grenier

Editor, Stories for Children Magazine

Email: storiesforchildren@vsgrenier.com

For Immediate Release

Short Story Contest For All Ages

Stories for Children Magazine is hosting a Short Story Contest for all ages. The contest is to see who can write a short story between 500 and 750 words using a picture provided by Stories for Children Magazine at: http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com/id140.html

Contest Rules:

1. The story must use the picture provided by Stories for Children Magazine as the idea starter.

2. Your story has to be between 500 to 750 words.

3. You must have your full name, age, and contact information listed in the top left hand margin on the first page.

4. All contest submissions are to be emailed to the Editor, VS Grenier, with “Picture Contest” in the subject line at: storiesforchildren@vsgrenier.com

Judging:

The editors of Stories for Children Magazine will choose the top three stories for publication in the January 2008 issue.

Prizes:

The top five stories will receive a $5 gift card for Amazon.com sent via email.

The top ten stories will receive a winner’s certificate.

Deadline: September 30, 2007

Winners will be notified via email by December 20, 2007.

Come visit us in the World of Ink at Stories for Children Magazine where children will also enjoy short stories, articles, crafts, puzzles, and so much more.

To learn more visit: http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com

###

VS Grenier Stories for Children Magazine and Newsletter Editor http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com

Stories for Children My Space Page http://myspace.com/storiesforchildrenmag

Children's and Teen Author www.vsgrenier.com

Stories for Children Magazine, which debuted April 1, 2007, is looking for stories, articles, and poems written by young writers ages 17 years old and younger.

VS Grenier, editor of Stories for Children Magazine stated: “Stories for Children Magazine is not only for adult writers. One thing that makes us who we are is that we also publish stories by children and teens. After writing for magazines I noticed that there were only a handful that allowed underage writers. I couldn't believe it.

How could the writing world not embrace the young it already writes for?

I decided to change all that with Stories for Children Magazine. My goal is to have at least one story, article, or poem written by an underage author. After all if we don't help embrace the future writers how do we expect children to love the world of ink?”

Stories for Children Magazine is a free monthly on-line magazine for children ages 3 to 12 years old. Children will journey into the imagination with short stories, articles, crafts, puzzles, and so much more. Each issue also features a Children’s Author and/or Illustrator.

Now come enter into the World or Ink at Stories for Children Magazine!

View guidelines at: http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com

_________________

July 19, 2007

Dear: Margaret Shauers

Please accept our apologies if you receive duplicate copies of this correspondence, your name may appear on more than one of our lists.

Calling All Writers!

Send Us Your True Short Stories Now!

G O D A L L O W S U – T U R N S ®

The Choices We Make Change the Story of Our Life ©

Multiple Volumes Currently in Pre-Production

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: December 31, 2007

Release Dates: TBA 2008, 2009 & 2010 (periodically check website for updates)

Complete Writer’s Guidelines are available on our web site here:

http://www.allisonbottke.com/writersguidelines.htm

SUBMIT STORIES VIA EMAIL HERE: Editor@godallowsuturns.com

SPECIAL NEEDS: Three topical volumes are in pre-production now.

God Allows U-Turns – Parents Setting Boundaries

Seeking stories primarily about overcoming challenges with adult children who overstep boundaries. Have you been victorious in overcoming enabling patterns? How has parenting (or grand-parenting) a difficult adult child brought you closer to God?

God Allows U-Turns – Boomer Babes Rock!

True faith-filled stories by, for and about baby boomer women. From empty nesting to menopause, no subject is taboo. Have you stopped sweating the small stuff? How is God changing your perception of the world in your boomer years? What new path has he led you on?

God Allows U-Turns – Writing from the Heart and Soul

Do you have a passion for the written word? Perhaps you write on your lunch hour at work, or journal every day, or maybe you make a living as a writer, it doesn’t matter. If you view your world from the eyes of someone who writes, share your true faith-filled story with us now. How has God blessed you in your journey as someone who writes?

For more information contact Cheryll Hutchings at: Editor@godallowsuturns.com

FOR TEEN WRITERS OR EDUCATORS: Get a free issue of TEEN INK. http://teenink.com/Sample/

NEW & CHANGES: (PLEASE NOTE THAT MANY OTHER CHANGES I’VE MADE RECENTLY WILL APPEAR IN JON’S NEWSLETTER: http://www.write4kids.com/update.html

FOR AN EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION)

GO!, 2711 S Loop Dr., Ames IA 50010: Michele Regenold, Editor. This is a new, free online magazine for teens, concerning careers associated with the transportation industry, including road, rail, air and water. Review the editorial calendar, then query to editor@go-explore-trans.com. No hard copy. Wants 1000-15000 words, departments 750-1250. Pay is .25 per published word; $25 per published photo. 1st world electronic and archival rights. Website: www.go-explore-trans.org.

