CHILDREN'S WRITERS MARKETPLACE

November 2006

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.

THANK YOU for all the care and understanding while my mom was so ill.  She’s still under threat of recurring cancer, but her heart surgery went well, and most of her follow-up appointments are now on a 6-month schedule.  Perhaps I now will have time to keep the column on a more ongoing basis.  (Infamous last words?  Let’s hope not!

To Nancy Kopp for finding a glitch in my SHINE BRIGHTLY listing.  The correct information is: SHINE BRIGHTLY, PO Box 87334, Canton MI 48187:  Sara Lynne Hilton, Senior Editor. This religious publication fiction of 400-900 words for girls 9 to 14 and nonfiction of 100-400 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/

TAKES EMAIL SUBMISSIONS:

Youngbucksoutdoors.com, PO Box 244022, Montgomery AL 36124: Dockery Austin, Managing Editor. Now an online publication only.  Age range from 7 to adult.  It uses stories and articles about the outdoors and nature.  Stories should interest all age groups. Fiction and nonfiction to 500 words.  Uses puzzles. Pays varying rates on publication for 1^st rights. Website: www.youngbucksoutdoors.com Query with details about photo support to daustin@buckmaster.com.  Accepts online submissions.

YOUNG CHRISTIAN, 2600 Petersborough St., Herndon VA 20171: Shannon Bridget Murphy, Editor. Articles 500-2000 words, fiction 500-2000 words.  For children and young adults.  Uses poetry and fillers.  Pays .02-.05 word on acceptance for 1 st or one-time rights.  Takes email submissions.. Reprints accepted. Website: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/youngchristianmagazine Email: younchristianmagazine@yahoo.com

TOTAL READER, 3214 50^th St. Court NW, suite 200, Gig Harbor WA 98335: Karie Youngdahl, Content Manager.  Subscription online reading program that provides assessment and reading practices for grades 3-12.  They want high-interest, kid appropriate fiction for grades 6-12; high-level nonfiction for grades 3-5.  200-1200 words.  Pays $25-$75.  Send manuscripts to trsubmissions@edgate.com.  Website: www.totalreader.com.

BAREFOOT FOR KIDS, PO Box 861161, St. Augustine FL 32086: Jeanne Gowen Dennis. Religious publication for kids 6-12. Articles 300-500 words; fiction 300-900 words, book reviews 25-250 words, poetry 4-12 lines, also uses fillers and puzzles.  Pay is .005 per word on publication—even if the website says no pay.  NIV or children’s NIV. Email: kids@barefootonholyground.com Website: www.barefootforkids.com

(Aust) CHALLENGE, P.O. Box 1024, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia: Meredith Costain, Fiction Editor; Petra Poupa, Articles Editor.  Middle readers & young adults.  Fiction 400-1000 words; nonfiction 200-600 words.  Pays $80-$200 Australian for 1^st Australian Serial Rights.  THEME BASED: CHECK WEBSITE! Email: magazines@pearsoned.com.au.  Now accepts email or disk submissions. Website: www.pearsoned.com.au/schools.

LIVING MY FAITH (formerly CHALLENGE), 1300 N. Meacham Road, Schaumburg IL 60173-4888: Mel Walker, Youth Editor.  This conservative religious devotional booklet uses fiction and nonfiction for junior high students.  500-1200 words.   They use material by teens. Guidelines online.  Email submissions okay to: mwalker@garbc.org Website: www.rbpstudentministries.org/contribute.

THE CONQUEROR, General Youth Division, United Pentecostal Church International, 8855 Dunn Rd., Hazelwood MO 63042-2299: Cindy Sorrels, Administrative Secretary. This religious magazine for youth 12-21 uses fiction and nonfiction of 250-1250 words.  Pays .065 per word for varying rights. They use traditional poetry and some fillers. Email submissions okay: csorrels@upci.org

CURRENT SCIENCE, 200 First Stanford Place, Stanford CT 06912-0034: Hugh Westrup, Submissions Editor.  This magazine uses today’s news to make science (life, earth and physical science, health and technology) relevant to students in grades 6-10.  Articles 800-1600.  Query with published clips.  Considers electronic submissions.  Pays ? on publication.  Email: science@weeklyreader.com. Website: www.weeklyreader.com

(AUSTRALIA) LONGMAN MAGAZINES, PO Box 1024, South Melbourne Victoria 3205 Australia: Debbie Lombardo, Editorial Contact. This publisher produces quarterly educational magazines: COMET (12-15) fiction & nonfiction; CHALLENGE (10-13) fiction & nonfiction; EXPLORE (8-10) fiction 1000/nonfiction 200-800; EXPLORE (8-10) fiction to 800; nonfiction 200-600; COMET (5-7) fiction & nonfiction 50-200 words. Buy all rights; pay $80-$300.  Email submissions okay: magazines@pearsoned.com.au Website has guidelines and upcoming themes: http://www.longman.com.au/magazines/index.html

