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CHILDREN'S WRITERS MARKETPLACE
March 2008
Welcome
to the Children's Writers Marketplace!
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@mac.com See
more (different) market listings each month in Jon Bard's ezine.
The upcoming Write4Kids Bootcamps (numerous sites) are
listed there, too.
So is a source for more ezines concerning writing.
And more!
If you aren't getting Jon's ezine by email, you can view it at http://www.write4kids.com/update.html NOTE ABOUT NET LINKS LISTED HERE! 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. I
was
featured at Helium.com. where I am
now a Sub-Channel
Steward Arts
and Humanities> Children's Literature. It
was in the Arts & Humanities newsletter and I can’t figure out a way to
pass along the link except by direct email.
If you want one, let me know; I’ll be delighted to send.
Otherwise…look me up on my “All About Me” page at http://www.helium.com/user/show/218059
More
about an upcoming Helium market for
children’s writers later. (They
have children’s categories—search for short story children’s—for their
regular categories; pay isn’t high, but you can earn a few bucks there.) Danielle
Boradbooks, with Word Action, has
themes and guidelines available for Adventures.
Email her at dxb@nph.com
HIGH
ADVENTURE
is no longer accepting submissions. HIGHLIGHTS
FOR CHILDREN
Current Needs
Winter 2007 Authors
may send their work directly to the editors whose current needs are listed
below. Manuscripts should be sent to (Editor's Name), Highlights, 803 Church
Street, Honesdale, PA 18431. FICTION
CATEGORIES Fiction
for Younger Readers
(Ages 4 to 8) up to 500 words, Marileta Robinson, Senior Editor No
current special needs. Fiction
for Older Readers
(Ages 8 to 12) up to 800 words, Joëlle Dujardin, Associate Editor (1)
Holiday
stories (2)
Humorous
stories (3)
Adventure
stories (4)
Historical
fiction about little-covered time periods (5)
Multicultural
pieces NONFICTION
CATEGORIES Nonfiction
for Younger Readers
(Ages 4 to 8) up to 500 words, Joëlle Dujardin, Associate Editor Younger
nonfiction should be written for readers ages 4 to 8 and should not exceed 500
words. All articles should have a clear focus and relevance to young kids. *
First-person
accounts of fieldwork *
Photo
Essays *
Arts
Stories *
Kids
living in various cultures *
Ancient
history *
High-interest
animals *
Details
from urban life (workers, transportation, etc.) *
Nature Science,
800 words (two-page features), 400 words (one-page features), 50 words
(activities) Andy Boyles, Science Editor
Features
about kids involved in science
Scientists
studying high-interest animals in their natural habitats
Short,
quick, easy, fun science activities History/World
Cultures,
up to 800 words, Carolyn Yoder, Senior Editor
Fun,
humorous, kid-friendly articles
Presidential
(NOT Washington and Lincoln) and patriotic pieces
Need
anecdotal articles, rather than broad interviews
American
holidays, specifically Thanksgiving
World
cultures pieces. ALL COUNTRIES. We want intimate snapshots of life in another
country. Adventure,
up to 800 words, Kim Griswell, Coordinating Editor Adventure
articles that bring the reader in and let him/her come along for the adventure.
Rather than telling kids "I went here and wasn't it grand" the best
articles share the adventure. Arts,
up to 800 words, Kim Griswell, Coordinating Editor
Need
more contemporary articles with high kid-appeal. A fresh, focused slant rather
than overviews.
No
need for "classic" arts articles, especially bios of famous artists. Sports,
up to 800 words, Judy Burke, Managing Editor
Sports
"how-to" pieces. Each article should be reviewed by an expert before
submission.
Contemporary
bios of squeaky-clean professional athletes, male or female. It helps when the
author interviews the subject for these.
No
need for baseball biographies or track-and-field biographies right now. No
biographies of college athletes.