AMERICAN GIRL, 8400 Fairway Place, Middleton WI 53562-0984: Contact: Magazine Dept. Assistant. This secular bimonthly uses contemporary and historical fiction to 2300 words for girls 8 and older, as well as nonfiction of about 600 words. Pays $300 up on for 1st rights. They use puzzles in "Giggle Gang". Most open to Girls Express items to 150 words. QUERY WITH PUBLISHED CLIPS! E-mail: readermail@pleasantco.com Website: www.americangirl.com

BABYBUG, 140 S Dearborn, Suite 1450, Chicago IL 60603 Marianne Carrus, Editor-in-Chief. A tiny tot mag by the publishers of Cricket. Wants material for children 6 months to 2 years. Calls itself a listening and looking magazine. They use stories of 4-6 short sentences; articles of up to 10 words, poetry to 8 lines. Pays $25.00 up and 2 copies. Don’t query here. Rights vary, but they always want at least first. Pays on publication. Website: www.cricketmag.com

BOP, 6430 Sunset Blvd, Suite 700, Hollywood CA 90028: Leesa Coble, Editor-in Chief. This tween entertainment magazine covers today’s hottest stars. Uses features, news, gossip, quizzes. No poetry, fiction or real-person stories. Payment is made by the hour, by the quote, by transcript, or by event.

BREAD FOR GOD'S CHILDREN, P.O. Box 1017, Arcadia FL 34265-1017. Contact: Donna Wade, Editorial Secretary. This religious publication uses stories for ages 6 to 18. The want fiction of 600-900 (young) and 900-1500 (teens) words, nonfiction 500-800 words. Pay $30-$50 for 1st rights; also uses reprints. No talking animals. This is one market that probably will take 1st person stories although they now use some in 3rd person. No emphasis on television. KJV. Use too few puzzles to make freelance worth sending. You can get a free subscription to this, just by asking. Email: bread@sunline.net. Website: www.breadministries.org.

CICADA, 140 S Dearborn St., Suite 1450, Chicago IL 60603: Contact: Submissions Editor. This bimonthly literary magazine is for ages 14 up. They publish original short stories, poems and 1st person essays. Pay is .25 word for up to 5000 words; 15.000 words for novellas (1 per issue), $3/line for poetry up to 25 lines. They buy 1st rights. Email: CICADA@caruspub.com. Website: www.cricketmag.com.

COBBLESTONE: Discover American History, Attn. Meg Chorlian, 30 Grove Street, Ste. C, Peterborough NH 03458. This history magazine is aimed at children 8-14. They use articles of 700-800 words; fiction to 800 words, but all must be related to their themes. Poetry up to 100 lines. The pay is .20 to .25 per printed word on publication for all rights. They use puzzles and poetry up to 100 lines (pays on individual basis). Want queries on fiction, as well as nonfiction. Website: http://www.cobblestonepub.com/pages/cobbmain.htm

COLLEGEBOUND TEEN MAGAZINE, 1200 South Avenue, Suite 202, Staten Island, NY 10314: Gina LaGuardia, Articles editor. College students and those “young at heart” write this magazine for high school juniors and seniors. Nonfiction 400-1100 words. Pays $25 to $100 on publication for 1st NA rights. Email: editorial@collegebound.net. Website: http://www.collegebound.com

CREDO MAGAZINE, P.O. Box 419527, Kansas City MO 64141: Stephanie McNelly, Editor: Cutting-edge devotional magazine for teens. Articles and fiction of 500-800 words, reviews of 500 words, some fillers. Pays $40 for articles, $60 for fiction, $25 for reviews. Encourages submissions from teens. Varying rights. Email: credomag@barefootministies.com Website: www.credomagazine.com

FACES, Attn: Elizabeth Crooker Carpentiere, 30 Grove St, Peterborough NH 03458. This secular publication for 9 to 14 year olds uses fiction to 800 words, nonfiction of 300-600 words, poetry to 100 lines. They like folk tales, legends, and stories from around the world. Pay varies from .20-.25 word on publication for all rights. Uses puzzles; is looking for activities and art projects. They have theme lists. QUERY! email: facesmag@yahoo.com Website: www.cobblestonepub.com

