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CHILDREN'S WRITERS MARKETPLACE
FEBRUARY 2002
Welcome to the Children's Writers Marketplace at its new location! Applause goes to Children's Book Insider for hosting it! For those who weren't readers at Inkspot or later at my own site, my name is Margaret Shauers. I have been active in many writing areas over the past 30+ years, but writing for children remains my best love. Over the past several years, I've been working in the activity book and game book areas. I also freelance children's short fiction and puzzles and do some adult material. The magazine market list I sell grew from my own writing card file. I now include nonfiction markets, as well. Information about ordering the full 350+ market list is given at the end of this column.
You can email me at mshauers@kscable.com.
FROM MY MAIL:
A letter from Mary Tucker, former editor of Shining Star (the one McGraw-Hill shut down), wrote that they are also ending the educational magazines. I hesitate to give titles because she didn't. But be prepared for a "we're closed" notice if submitting to any of the former Frank Schaeffer magazines.
While they don't use as much children's fiction as they once did, Happiness Magazine, P.O. Box 338, Portland TN 37148 used a Christmas story of mine--a reprint for which they paid $50.00. Probably think special occasion material for them!
Livewire, 8121 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati OH 45231-2323: Margie Redford, Editor. The new theme list is out here. Submissions are due by February 26th so if you didn't get a copy of the list and want one, send SASE immediately. You'll then be added to the mailing list and receive themes each church quarter. Livewire also wants preteen reader/writers to do book and video reviews!
The new theme list for Pockets is available. Send SASE to 1908 Grand Avenue, P O Box 34004, Nashville TN 37203-0004. Or check them out at http://courtyard.upperroom.org/pockets/. The link for their guidelines is there, too.
I've had requests from photographers for more information about photo possibilities. I will start giving it as I find it. Generally, to find markets in this area, imitate story writers and try to get copies of the magazines. One I noticed recently that does use photos is the religious publication Crusader. The address is P O Box 7259, Grand Rapids MI 49510-7259. The Editor is G. Richard Broene. This magazine is for boys, ages 9-14. They also use fiction, nonfiction and puzzles. Website: www.calvinistcadets.org.
Looking through Writer's Market, many of the teen publications list photo needs. Magazines for younger children often use artwork (and quite a few will work with freelance artists--send a portfolio to the editor or art director), but some use photos as well. The definitely want photos for feature articles about real kids, but these usually depend on working with someone locally or doing the writing yourself.
Marcia Schutte is what's often called a "book doctor." She also ghost and co-writes books. Her site will also give you information on how to better write your own material. http://www.marciaschutte.com/. Marcia also recommends the "Absolute Write" site, put out by Jenna Glatzer. I haven't had time to check it out thoroughly, but it looks comprehensive. http://www.absolutewrite.com/.
Just heard from Jerry. who worked at putting this column online for years. If you are interested in any of the old Children's Writers Marketplace columns, they will be located at http://www.odsys.net/bookbarn/Childmkt_Archives/. They run from the tiny October 1997 column I began for Inkspot (hint: those markets are outdated!) through May of 2001 when the site Jerry and I had the column on then went totally haywire. Some of the last several years had information in that was not just a listing of markets--and the FAQ (frequently asked questions) section is worth checking if you are a beginning writer. If nothing else, it might be interesting to see how the column evolved from a sparse few market listings. Thanks, Jerry (my pal, who always does something special).
A nice author's site (den) can be found at http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?AuthorID=2599. Richelle M. Putnam, the author, also has a newsletter available.
NEW & CHANGES:
Jon Bard, the Wizard who puts this column online, has a 45-Second Newsletter available weekly on Writing Children's' books. Sign up for it at http://wz.com/arts/WritingChildrensBooks.html. He has great links at the page, too!
Technology & Learning, 600 Harrison Street, San Francisco CA 94107: Michelle Thatcher, Managing Editor. This publication is for teachers and technology personnel from elementary through high school. Their Software Evaluations department is a good place for writers to start. They also have a section called "The What Works" where success stories from schools are used. All pieces are assigned so query with ideas and clips. Send a resume detailing your computer experience. Website: www.techlearning.com.