DRAGONFLY SPIRIT: www.dragonflyspirit.com/submissions.html This online magazine uses fiction for   4-14 year olds; lengths vary. 1^st rights. Pays .01 a word, to $10 max.  Copy/paste submissions go to submissions@dragonflyspirit.com

(Australia) EXPLORE. 95 Coventry St., South Melbourne VIC Australia.  Meedith Costain, Fiction Editor; Petra Poupa, Articles Editor.  Middle readers; theme-based publication.  Fiction of 400-1000 words; nonfiction of 200-600 words.  Pays $80-$220 Australian for 1^st Australian rights on publication. Email: magazines@ pearsoned.com.au. Website: www.pearsoned.com.au/schools.

GUIDE, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown MD 21740: Randy Fishell, Editor. This Seventh Day Adventist publication uses TRUE stories only and no longer wants anything in fictional format, for young people 10 to 14--with the emphasis on the older age level. They pay $25-125 per word on acceptance for stories 750-1500 words for 1st or reprint rights--pay tends to go up after you have sold them a few things. They use puzzles and games; want much the same as secular, newsstand magazines and books publish. Currently wanting true action/adventure and Christian humor. Does not use poetry. Wants sparkling humor and adventure stories. Prefers electronic submissions. Email submissions okay guide@rhpa.org.: Guidelines at: http://www.guidemagazine.org/aboutguide/writersguidelines.asp.  Website: www.guidemagazine.org  (Note: Guide also has a downloadable sample issue.)

RECREATIONAL ICE SKATING, 355 West Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove IL 60089. This special interest publication uses articles, puzzles and games for young people and adults. E-mail preferred: skateisi@aol.com

(U.K.) SHOUT: http://www.shoutmag.co.uk/ Pays 50 quid for true stories from teens.  Not sure they use anything but U.K., and maybe just Scotland.

LIVING, 1251 Virginia Ave, Harrisonburg VA 22802: Melodie Davis, Editor. This Mennonite newspaper uses a teen story occasionally, but hardly ever any fiction. Email: MelodieMD@aol.com

TAKES EMAIL QUERIES: (Write if you know if any of these take email submissions)

AMERICAN CHEERLEADER/AMERICAN CHEERLEADER JUNIOR (now combined), 110 William St., 23^rd Floor, New York NY 10038: Sheila Noone, Editorial Director. Nonfiction, 750-2000 words, for teen girls about tryouts, camps, competition, plus fitness, academics, community service. QUERY WITH PUBLISHD CLIPS! Electronic queries OK. Pays $200-350 on publication for all rights. Website: www.americancheerleader.com. Email: snoone@lifestylemedia.com

APPLESEEDS, 140 E 83^rd St., New York NY 10028: Susan Buckley, Editor. This social studies (as opposed to history) publication from Cobblestone wants history, geography, culture for 3^rd and 4^th grade children.  Now say they use “very little fiction,” but nonfiction is mostly wanted. As with all Cobblestone publications, writers should query after obtaining their theme lists.  QUERY ONLY--email queries preferred.  300-700 words.  Pay is comparable to the other publications. Email: swbuc@aol.com. Website: http://www.cobblestonepub.com

RIOT, Suite 1703, 230 West 41^st St., New York NY 10012: Submissions Editor.  This new magazine for boys 8-14 is humorous, edgy with the gross-out humor tween boys love.  They want article queries only.  Fiction may be science fiction, fantasy or about superheroes or sports.  Pay varies. Email queries to publishinginfo@riot.com.

STUDENT LEADER (formerly Florida Leader), P O Box 14081, Gainesville FL 32604-2081: John Lamothe, Associate Editor. High school & pre-college youth publication. Pays to $75 for nonfiction 200-1000 words. 1st NA or reprint. Pays students & 1st time writers with copies.  Has an online query form. E-mail: oxendine@compuserve.com. Website & online issue: http://www.studentleader.com.

IN MY MAIL:

From Tiffany Hoffman at Highlights for Children: The long Fall Wish List (Thanks so much for sharing this information, Tiffany!):

Highlights Fall Wish List 2006

Kim Griswell, Coordinating Editor

Adventure

Articles that feature adventurous travel. Not the “family vacation” kind of thing, unless your family goes to study turtles in the Gal‡pagos Islands, as does the author of “Stars and Sea Lions” (June 2006). We prefer articles that feature kids in some way. Publishable-quality photos are almost essential for these articles, since it would be difficult (or impossible) for us to acquire photos if the writer couldn’t provide them. Please remember that even adventure articles need a focus—not simply “We went here and did this,” but something that reveals the meaning behind the travel or the reason for the adventure, etc., 750 words maximum.