THE FRIEND, 50 E. North Temple, 23rd Floor, Salt Lake City UT 84150: Vivian Paulsen, Managing Editor. This Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints goes to children 3 to 11. They buy nonfiction to 1000 words and pays $100 up; $15 for activities, games, recipes. Stories for the very youngest children should not exceed 250 words. Uses poetry to 20 lines. They buy ALL rights, but release reprint rights on request after publication. They surely prefer BOM puzzles, but do use some KJV. Poems pay $25; games, recipes and activities are $10 up. They do use fictionalized stories, but you must give the history of how they are based on truth. Now open to email submissions: friend@ldschurch.org. (???) (Last listing I found seemed to want snail mail again)

GUIDEPOSTS SWEET 16 is folding

SCIENCE WEEKLY, PO Box 70638, Chevy Chase MD 20813: Dr. Claude Maybury, Publisher. This publication uses freelance writers to develop and write an entire issue on a single science topic—at six different levels of difficulty (kindergarten to grade six). Send resume only, not submissions. Written for K-G8. Writers should have access to the DC area to allow involvement in the editorial process. Query. Pay is very good ($1,000 for writing one issue for 1st time writers). See the site for sample formats. Email: inquiries@scienceweekly.com Website: www.scienceweekly.com. Pays on publication.

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY CLUBHOUSE, 8605 Explorer Drive, Colorado Springs CO 80920: Joanna Lutz, Editorial Assistant. This Christian publication is for children 8-12 years old. They use articles of to 900 words, fiction 500-1800 words. Pays.15 to .25 word for nonfiction; $75-$200 for fiction on acceptance. They are open to some unsolicited material again. Buys 1st rights. They do not want contemporary fiction set in the US, but do want historical American fiction or embellished accounts of true events. They also want stories set in Asia, South America, the CIS and Canada. They list buying puzzles in some directories, but have told me they rarely have money for puzzles. They don't buy poetry or anything dealing with boy-girl relationships. Currently want stories about young athletes (with a Christian angle) and real-life drama. Pays .15-.25 word. Website: www.clubhousemagazine.com

GUMBO MAGAZINE, 1818 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee, WI: Contact: Tiffany Wynn, Managing Editor. All material must be written for teens by teens. Nonfiction 500-1000 words; poetry of 5-50 lines. Pays $25 for nonfiction on publication. Writers must apply online or mail in an application from the magazine. Email: info@mygumbo.com Website: www.mygumbo.com

HIGH ADVENTURE, 1445 Boonville Avenue, Springfield MO 65802: John M. Hicks, National Publications Coordinator. This Assembly of God Royal Rangers publication is for boys K to 17. They buy fiction and nonfiction 200-1000 words. Fiction must have a scriptural moral. Pays to .06 word on acceptance, $12 for puzzles. They buy all or first rights. I have had the best luck here with teen stories. Current themes are all sports related; email for those and guidelines, Uses some puzzles. Email royalrangers@ag.org Website http://royalrangers.ag.org

HUMPTY DUMPTY, P O Box 567, Indianapolis IN 4620-05672: Phyllis Lybarger, Editor. This secular publication for 4 to 6 year-olds has a health angle. They use some easy-to-reads. They use fiction 200-300 words, nonfiction to 200 words. They pay /22 word on publication for ALL rights. They use nonfiction to 500 words. They do use puzzles. Not buying much at present. Website: www.humptydumptymag.org. Email: plybarger#@cbhi.org

INSIGHT, 55 W Oak Ridge Dr, Hagerstown MD 60188: Dwain Neilson Esmond, Editor. This Seventh-Day Adventist publication uses nonfiction of spiritual value for high-school ages. 500-5000 words. Pays $25-$150 for assigned articles, $25-$125 for unsolicited. Pays $50 for reprints. Email: insight@rhpa.org Website: www.igniteyourfaith.com

JACK AND JILL, P O Box 567, Indianapolis IN 46206-0567: Daniel Lee, Editor. This magazine has a definite health emphasis. For ages 7-10. Fiction and nonfiction 500-800 words. Pays .17 word up. Email: cbhiseif@tcon.net Website: www.jackandjillmag.org

LIVE, 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield MO 65802-1892: Richard Bennett, Editor. Religious weekly for Christian young adults and adults. Uses fiction of 800-1200 words, nonfiction of 400-1200 words; Sounds more interested in nonfiction at this time. Pays .07-.10 word. Buys poetry. Email: rl-live@gph.org Website: www.radiantlife.org

