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CHILDREN'S WRITERS MARKETPLACE
May 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.
NOTE: My server's email system went down one day and in doing so,
corrupted the database for my OE box. A friend is still trying to retrieve my
old messages, but it does not look hopeful. Luckily, I had most of the work done
on the column before it happened. If you did have an email to me I haven't
answered (or isn't addressed here), please email again. And of course, I'm
promising myself to back up email all the time. We'll see if I keep the
resolution, but I will try!
FROM MY MAIL:
Both Partners and Story Mates have new theme lists. You can get
them by email. Norma Plank is the editor at Partners. Her email address
is normap@clp.org. Crystal Shank is the
editor at Story Mates. Her email address is crystals@clp.org. Remember that these
publications are from one of the stricter Mennonite religions. Ask for their
guidelines and other material that will help you understand their special needs.
You will be required to fill out a statement of faith.
Leader in the Church School Today, 201 Eighth Avenue, Nashville TN 37203
no longer is using games or puzzles aimed at children. They do still use
material written for Christian education leaders and pastors in Sunday schools,
including shorts. Jill S. Reddig is editor of this United Methodist publication.
Susan Reith Swan now is editor at Story Friends, 616 Walnut Avenue,
Scottdale PA 15683. This Mennonite publication buys fiction of 300 to 800 words
for children 4 to 9, articles 300-500 words. They pay .03 to .05 word on
acceptance for 1st and reprint rights. Likes variety in poems, from long story
poems down to four-liners. Website: www.mph.org.
Elaina Meyers now is the editor at Kidz Chat (formerly
R-A-D-A-R). They are using a lot of reprint material from old issues--I
just got a contract for a short story of mine. They are buying what is called
"repeating rights" so they can use it without paying yet another time. They are
paying more than they did for first rights. The author(s) also are free to sell
one-time rights elsewhere. I asked Ms. Meyers about their buying policy and she
responded, " Right now I am buying very little new material for Kidz Chat, but I
do appreciate you letting me know of your willingness to work on assignment."
Some of the other publications at Standard Publishing are still buying
new material. Website: http://www.standardpub.com.
(The above isn't ideal, but more and more religious publishers are re-buying
stories they used earlier, either on a policy like this or as straight reprint
rights for half the fee they originally paid--Our Little Friend and
Primary Treasure are doing this for at least part of their stories. But
these publications are paying for the reprints, and so many publications have
gone under that I personally feel it's worth the effort to work with
them.)
W.O.W. (WILD OUTDOOR WORLD), 44 N Last Chance Gulch Suites 16-20, P.O.
Box 1329, Helena MT 59624 is pending new ownership and is not accepting material
at this time.
Youth and Christian Education Leadership, P.O. Box 2250, Cleveland TN
37323: Ann Steely, Editorial Assistant. This religious teen publication wants a
Christian emphasis to all material.
Check Jon Bard's guide for writing children's books at http://wz.com/arts/WritingChildrensBooks.html
NEW & CHANGES:
Brio has now become a "younger sister" publication. Information about the
"big sister" follows. Brio is at 8605 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs CO
80920: Susie Shellenberger. This religious publication is for teen girls of
13-15. They use articles of 800 to 1000 words, fiction of 1200 to 2000 words.
Pay is .08 to .15 words. It covers teen topics with an emphasis on Christian
values. Works approx. 8 mo. ahead on seasonal materials. They still prefer 1st
rights material only. Most nonfiction is assigned and they do not use puzzles.
Website: www.family.org.
Beyond is the big sister magazine. It, too, is at 8605 Explorer Drive,
Colorado Springs CO 80920: Susie Shellenberger, Editor. For teenage girls from
16 to the first year of college. It wants articles that give girls spiritual
guidance. Pays .08 to .15 word. Website: www.family.org.
Youth Update, 28 W Liberty Street, Cincinnati OH 45210-1298: Carol Ann
Morrow, Editor. This Catholic publication buys 2200-2300 word articles and pays
$350-$400. Tip: Write for a 15-year-old with a C+ average. Email: CarolAnn@americancatholic.org.
Website: http://www.AmericanCatholic.org.
US Youth Soccer, 1710 Douglas Dr. N., Suite 201, Golden Valley MN 55422.
This magazine is aimed at amateur soccer plays from 6-13 and their families. It will contain
soccer profiles, player tips and coaching drills, puzzles, games and news. Send
queries and clips by email to Joseph Oberle, Publications Editor @ Joe@tpgsports.com. Pays $300 to $500,
plus expenses, depending on experience. Rights have not been determined.
Website: www.tpgsports.com.