Feel
free to query first. Economics/Personal
Finance,
up to 800 words, Kim Griswell, Coordinating Editor Articles
that address economics or personal finance at a kid's level. Gallant
Kids,
up to 400 words, Kim Griswell, Coordinating Editor Articles
about a kid or kids who are serving others in some special way. Articles must be
about unique, interesting, kid-generated projects. The idea is that when kids
serve others, they are being their "best selves." Full-page
Activities,
up to 300 words, Linda Rose, Assistant Editor
300-Word
Activities
of all kinds, appealing to a wide age range whenever possible.
Indoor
and outdoor games that involve exercise, creativity, and/or humor
Activities
and games that kids can do whether they're on their own or with others
Some
cooperative games (we publish both cooperative and competitive games, but
receive more submissions of the latter)
Projects
that will result in a new hobby or skill and/or a quality finished product
Magic
tricks
Activities
to get children outdoors, moving around, or creating. We
prefer activities that do not require parental supervision or materials kids
aren't likely to have handy.
Picture
Puzzlers
See recent issues for examples.
A
large visual puzzle with little text, offering our readers an entertaining and
visually interesting puzzle activity. Art need not be supplied with the
manuscript, but basic sketches showing your idea or detailed art/photo
suggestions are helpful.
We
need fresh manuscripts/ideas for this page that we haven't already done.
We
need more ideas with more than one thing going on, such as a big visual puzzle
with activities here and there on the page.
Original
board games that are visually interesting and can be played on the page are also
welcome! (Picture
Puzzlers should not require readers to write in the magazine.) Puzzles,
Games, Recipes, Other Short Activities,
Tiffany Hoffman, Editorial Assistant
Needs include:
Art
activities
Activities
with a sporty theme
World-culture
activities
Holiday
games
History
and geography puzzles
Sequencing
activities
Recipes
Codes Any
activities that easily lend themselves to strong visuals are a huge plus! Crafts,
Tiffany Hoffman, Editorial Assistant
Multicultural
crafts (general or holiday-specific)
Crafts
that encourage play (musical instruments, costumes, etc.)
Crafts
with direct boy appeal
Seasonal
crafts
Gifts
Crafts
for all holidays Please
send a photo or actual sample of the craft.
A drawing doesn't really
provide enough information. Send
submissions to
Highlights
for Children
803 Church Street
Honesdale, PA 18431
(Margaret’s
note: I will include more
information about Gryphon when I have it, but thought you might like to be
thinking up ideas.) Stanley
Bookman Young Author Contest Contest
Ending Date: April 30, 2008 Age
group: Young Authors (17 and under) No
Entry Fee (Parental approval needed) Contest
Rewards: Publication in Stories for Children Magazine, Toys R Us Gift Cards, and
Winners’ Certificates. Contest
Description: The
Stories for Children Magazine mascot, Stanley Bookman, needs someone to write
his story. Each month Stanley shares tips and information about the World of Ink
and his hometown Storyville. But what does the World of Ink look like and where
is Storyville located? Stanley
needs you to help share his story with the rest of the world. Can you help him
by writing a story for us between 500 to 1200 words? Contest
Rules Your
story must be between 500 to 1200 words long. Stanley Bookman must be the main
character and the plot of the story has to take place in Storyville, Stanley’s
hometown. You can add new characters. After all, Stanley must have friends back
home in Storyville and we would love to meet them. Your
story needs to be original, unpublished, and written by you. A parent/guardian
can help type up your story, but you have to write the story yourself. Make sure
to use your imagination! All
stories must be postmarked or emailed by April 30, 2008 along with the attached
permission form signed by a parent/guardian. Stories will not be returned, so
make sure you keep a copy for yourself. Only send in one entry please and make
sure to put your name, age, email address, home address, and parent/guardian
name in the top right hand corner on the first page of your story. Please
follow ALL the rules carefully so we can consider your entry: (6)
You
must have your name, age, parent/guardian name, and contact information on the
first page of your story. (7)
Your
story Should Not include violence or derogatory, racist, or sexist language or