NEW MOON, 2 W First Street #101, Duluth MN 55802: Contact: Editorial Dept. This secular publication for girls 8 to 14 has a feminist slant. Fiction 1200-1400; nonfiction to 600 words. Pays ,06-.12 per word for all rights on publication. Also uses puzzles, games, jokes. 80% of material is written by girls of 8-14. Theme based; check their website! Email: girl@newmoon.org Website: http://www.newmoon.org. They actually prefer email queries and submissions. THEY RESPOND ONLY IF INTERESTED TO UNSOLICITED MATERIAL.

SCHOLASTIC ACTION, 557 Broadway, New York NY 10012-3999. This bi-weekly is designed for middle & high school at risk readers. Teen magazines. Uses celebrity profiles and true teen nonfiction. Email: actionmag@scholastic.com Website: www.scholstic.com

SCHOLASTIC ART, 557 Broadway, New York NY 10012-39999. This magazine includes text and full color reproductions to explain the work, influences and historic context of featured artists or periods. Email: an@scholastic.com. Website: www.scholastic.com

SCHOLASTIC CHOICES, 557 Broadway, New York NY 10012-3999: Lauren Tarshis, Editor. Home economics students read this secular publication, ages 12 to 15. They use fiction to 1200 words and pay $100 to $400 for ALL rights. They use puzzles. Email: choicesmag@scholastic.com Website: www.scholastic.com

SHINE BRIGHTLY, PO Box 87334, Canton MI 48187: Chrisina Malone, Managing Editor. This religious publication fiction of 400-900 words for girls 9 to 14 and nonfiction of 100-900 words. They .pay 3.5 a word (to $35) on publication for 1st or reprint rights. They use. Poetry receives $5-$10 and games and puzzles bring $5-$10. Prefers NIV. Ask to be put on their mailing list and you’ll get each new theme list. email: sara@gemsgc.org. Website: http://gemsgc.gospelcom.net/

SPARKLE, PO Box 7259, Grand Rapids MI 49510: Sarah Vanderaa, Managing Editor. Gems girl's club publication for girls 6-9. Religious emphasis. Uses fiction and nonfiction of 100-400 words. Uses crafts & activities. Pays $20 per article on publication. Rights vary. Website: www.gemsgc.org

STONE SOUP, The Magazine by Children, P.O. Box 83, Santa Cruz CA 95063: Ms. Gerry Mandel, Editor. This magazine is for and by children through age 13. They now pay up to $40 for stories on publication for ALL rights.150-2500 words. E-mail: editor@stonesoup.com . Website: http://www.stonesoup.com

TEEN MAGAZINE, 3000 Ocean Park Blvd, Suite 3048, Santa Monica CA 90405: Jane Fort, Editor-in-Chief. For teens. Nonfiction: arts/crafts, games/puzzles, careers, cooking, health, multicultural, problem-solving, social issues. Fiction: used that fits their market. Pays$50-$500 on acceptance for ALL rights. Website: www.tenmag.com

TIGER BEAT, 6430 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood CA 90028: Leesa Coble, Editor-in Chief. This tween entertainment magazine covers today’s hottest stars. Uses features, news, gossip, quizzes. No poetry, fiction or real-person stories. Payment is made by the hour, by the quote, by transcript, or by event. Website: www.tigerbeatmag.com

THE WINNER, 55 W Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown MD 21740: Anita Jacobs, Editor. This 7th Day Adventist publication for middle grade students now is assignment only. This magazine is distributed to public schools so they want moral, but not religious, material. Emphasis is fighting drug and alcohol abuse. Pays $50 to $80.00 on acceptance. Email: jschliefer@rhpa.org Website: www.winnermagazine.com

WITH, Box 347, 722 Main, Newton KS 67114: Carol Duerksen, Editor. This Mennonite publication uses articles of 400-1800 words and fiction of 500-1500 words for older teens. They pay .06 word for 1st or reprint rights--most pay for assignment writers. They now have a theme list and they are looking for humor--not necessarily religious. Once you sell them, you get special need mailings along with only about 40 other writers. They use some puzzles. Currently needs good Christmas articles, stories and humor--and especially true 1st person teen stories with a Christmas angle. Guidelines at http://www.mph.org/cp/guidelines.htm. Email: carold@mennoniteusa.org

FROM YOU (THANK YOU)

From Marijke: Bobo and Taptoe are publishers by the same publishing company. Uitgeverij Malmberg: Postbus 1660, 2130 JB HOOFDDORP,www.malmberg.nl (Uitgeverij=publishing company, Postbus=postbox) (These all are Dutch magazines that use children’s fiction—they will want the text in Dutch.)