Shine (formerly Touch) now is called Shine Brightly. The
address is PO Box 7259, Grand Rapids MI 49510. Sara Lynne Hilton is Managing
Editor. This magazine is for GEMS Girls' Club members of 9-14. Email: sara@gemsgc.org. Website: www.gospelcom.net/gems. (The
actual website still lists Touch as the magazine name, but it has been retitled
for a long time!)
Primedia has suspended publication of Teen with the May issue.
The link to find guidelines and themes at the Cobblestone Group is
http://www.cobblestonepub.com/pages/writersguidelines.html
New Moon , P.O. Box 3620, Duluth MN 55803: Deb Mylin, Managing Editor.
This secular publication for girls 8 to 14 has a feminist slant. They use more
nonfiction than fiction, but are open to it. About 600 words for nonfiction,
fiction of 900-1200. Pays .04-. 08 word for 1st or reprint rights (prefer 1st).
Columns open to freelancers are "Her Story" and "Women's Work." Also uses
puzzles, games, and jokes. Email: girl@newmoon.org. Website: Email:
girl@newmoon.org. Website: http://www.newmoon.org. They prefer email queries and
submissions.
Parent.Teen has been incorporated into Parents Press.
Fantasy & Science Fiction, P O Box 3447, Hoboken NJ 07030: Gordon Van
Gelder, Editor. This magazine is geared toward young adult age readers and
adults. Pays .05-. 08 per word on acceptance for 1st NA and foreign
serial rights + an option on anthology rights. Send entire manuscript with SASE.
No simultaneous submissions.
Faith Kids Books, Cook Communications Ministries, 4050 Lee Vance View,
Colorado Springs CO 80918: Mary McNeil, Assoc. Acquisitions Editor; Heather
Gemmen, Sr. Editor. Faith Kids Books publishes inspirational works for children,
ages 1-12, with a strong underlying Christian theme or clearly stated biblical
value, designed to foster spiritual growth in children and positive interaction
between parent and child. Currently emphasizing picture books, books for the
very young (under 4). De-emphasizing fiction for 8-16-year-olds. They are
interested in Bible stories, devotionals, and picture books on nonfiction
topics, biography and younger children's fiction.
Wendy Lamb Books (division of Random House), 1540 Broadway, New
York NY 10036 is no longer accepting unsolicited picture book manuscripts. They
will accept queries for Young Adult and middle grade fiction.
Philomel Books, Penguin Putnam, 345 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014 now
requests writers send queries for picture books, chapter books, easy-readers,
and middle grade books. Submit the first chapter for middle grade and Young
Adult novels.
Teaching & Learning Company, 1204 Buchanan St., PO Box 10, Carthage
IL 62321-0010: Jill Day, Vice President of Production. This education publisher
uses teaching resources in the form of supplementary/idea books. Grades K-8.
They especially need math for all grade levels and primary science material.
They are not interested in any picture books or storybooks. Submit table of
contents, introduction, 3 sample chapters and SASE. They pay on a royalty
basis.
Zondervan, HarperCollins Publishers , 5300 Patterson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
MI 49530-0002: Manuscript Review Editor. Among other religious titles, this
publisher does children and juvenile material. They pay on a royalty basis. They
want an outline and 1 sample chapter FAXED (only). E-Mail: zpub@zondervan.com Website: www.zondervan.com
Group Publishing, Inc ., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland CO 80538: Kerri
Loesche, Editorial Assistant. This is another religious publishing house that
uses children's material. See their guidelines at www.grouppublishing.com.
Holiday House Inc., 425 Madison Ave., New York NY 10017: Suzanne
Reinoehl, Associate Editor. This secular house publishes children's and young
adult books for school and library markets. They have a commitment to publishing
first-time authors and illustrators. Picture books through young adult material,
both fiction and nonfiction. They do not use board books or novelty books. They
currently emphasize literary middle-grade novels and they are looking for
biography and humor, as well. Query with SASE.
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 255 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids MI
49503: Judy Zylstra, Editor. They want books for children (and adults) that deal
with spiritual themes in a non-preachy way. Currently emphasizing picture books
and picture book biographies, middle grade and YA novels. They are
de-emphasizing YA biographies and retellings of Bible stories. Send complete
manuscripts for picture books and novels or biographies under 200 pages. For
longer books, send a query letter and 3-4 sample chapters. Plus SASE.
Concordia Publishing House, 3558 S Jefferson Ave., St. Louis MO
63118-3968: Jane Wilke, Acquisitions Editor for children's books and teaching
resources. This publisher no longer publishes fiction.
Bible curriculum writers (preschool through preteen) might want to query
(with resume) at Christian Ed. Publishers, PO Box 26639, San Diego CA
92196. Dr. Lon Ackelson, Senior Editor is in charge of acquisitions. E-Mail:
lackelson@aol.com. Website: www.christianedwarehouse.com.
BIG CHEERS GO OUT TO:
Pam Calvert has a story, "The Flying Saucer" at StoryPlus.com.