KID ZONE, Suite 440, 705 Douglas St., Sioux City IA 51101: Shelly Bennett: Editor. A craft and story magazine for ages 4 to 12 (core audience is 7 to 10). Used in day care centers, by educators and parents. This is mostly produced in-house, but freelancers with an education background are invited to query after Jan 1, 2002 to Kidzonemag@aol.com
Wee Ones E-Magazine: www.weeonesmag.com. Wants read-aloud stories and nonfiction of many types for children 3-8. Also nonfiction of numerous types. 150-500 words. Pay is .03 word, $5 for poems, $3-$20 for artwork and photos. They recommend using Internet Explorer to view.
A companion magazine, Big Ones is geared toward parents and needs articles up to 700 words. Editor at both magazines is Jennifer Reed. Email submissions to submissions@weeonesmag.com.
Suzanne Hadley, Assistant Editor, is the submission editor at Clubhouse, 8605 Explorer Drive, Colorado Springs CO 80920. This publication is religious and targets parents, and children 8 to 12. They currently need historical fiction that spotlights Christians who lived in great times, and humorous stories with a message. They use activities. Nonfiction 200-1000 words, fiction 500-1400 words. They pay from .10 to .25 word for nonfiction, $200+ for fiction. Website: www.clubhousemagazine.org.
Badgerland Sports for Youth, P O Box 45050, Madison WI 53744: Vesna Vuynovich Kovach, Editor. This magazine is for young athletes, their parents, coaches and fans. Children are pre-school through high school. They want features of interest to kids, parents, coaches and fans. Likes local personality profiles. Uses 500-1000 words, and pays .10 on publication for 1st rights. They do use photos and art work: $25 for 1st photo printed, $10 for additional. They use reprint rights. Website: http://www.ericksonpublishing.com. Email: editor@ericksonpublishing.com.
Teenage Corner, 70-540 Gardenia Court, Rancho Mirage CA 92270: Mrs. David J. Lavin, Editor. This syndicate works with newspapers and buys 122 features each year. Length: 500 words. Pay: $25.00. Material is not copyrighted.
Gingerbread House, 602 Montauk Highway, Westhampton Beach NY 11978 has a no unsolicited manuscript notice out.
Jaylo Books, P O Box 760, 135 Dupont Street, Plainview NY 11803: Sally Germain, Editor-in-Chief. This book publisher covers children's health issues, mostly in storybook format. Titles have covered asthma, diabetes, and cerebral palsy. The books are published in four series: ages 5-10; Special Kids in School; Healthy Habits for Kids; Substance-Free Kids and Friends, which focuses on how illness in adults affects children. Query with a basic proposal that matches one of the series. Pays by project. Childswork/Childsplay, LLC, with Karen Schader as editor, uses the same address. The target market here is therapists, counselors and teachers working with children who are experiencing behavioral, emotional and social difficulties. Check this last one out at www.childswork.com.
Writersmarket.com has a website with links and tips for teen writers. http://www.writersmarket.com/featuredresource.asp?id=1175.
I know I've listed this one before, but I get questions every month about markets for child writers. This is a publication that uses only writing and art by children, including fiction, poetry, book reviews and art. Stone Soup, Children's Art Foundation, P O Box 83, Santa Cruz CA 95063-0083: Editor Gilbert Sangari. There is an online magazine, too, with differing materials. Mrs. Gerry Mandel is the online Editor. Pays $25 per item and will use reprints. Email: editor@stonesoup.com. Website: www.stonesoup.com.
WORKSHOPS:
Children's Book Insider's Laura Backes will be co-hosting more Children's Authors' Bootcamps. They will be in Albuquerque NM on March 23-24, in Jacksonville FL April 21-22, and in Denver CO June 22-23. For more information go to www.WeMakeWriters.com. Or contact Linda White at Linda@WeMakeWriters.com.