Marileta Robinson, Senior Editor

Fiction for Young Readers

We need humorous stories written for beginning readers, 500 words maximum.

Carolyn Yoder, Senior Editor

World Cultures

*        Intimate looks at other peoples and their traditions—particularly in northern and

Southern Africa, Asia (not India), Europe, Canada, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

(Articles on children.)

*        Holidays –first person.

U.S. History

*        Modern history (20th century), particularly the Civil Rights movement

*        Holidays, particularly Christmas and Thanksgiving

*        Articles that touch on the diversity of people in the United States

*        Biographies of U.S. subjects as children

*        Anecdotal articles on George Washington and Abraham Lincoln

*        Articles on patriotic themes

*        HUMOROUS articles on U.S. history (review back issues for articles on Lincoln and humor, Washington and his teeth, Jefferson getting his life mask, and Ben Franklin and his love of exercise)

JudyBurke, Senior Editor

Fiction for 8- to 12-year-olds

We’re currently looking for funny stories with boy protagonists, Easter stories (no Easter bunnies, please), Kwanzaa stories, Ramadan stories, Hanukkah stories, Passover stories, and contemporary stories set in foreign countries, 800 words maximum.

One-Page Activities

We’re interested in 300-word activities of all kinds. At this time, we’re especially interested in indoor and outdoor games that involve exercise, creativity, and/or humor.

Sports

We could especially use profiles of contemporary female athletes. We’re always interested in sports articles that focus either on a known athlete (a squeaky-clean one), on the development of specific skills (for example, shooting a basketball), or on the challenges faced by athletes of any kind (for example, staying positive when your team is losing). Successful articles often include quotes gained from personal interviews with athletes or experts and useful tips for readers who play that sport, 800 words maximum.

Andy Boyles, Science Editor

Science and Nature Articles

We put a high value on articles that show science as a process—that is, articles that follow a scientist or group of scientists as they try to solve one of nature’s mysteries or that show someone of elementary-school age engaging with nature in a healthy, inquisitive way.

We are always looking for science articles about animals that are of high interest to kids. For example, an article might follow researchers who study cougars or a young person who is involved with horses. The article may cover a long period of time or tell the adventures of one day, but information about the animals and/or the research should arise naturally in the course of the action, so our readers will learn something about both.

Also, we are in need of short Science Corner pieces that inspire young readers to explore the science in their everyday environment or to do a simple activity or experiment. See a recent issue for the format. We also look for safe, fun one-page experiments (400 words or fewer) more in-depth than those found in the Science Corner. These activities should introduce kids to some greater concept and require minimal parental involvement.

We currently have enough articles about birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects (especially bees), and volcanoes. Having said that, a clear storyline that reveals the process of science is a strong component. If we received a good story about a scientist studying birds that live on a volcano and eat reptiles that have a symbiotic relationship with amphibians that eat insects (even bees), we’d probably buy it.

Our guidelines state that our word limit is 800, but articles that are even shorter (350-400 words) are especially welcome as possible one-page features. Interesting approaches to botany, chemistry, anatomy, and geology and the earth sciences, are welcome.

Jo‘lle Dujardin, Associate Editor

Crafts

We have a need for original crafts that encourage play, such as toys, costumes, and games, as well as open-ended art projects.  We’re also seeking crafts that are appealing to boys, holiday crafts, and crafts from various cultures.

Younger Nonfiction

Younger nonfiction should be written for readers ages 4-8 and should not exceed 450 words. Things we’re looking for include first-person accounts of fieldwork, photo essays, arts stories, accessible biographies of key historical figures, ancient history, high-interest animals, details from urban life (workers, transportation, etc.). All articles should have a clear focus and relevance to young kids.

Gallant Kids

We’re looking for leads or articles about kids who take an active role in making positive changes in their communities. Articles should be 350 words or fewer, and the child featured should be no older than 13.

Linda Rose, Assistant Editor

Full-Page Puzzle Activities

On the inside-back cover of each issue, we publish a large visual puzzle of some sort.  We like to vary the kind of puzzle presented here, and we’re always looking for fresh ideas that appeal to a variety of readers and abilities. Often this page offers several activities within one (for example, using one illustration for a maze, a few riddles, a “find the...” puzzle, etc.). Submissions to this area ideally include detailed art directions/notes, as well as succinct and easily understood activity directions for the reader. (Artwork or photos do not need to be submitted with the manuscript but are welcome if you have them.)

Tiffany Hoffman, Editorial Intern

Short Activities

We’re looking for short puzzles, activities, teasers, and interesting tidbits to go on our mixed pages. We are especially interested in math puzzles--that do not resemble school activities--and games of all kinds. We do not encourage writing in our magazine, so please do not submit activities that would require children to write or draw on the page.