There's a great photo of Pam and her family at the site, too. http://starbulletin.com/2002/04/14/features/index1.html
Lily Erlic's book, "Read-to-Me Rhymes" is at McGraw-Hill Children's
Publishing site. Look it up at http://www.mhteachers.com/cgi-bin/detail.cgi?isbn=1-57029-305-8.
Do check out Dotti Enderle's page at http://www.dottienderle.com/. She
is the author of the Fortune Tellers Club series (Llewellyn Worldwide
Ltd.) The first volume is available through Amazon.com.
Way to go, writers!
FROM YOU (THANK YOU!):
Janni writes that the link I had for Little Crow Toys now forwards one
to eBay and an adult content pop-up. Not a children's market at this point!
From Geary (see his letter below with a request for information about another
publisher) comes the information that Thomas Nelson Publishers does not
accept unsolicited manuscripts.
Barbara (a student) answered my question last month about Lighthouse
without knowing I had it, and before the issue came out. Later I heard from
column reader, Guy with the same news: Due to expenses, Lighthouse ceased
publication in December. It's sad that writers can't afford to subscribe to all
the publications that might be great markets. And for small magazines, like
Lighthouse, they need the actual subscriptions because there's no advertising
base. I know I can't afford to subscribe to all "little" magazines, but perhaps
if we all chose one more this year it will help keep someone afloat.
Not-so-great news came from Kathleen. I'd heard the rumors, but hoped they
weren't true. Kathleen heard from Donna Borst, Periodical Director for Good
Apple Publications. Donna wrote: "The new owners of Frank Schaffer, Good
Apple and Totline have elected to discontinue all of the magazines.
This includes Schooldays, Challenge, Oasis, Good Apple Magazine,
Lollipops and Totline." The last issues will be this May/June. As
reported in earlier issues, Shining Star was discontinued earlier this
year.
From Mary, the news comes that Alternative Family Magazine probably
became Proud Parenting a while back. It, too, folded, and subscriptions
were applied to And Baby, another gay/lesbian parenting magazine. I have
no information on And Baby. Checking the Proud Parenting website,
I could find nothing about any magazines. For those interested, the website it
http://ProudParenting.com/. My
attempts to reach the former AFM website brought up a Spanish site.
Mary also sent the word that Passport is not accepting material until
2005. Which reminded me to check if I'd updated that Celebrate also has
its 3-year cycle complete and they do, so I'd say 2004 for them.
From Donna B., in answer to a "help" request last month: For the reader who
asked about a conference in KS/MO in your April update, the Missouri chapter of
SCBWI holds its annual conference in early November in the St. Louis area
(actually, in Cottleville which is west of the city, out St. Charles way). Your
reader can check www.scbwi.org for a list of
SCBWI sponsored conferences, including our Missouri annual conference. We
also present a spring workshop on the first Saturday in May (3-hour event on one
topic) and two informal meetings (tentatively scheduled for February and
August). Perhaps your reader would be able to join us at the conference in
November. S/he may also find other SCBWI events in Kansas posted at the
website.
D.R. also responded with this information for the Eastern KS/MO areas:
Kansas: Writers Workshop in Science Fiction. Lawrence, KS., June 23-
July 7. Reserve by May 31. Contact: James Gunn, English Dept, University of
Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045. (785) 864-3380 Email: jgunn@ku.edu
Web site: www.falcon.cc.ukans.edu/~sfcenter
Columbia, MO: American Christian Writers Conference. August 3.
Contact: Reg A. Forder, P.O. Box 110390, Nashville, TN 37222 (800) 219-7483.
Email: regaforder@aol.com Website: www.acwriters.com
Jefferson City, MO: Capital Ideas. April 19-20. Contact: Vicki Cox,
Missouri Writers Guild, P.O. Box 1895, Lebanon, MO 65536. Email: vcox01@aol.com
INTERESTING SITES THIS MONTH:
Anyone interested, please check out my online classes, "Write Short
Stories for Children." This is basic instruction and is open to all. You can
see it at: http://universalclass.com/i/arts/creativewriting/classes/2371.htm.
More experienced writers might want to check out "Children's Fiction: In
Depth Plotting." This course requires my permission. Email me for details.
It costs more than "Write Short Stories for Children," but offers more in-depth
critique. (Four or five instead of one). Participants in this one also get a
copy of my market listings. The url is http://universalclass.com/i/arts/creativewriting/classes/3499.htm
Write4Kids has "Tips on Selling Your Work to Magazines" at http://write4kids.com/mags.html.
Nonetheless Press has a new weblink and the press is much more active. I
find that on Macintosh, one needs system X to view it--which I don't yet have.