situations. (8)
Family
members of the SFC staff are not eligible to enter the contest. Judges: All
entries will be read and judged by the SFC staff. Winners will be notified via
email or by regular mail if no email address is given, by July 18, 2008. Contest
Winners: The
top prize is publication in the August 2008 issue of Stories for Children
Magazine, a $10 gift certificate to Toys R Us, and a 1st
place winners certificate. The
second-prize winner will be published in the September 2008 issue of Stories for
Children Magazine, receive a $5 gift certificate to Toys R Us, and a 2nd
place winners certificate. The
third-prize winner will be published in the October 2008 issue of Stories for
Children Magazine, receive a $5 gift certificate to Toys R Us, and a 3rd
place winners certificate. The
fourth- and fifth-place winners will receive a winner’s certificate. Stories
for Children Magazine will own all rights to the prize-winning stories. Official
Entry Form Please
copy and paste this form into the body of your email or attach this form to the
top of the front page of your story when mailing it in. You may not send in
multiple stories. Please put your name, age, email address, home address, and
parent/guardian name in the top right hand corner on the first page of your
story. I
give permission for my child __________________________ age _________________ to
enter into the Stories for Children Magazine Stanley Bookman Young Author
Contest. I also certify that (child’s name) __________________________ had no
help writing the story submitted to this contest other than being typed by an
adult for readability. I
am aware that if my child should win first through third place their story will
be published in an upcoming issue of Stories for Children Magazine and that my
child’s name and age will appear along with the story. I
am also aware that Stories for Children Magazine does not share, sell, post on
the SFC site, or give out information on contest entrants. Parent/Guardian
Signature: __________________________________ Date: __________ Email
your entry to: storiesforchildren@vsgrenier.com
with Stanley Bookman Contest in the subject line. Mail
your entry to: Stories for Children Stanley Bookman Contest
54 East 490 South
Ivins Utah 84738 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 NEW
& CHANGES: There
is a new publisher coming up that will use mysteries for 6th to 8th grade
reading level. I don’t know the
name of it because, so far, it is going through the online Helium website and is
using an alias. If you would like
to join Helium (it’s free and you can earn money just appearing
there—although it’s a slow process to accrue much), email me with your first
and last name and the email you want used there.
You can also view my articles there at http://www.helium.com/user/show/218059
Click “My articles” for the full list.
DO email me if you’d like to join; I get credit.
☺ I find Helium a great place to write to their topics and get
myself started writing on those days when I "cannot." CHEMMATTERS,
1155 16th St NW, Washington DC 20036: Pat Pages, Editor.
This magazine wants articles connecting chemistry to the real world of
the high school student—chemistry at work in daily life.
Query with abstract, outline, related material that conveys the
scientific content, and samples. 1400-1700
words. Pays $500-$1000 for all
rights. Email: chemmatter@acs.org
Website: www.chemisty.org/education/chemmatters.html.
POCKETS
magazine
upcoming themes are at http://www.upperroom.org/pockets/upcoming_themes.asp ADVENTURES,
2923 Troost Ave, Kansas City MO 64109: Julie J. Smith, Early Elementary Editor.
This Church of the Nazarene publication uses stories of 300 to 400 words (none
shorter or longer) for 6-8 year-olds. No articles. The pay is $15-$25 on
publication. Now say they want all
rights. No reprints. Email: jns@wordaction.com
Website: www.wordaction.com
(NOTE: the email here hasn’t bounced as of this writing; last month I
could not find one that worked.) FOCUS
ON THE FAMILY CLUBHOUSE JR.,
8605 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs CO 80920: Annett Bourland,
Editor. This Christian publication (see above for general info) uses articles
of 100-500 words, fiction of 200 to 1000 words: beginning reader stories and
longer read-alouds. 4-8 year olds. Email: joanna.lutz@fotf.org.
Website: http://www.clubhousemagazine.com/club_jr/ BREAKAWAY
MAGAZINE,
8605 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs CO 80920: Michael Ross, Editor.