SCBWI will have a Southern Breeze spring conference in Gulf Shores A on Feb. 22-24. They have some wonderful authors, illustrators and editors attending. For details and registration forms, see www.southern-breeze.org.
The Highlights Foundation is taking applications for its Writing for Children Spring 2002 series of workshops. Each workshop will focus on a different topic and last for four days. These begin in March and go through June. They will be held in Honesdale PA. For registration information, write Maggie Ewain at maewain@highlightsfoundation.org. Or get information by sending SASE to Writing for Children Spring Workshops, Highlights Foundation, 814 Court Street, Honesdale PA 18431.
FROM YOU (THANK YOU!)
Janni wrote in that that Mothering is no longer using short stories.
SITE OF THE MONTH:
Anyone interested, please check out my new online class, "Write Short Stories for Children." This is basic instruction. I plan to offer a more advanced course later. http://universalclass.com/i/arts/creativewriting/classes/2371.htm.
HELP!
Geary requests information about Sunny Side Up Publishing. Has anyone dealt with this company? (Note from Margaret to Geary: Don't submit rough manuscripts. It takes more work, but you'll make more sales if you do all the work before sending a story or book manuscript out. On books, you often do submit only a portion of it, but make sure that portion is as highly polished as you can make it.)
I can use current information on the following magazines: any/all of the Addison, Wesley, Longman publications in Australia. Alternative Family Magazine (US), Animals and You (England), BIG! (England), Black Child (US), Blender (US), Boys' Illustrated (US), Brownie (England), Children's Story Scripts (US), Communique Group (US), Contagious Magazine (Australia), Dramatics (US), Eyespy (Australia), Genre Sampler (US), Grandstories (US), Grand Rapids Parent (US), Horsepower Magazine for Young Horse Lovers (Canada), Horseplay Junior (US), Instructor Magazine (US), Jetsetter (Australian), Junior Riders (US), Kidsports (US), Kids Tribute (Canada), Kids World Magazine (Canada), did Lacrosse ever start a children's magazine? (US), The Magazine for Christian Youth (US), Magic Realism (US), Noise (Canada), Outside Kids (US), Play (US), Purple Cow: The Newspaper for Teens by Teens (US), Quake (US), Quest (US), Quote (Australia), School Magazine (Australia), Stable Kids (US), TG…Voices of Today's Generations (Canada), Transcend (US), Wee Lambs (US), Young Equestrian (US), Young Rider (US), Young Scholar (US), The Young Soldier (Canada), Youth Focus (US)
Beginning writers often need help with grammar. I have one online link: http://www.edufind.com/english/grammar/. It's good, but I'm wondering if there are others out there; I'd like to add to the list that I make available to students. Thanks!
Does anyone have experience with Poetry.com? Angela Hoy is doing an investigation about them. Please email her at writersweekly@eclipse.sparklist.com. And check out Writers Weekly newsletter if you haven't already. http://www.writersweekly.com/. (It includes such fascinating--and shocking information--like the fact that Carolyn Keene got $125 for each of the 23 Nancy Drew books she wrote. I sold an old copy at auction for over $50 once!)
CONTEST:
Pockets Fiction Writing Contest, 1908 Grand Avenue, P O Box 340004, Nashville TN 37203-0004: Lynne W. Gilliam. The prize here is $1000 and there is no entry fee. Details available at http://courtyard.upperroom.org/pockets/. Opens to submissions on March 1-August 1. Do check their contest rules. Manuscripts not submitted properly will only be considered for publication.
LETTERS:
Note to letter writers: Thank you for your emails. I read them all and I try to answer as many varied questions as possible. I also have a backlog so it can take time. If I don't use your letter in the column within two months, it's for one of the following reasons. (A.) I've answered a very similar question in the past. Please check the FAQ section and the Archives. (most now available at http://www.odsys.net/bookbarn/Childmkt_Archives/. (B.) I no longer publish letters where I must do more than very minor grammar and spelling corrections. This includes the many letters I get where no capitalization is used. Editing letters takes too much time–and such letters hardly indicate a serious commitment to writing. Believe me, editors never take poorly constructed writing seriously! (C.) I do not critique writing and no longer respond to emails requesting such services.