Not sure which flash player PC requires. For those who can use it, check out
this quality subsidy publisher. http://www.nonethelesspress.com/
CONTESTS:
Canadians, check out the Norma Fleck Award for a Canadian Children's
Nonfiction Book at Website: www.bookcentre.ca. This big dollar
award is open for nominations of Canadian authors who have had books published
between May 1, 2001 and April 30, 2002.
EDITOR NEEDED: A Freelance Children's Acquisition Editor is being sought.
Experience required. email: info@FiveStarPublications.com
HELP!
I'm still looking for current information on the following magazines:
Animals and You (England), BIG! (England), Black Child
(US), Blender (US), Boys' Illustrated (US), Brownie
(England), Children's Story Scripts (US), Communique Group (US),
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 Rider (US), Young
Scholar (US), The Young Soldier (Canada), Youth Focus
(US)
CONFERENCES & WORKSHOPS:
This is a late-breaking one, but I'll include it just in case someone can
make it. Kansas Press Women will meet in Topeka on May 3 at AmeriSuites,
6021 SW 6th Avenue (west from 6th & Wanamaker).
Keynote speaker will be Mary Kay Blakely, a plaintiff in Tasaini v. NY times, a
case decided in favor of the freelances. There also will be programs on
"Copyright & Legal Issues," a PR panel on "How to Stay Cool When You're in
the Hot Seat," break-outs on "Open Government," and several on "Breaking into
Print," by two editors, a playwright, historian and author and a freelance
writer and public commentator. "Calamity Jane," alias Joyce Thierer, Admire,
will entertain at the buffet luncheon. For more information, call 785-272-8681;
ext. 250 or email snovak@kshs.org.
The 18th Annual Highlights Foundation Writing for Children's
Workshop will be held at Chautauqua NY from July 13-July 20. For more
information check www.highlightsfoundation.org or
email contact@highlightsfoundation.org.
Write4Kids Bootcamp will be in Denver CO June 20-23, 2000 at the Hampton
Inn & Suites in the Cherry Creek area. Contact Linda White at CABootcamp@aol.com for more
information.
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/.) .
(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,
I was surfing the net looking to see what children's publishers are buying
and came across your site. I'm a literary agent with 19 children's books. They
are all tied into to a major animation house and a couple of the series are in
production. I am looking to contact three publishers and thought you might
suggest the best three. Any ideas about who is offering the most and doing the
best distribution.
Thanks.
Randa
Dear Randa:
I will open this to readers--who knows, there may be another agent out there
who might have ideas. I've never worked with animated material so I'm afraid I
can't be of much help.
Good luck.
Margaret
Dear Margaret:
First, thanks for all of your help. I have written a self-help book
(rough--10,000 words) based on my experience as a teacher, social worker and
counselor at a juvenile facility. I have also incorporated my Christian
principles into the book. I found about 10 submission sites, from Writer's
Digest 2000 that might be appropriate for my type of book. Do you know of any
more good publishers that I might investigate.
Thanks,
Geary
Dear Geary:
Good luck with the project. I'll throw ideas for publishers open to the
readers. I'd suggest concentrating on religious publishers only so you might
want to check Sally Stuart's market directory. She lists many publishers not
included in WD. Her link is http://www.stuartmarket.com/.
I would also suggest at least having your first few chapters totally polished
and ready to go before sending in a query on any book.
Margaret
Dear Margaret:
I submitted a manuscript to Thomas Nelson Publishers. They informed me that
they do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. However, they game me the name of
Xulon Press that might be helpful. Do you know anything about Xulon Press?
Geary
Hi, again, Geary.
I have no information about them--does anyone? Thomas Nelson is widely
respected, though, so I think they would recommend only quality publishers. Let
us know if you find out more also.
Thanks for writing.
Margaret
MAY TIP: End-of-school programs, picnics in the park, baseball and other
"summer's almost here" topics should do well almost every year. Don't forget to
keep an eye out for today's summer sports. One interesting topic locally would
be a year-round outdoor ice rink. Skateboarding roller-blades are still strong
in this area, but guess what my grandkids are doing as the weather warms. Riding
their bikes--so again, don't forget the old summer interests for kids. Why not
do a couple of articles on summer fun topics--or incorporate popular activities
into your stories?
Please note that ordering a copy of my market list using Paypal has gone
up. They now charge me .43 when I take in $4.50. You can send a check or money
order and still get the list at $4.50. Thanks for understanding.
TO ORDER my complete 350+ Children's Writers magazine market list (paying
markets ONLY; approx. 1/3 are Christian markets): send $4.50 in check or money
order or $5.00 by Paypal for an email copy; $7.75 ($8.75 outside US) for print
snail mail copy. Please, no Paypal payments on these. If you cannot send funds
drawn on an actual U.S. bank, please send an International Money order. 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.
Click here to view April's Children's Writers Marketplace
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