From Shirley Ramaley: Wee Ones is closing after 2008. So no more manuscripts will be accepted as 2008 is filled.

BRAG TIME:

Jori Rejionen (a student) writes: Two of the pieces that I have written for this class have been published. Beautiful Barrettes was published online in WeeOnes. Make Your Name was published online in Fandangle.

Jill Ronsley writes: Dear writers and friends,

I am pleased to announce that Sad Sam and the Magic Cookies by Stacy Quest won First Runner Up at the 2007 New York Book Festival in the Children's Section.

I am proud to have edited this book.

The announcement is on the New York Book Festival Web site. Scroll down to the CHILDREN'S section.:

http://www.newyorkbookfestival.com/event/details.asp?event_id=9

A picture of the cover and a short description of the book are at

http://www.suneditwrite.com/children_family.htm . Please scroll down the page.

This book is available at Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/Sad-Magic-Cookies-Stacy-Quest/dp/1932367012/ref=sr_1_4/105-7680305-6018006?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182616350&sr=1-4

_______________________________

From Shirley Ramaley: The long awaited guidelines and theme list are now available! Thank you so much for your interest in our middle elementary take-home paper. We are now accepting submissions for our publication. Attached to this email are the guidelines and theme list.

We will begin publishing new curriculum in Fall 2009. As for lead time, we will begin publishing new curriculum in September 2009, which means that we would need to have our information submitted to production by September 2008. So for the first quarter (Sept-Oct-Nov. 2009), we will need to have our submissions by Summer 2008; for the second quarter (Dec-Jan-Feb 2009-10), we will need to have our submissions by Fall 2008, etc. Year 1 begins in Fall 2009.

If you would like to receive a sample copy of our publication, please send a SASE, along with your request, to the following address:

Kimberly Adams

c/o WordAction

2923 Troost Avenue

Kansas City, MO 64131

From Vicki Hale: I found this site today, looking for tips on writing bedtime stories (I still have that kernel of an idea for a picture book knocking around in my head!). They give away prizes to the top 3 stories they choose to publish on their site:

http://www.goodnightstories.com/send.htm

I don't think they pay anything, other than if you win a prize though. I didn't know if you already had this link or not, so I thought I should pass it on!

From Lily Erlic: I wrote an Amazon short called "Jesus Listens to My Heart".

Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Listens-to-My Heart/dp/B000M05XPU/ref=dp_shrt_new_0/103-8187512-1502219?ie=UTF8&qid=1183685948&sr=8-1

Also from Lily (way to go, lady!): Here is the link: Math and the Beanstalk-Addition and Subtraction Board

Game Grades 1-3

ISBN: 1-931474-78-8 http://www.eaieducation.com/520281.html

I developed this board game. It's for teachers and parents and their

children. Each player builds a bean by computing addition and subtraction equations. They learn about the structure of a

bean while doing math. If they get their equation right, they get a chip

to place in each bean section. The first to build their bean wins! (up to 4

players)

CONTESTS:

See contests listed within other categories this time.

WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES:

Children’s Book Insider BootCamp will be in Madison, Wisconsin on October 13-14! This will be the ONLY Midwest Bootcamp for the year, so plan now to meet the ladies in Madison. Check http://www.wemakewriters.com/ for information.

EDITING SERVICES:

I get a great deal of mail from new writers wanting to find someone who will edit/critique manuscripts. At one point a personal friend of mine had such a service, but she went back to teaching. I’m listing two dependable services below:

Children's Book Insider editor Laura Backes is now doing picture book critiques! Her time is limited, but this would be a good time to try and sign up with her. For info, e-mail critique@sendfree.com

Another writer/editor I can recommend is Jill Ronsley, the director of Sun Edit Write.

Sun Edit Write provides editing and book design services for writers. If you would like your story, novel, poem or nonfiction to be checked for errors of grammar, punctuation, style, syntax, and usage before you submit it to a publisher, or if you would like to consult with a professional book designer, write to jill@suneditwrite.com. Jill Ronsley, founder and director, has a special love of literature for children and is on the Executive Board of Boost4Writers. For more information, visit www.suneditwrite.com.