This religious magazine for teen boys (12-17) uses fiction and nonfiction
to 2000 words. Pays to .28 word on
acceptance. Varying rights. They
want queries by snail mail. Website:
www.breakawaymag.com
MOMSense,
2370 S Trenton Way, Denver CO 80231: Mary Darr, Editor.
This magazine is aimed at mothers. They
do use activity articles for Moms to use with kids, which I know some of you
write. Pay is .15 word. Website: www.momsense.com
SIX78TH,
PO Box 450, Newark CA 94560: Carol S. Rothchild, Senior Features Editor.
“’tween” magazine that aims to deliver a realistic view of the
transition girls experience during junior high/middle school.
Freelance queries considered. Email
editor@six7th8th.com.
Get guidelines. Pay is $1000
to $150 for about 700 words. Website:
www.six78th.com
(CAN)
ZAMOOF!,
644 Spruceview Place S, Kelowna BC VIV 2P7 CANADA: TeLeni Koochin, Editor and
Publisher. Much is staff written,
but there are freelance spots. Aimed
at readers 8-10 and 11-13. No games
or puzzles, but stories welcome. Pay
is .25 a word. Email: mail@zamoof-mag.com
Website: www.zamoofmag.com
PACK-O-FUN,
2400 E Devon Ave, Suite 2925, Des
Plains IL 60018.: Anne M. Nieniec, Editor/ This arts and crafts publication is
aimed at teachers, parents of home schoolers and group leaders (Scouts, Sunday
school, etc.) Ages 6-13. They want
inexpensive, quick projects, especially those that teach a new skill, use
recyclables in creative ways, etc. Keep
supplies under $3 and plan crafts that can be managed for entire groups.
Now uses a 1 page "Craft-A-Story that consists of a craft project
tying into a story or poem. They have themes and deadlines; you can get a list
for SASE. They now accept fiction if accompanied by a craft or skit appropriate
for groups. Queries and submissions should include clear color photographs.
If your project is accepted, the original design or the item you made are
required. Pay is $50-$175 for ALL
rights. Considers reprints. Website:
www.pack-o-fun.com
Email submissions accepted to: aniemiec@amoscraft.com
INTERNATIONAL
GYMNAST,
3214 Bart Corner Dr., Norman OK 73072: Dwight Normile, Editor. : Dwight T.
Normile, Editor. This sports magazine is aimed at gymnastic enthusiasts, ages
9-17. Send complete manuscripts to
800 words; query on longer. They use fiction of up to 1500 words, which deal
with gymnastics. Pay varies and I
think is for ALL rights. TEACHER,
6935 Arlington Rd., Bethesda MD 20814: Anthony Rebora, Managing Editor.
Online magazine for teachers of K-12.
They want writers to be current or former teachers.
Mostly they want articles, but I think they are open to tips and shorter
ideas as well; probably crafts. Pay
varies. Email complete manuscripts
to arebora@epe.org
or to Elizabeth Rich, online editor, at erich@epe.org.
Website: www.teachermagazine.org
NATURE
FRIEND,
4253 Woodcock Lane, Dayton VA 22821: Kevin and Bethany Shank, Co-editors.
This religious magazine uses fiction of 200 to 1200 words for children 4
to 14. All stories must have a
nature tie-in, but you can have animal characters. Articles 250-500 words,
fiction 500-750 words. The magazine primarily goes to rural families who hold a
literal view of creation. They do not use holiday stories. Pays .05 word up
publication for one-time right; .03 for reprints. They use KJV puzzles. Email: naturefriend@hughes.net
Website: www.naturefriendmagazine.com
Guidelines at www.dogwoodridgeoutdoors.com/v.php?pg=15 BEYOND
CENTAURI,
PO Box 782, Cedar Rapids IA 52406: Tyree Campbell, Managing Editor.
Science fiction, fantasy—no slice-and dice, no horror.
Will work with new writers, but don’t submit 1st drafts.
They do return work with comments. Mail
complete manuscript or email to beyondcentauri@samsdotpublishing.com
with “Submission” and title in the subject line.