Hello, Margaret...
I have been published--a couple of stories in magazines and some adult articles, and lately one thing I'm trying to market is an ABC book which I envision as a terrifically fun combination of puzzle and book. I am having some trouble finding a publishing house that might be interested in producing such a thing. If you have any ideas for me I'd be most grateful!
Thanks!
M. Anne
Hi, M. Anne.
Your publications will help get attention if you list them in your cover letter. However, ABC books are notoriously hard to place--everyone writes at least one, I think. And activity book contracts often come when you have a good number of activity clips to show. My first activity books was offered because I'd done probably 50 magazine puzzles and/or activities for the editor in charge of that particular book line. Since then, I've been able to use the published activity book to land more contracts.
Basically, I would try to sell yours as an activity book since the pages will need to be used by the child. And just because it might be difficult to place doesn't mean it won't sell. Keep trying!
Margaret
Margaret,
I have an idea for an Early Reader book, but in trying to locate potential publishers to see their requirements for this genre, I'm not having any luck finding online manuscript submissions information. A couple of sites (like HarperCollins) only say they don't take unsolicited submissions, but have no other information on queries or specific Easy Reader requirements.
Any suggestions where I can find submissions guidelines for Easy Reader books by publishers who are currently interested in submissions?
Thank you.
T.
Dear T.:
Good early readers are always needed. As for manuscript format, I'm sure it's the same as for any book. After your cover letter, type a title page with your name, address and phone number single-spaced at top left. Word count at the right top. Move down about 1/3 of the page, change to double space and center your title and byline information (three lines--the 'by' usually gets a separate line). On the next page, again put the id information single spaced at the top, change to double space and again center your title about 1/3 of the way down. Begin typing in copy about a half way down the page, still in double-space. Just keep typing until you hit the end. Early readers don't have chapters, but if you do a chapter book later, just start a new page for each new chapter and title them at the top (I center chapter titles, too). Begin page numbering with the first page, but click the box so a number will not appear on the first page. Then use the header feature and make sure the book's title and perhaps your last name (Shauers--(title) for example) appears at the top left of page two and onward.
If you want to type in "Early Reader" under your word count, you can, but the material should make that easy for an editor to comprehend.
Unless a publishing house has a set manuscript preparation guide (a few even want single spaced material, but not many), this is generally safe to use.
As for querying, just prepare a general query letter. I'd use the initial paragraph or two of the book to open the query. Then do your proposal. Here, you do need to specify it as an early reader. And queries are single spaced in normal letter format.
Hope this helps you land a contract!
Margaret
FEBRUARY TIPS: Now is the time to be on the lookout for kids doing cool Valentine's Day projects! More and more magazines want stories about actual kids. I'm planning to snap photos (yep--they also want pictures of real kids) of my church's Kid's Club group doing a service project.
Gloomy February (if you live where I do, anyway) is also a stuck-in-the-house sort of time. When you can't get outside to do lawn work or go to the park, use the extra time to sort through old manuscripts. See what might be worth rewriting. If you don't know what rights you sold to published stories, find out by writing the editors and asking. Try marketing the reprint rights. Just make sure you type the name of the original publication at the top right. I do mine under the word count.
HAPPY HEART DAY!
Click here to view January's Children's Writers Marketplace
TO ORDER my complete 350+ Children's Writers magazine market list (paying markets ONLY; approx. 1/3 are Christian markets): send $4.50 for an email copy; $7.75 ($8.75 outside US) for print snail mail copy. If you cannot send funds drawn on an actual U.S.bank, please check if your country is eligible for PayPal (link below) or send an International Money order. PayPal is also acceptable from the U.S. and shipment will be same or next day. Please allow 7-10 days for snail mail; up to a month outside US. This list is updated whenever I get new information and is seldom exactly the same two days in a row. Margaret Shauers, 1411 12th Street, Great Bend KS 67530 USA.
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