Simple cover emails are nice, but keep simple.
Pays $5 for stories and articles, $2 for poems. Website: www.samsdotpublishing.com
I
know I’ve listed this before, but I still get questions.
The online WEE ONES has
ceased publication. IMAGINATION
CAFÉ:
http://www.imagination-cafe.com/
Safe, interactive educational and entertaining website.
Rosanne Tolin: editor. Features
careers, Weekly Special section items, and sports.
Not a beginner’s market. See
the editorial guidelines at the site. Manuscripts
preferred over queries, sent to editor@imagination-café.com.
Include a cover letter & article in the body of the email only.
Pays $25 to $150 for all electronic and non-exclusive print rights. BABYBUG,
70 E Lake St, Suite 300, Chicago IL 60622: 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 BECKETT
PLUSHIE PALS,
4635 McEwen Rd, Dallas TX 75244: Doug Kale, Editor.
Plus toys and their virtual worlds.
If you are a fan of Webkinz, Club Penguin, Ty Girlz, Shining Stars or
Beanie Babies, apply for a freelance staff position.
Email 3-5 article ideas to Kale at plushiepals@beckett.com,
and outline your experience with the subject.
Pays $25 to $100 on publication. Website:
www.beckettplushiepals.com.
bNETS@vvy,
224 Thompson St., #17, New York NY 10012: Caitlin Johnson, Editor in Chief.
Online magazine offering information on helping tweens use technology
safely and effectively. Conversational,
easy-to-read, substantive articles. Prefers
query; will accept complete manuscript to: internet-safety@nea.org.
Pays $75 to writers ages 9-14; $200 for adults; higher for complex
journalistic pieces to 1100 words. Website:
www.neahealthinfo.org. BLAZE,
PO Box 2660, Niagra Falls NY 14302: Brenda McCarthy, Managing Editor.
For kids 8-14,this magazine is about horses and the kids who love them.
Wants profiles of people who work with horses and articles 200-500 words
describing programs involving horses. Interactive
games and fascinating facts welcome. No
breed profiles. Photographs
important. Pays .25 word. Query
with a creative introduction to Brenda@blazekids.com.
Website: www.blazekids.com NO
PAYMENT: Crow
Toes Quarterly,
186-8120 No. 2 Road, Richmond BD V7C 5J8 CANADA. Christopher Millin, Managing
Editor and Publisher. For ages
8-13. Playfully dark short stories
to 3000 words, poetry and artwork. Snail
mail submissions. Website: www.crowtoesquarterly.com FROM
YOU (THANK YOU) BRAG
TIME: Jennifer
Merrick had
a story, “The Best Ice Cream” published in the March 2008 Sparkle.
I’m as proud as Jennifer—she did the story for one of my classes! Another
student, Annette Gulati, had a
craft, “Leaf Coaster” accepted by Highlights
for Children. (Also a class
writing.) And
student Joni Reijonen wrote: Shake
It Up Baby Butter was recently published in the November 2007 issue of Fandangle,*
along with its companion fiction story, Almost Flying… Make Your Name was
published in the March 2007 issue of WeeOnes
Magazine… Beautiful Barrettes was published in the December 2006 issue of
Fandangle. (Fandangle,
Joni reports, will soon cease publication.) Pam
Tuck
had wonderful news. She won the Low
& Lee “New Voices Award” for a picture book script—and will have a
contract! YOU
don’t have to be one of my students to be featured on my brag board—I just
hear about student success more frequently.
Do email your sales and I’ll promote you, too! LINKS: CHECK
OUT
my classes for children's writers. The
fees have gone up a bit on all of them, but they now all come with an email copy
of my market list: "Write
Short Stories for Children": http://universalclass.com/arts/creativewriting/classes/2371.htm
"Children's
Fiction: In-Depth Plotting": http://universalclass.com/arts/creativewriting/classes/3499.htm
AND
MY NEW ONE "Write Tidbits for Tots through Teens": http://home.universalclass.com/i/crn/5609.htm
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