Tips and Resources

Highlights recommends reviewing the magazine’s contributor guidelines available on www.Highlights.com in the About Us section. Also, it can be helpful to read through back issues, which can be found at most local libraries. For examples of stories, articles, and crafts we have published in the past, visit www.HighlightsKids.com, click on “Fun Finder” in the left column, then peruse “Highlights Stories” under Story Soup, “Science Stories” under Science in Action, and “Crafts” under Express Yourself.

From the Highlights Foundation:

If we are correct and you are serious about writing for children, you may want to know about these Founders Workshops. I believe they will aid you in reaching your goals and realizing your dreams.

Our workshop participants leave saying things like ". . . fabulous . . . exceptional . . . great facilitator . . . magical . . . wonderful." And with only eight to fifteen participants in each workshop, you can be assured that you will receive individualized attention.

Don't miss

*    being one of a small number of participants in each workshop; </O:P>

*    enjoying an environment so special that it's guaranteed to foster the creative flow;

*    receiving personal mentoring from a respected professional;

*    living in an individual cabin;

*    eating delicious meals with your classmates and leaders;

*    and, most importantly, growing as a writer or illustrator!

NEW Highlights Foundation Novel Mentorship Program

We are proud to announce a new program specifically designed for writers of middle-grade and young-adult novels. Our Novel Mentorship Program offers the one-on-one attention to be found in degree programs, but without additional academic requirements, lengthy time commitments, or prohibitive financial investments. Our aim is to focus on a specific work in progress, moving a novel to the next level, in preparation for submission to agents or publishers.

The Highlights Foundation Novel Mentorship Program

www.highlightsfoundation.org

Program Faculty: Carolyn Coman, acclaimed novelist for children and young adults, and Jane Resh Thomas, author of fifteen published and contracted books, including picture books, short fiction, middle-grade fiction, and biography. Both have been faculty members of the Vermont College MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults Program, and will be on the faculty of Hamline University's new MFA program in 2007.

December 10-16 * Limited to 8 Participants

NOTE: The deadline to register is October 15.

FOUNDERS WORKSHOPS

For a preview of all scheduled workshops, visit

www.highlightsfoundation.org

FALL 2006WORKSHOPS

The Hero's Journey: Bringing the Power of Mythic Structure to Your Writing

www.highlightsfoundation.org

Workshop Leaders: Marileta Robinson, senior editor of Highlights for Children, and Kim T. Griswell, coordinating editor of Highlights for Children

October 19-22 * Tuition: $595 * Limited to 12 Participants

Writing Novels for Young Adults

www.highlightsfoundation.org

Workshop Leader: Rich Wallace, author

October 26-29 * Tuition: $895 * Limited to 8 Participants

A Crash Course in the Business of Children's Publishing

www.highlightsfoundation.org

Workshop Leader: Clay Winters, president of Boyds Mills Press

Guest Faculty: Kent Brown, editor in chief of Highlights for Children and publisher of Boyds Mills Press; Larry Rosler, editorial director of Boyds Mills Press; Tim Gillner, art director of Boyds Mills Press; Kim T. Griswell, coordinating editor of Highlights for Children; and Marileta Robinson, senior editor of Highlights for Children

November 2-5 * Tuition: $595 * Limited to 15 Participants

Writing Fiction for Children's Magazines

www.highlightsfoundation.org

Workshop Leaders: Paula Morrow, children's literature specialist for twenty-five years, and Marileta Robinson, senior editor of Highlights for Children

November 10-12 * Tuition: $495 * Limited to 12 Participants

Writing Your First Novel

www.highlightsfoundation.org

Workshop Leader: Sandy Asher, recipient of the National Jewish Book Award

Guest Faculty: Wendy Schmalz, a literary agent with twenty-five years' experience

November 16-19 * Tuition: $895 * Limited to 12 Participants

SPRING 2007 WORKSHOPS

NEW Writing About Sports

www.highlightsfoundation.org

Workshop Leaders: Rich Wallace, author, and Sandra Neil Wallace, writer and TV host

March 15-18 * Tuition: $895 * Limited to 8 Participants

Nonfiction: It's More than Just the Facts!

www.highlightsfoundation.org

Workshop Leader: Carolyn P. Yoder, editor of Calkins Creek Books and author

March 29-April 1 * Tuition: $995 * Limited to 10 Participants

Writing from Nature: Blazing a Trail from Field Journal to Publication

www.highlightsfoundation.org

Workshop Leader: Mark Baldwin, director of education programs of Roger Tory Peterson Institute and author.

Guest Faculty: Andy Boyles, science editor of Highlights for Children;

Lindsay Barrett George, children's book author and illustrator; Paul Kowalczyk, forester; Solon Morse, ecologist and illustrator at Roger Tory Peterson

Institute; Ed Wesely, director of the Butterfly Barn Nature Center

April 18-22 * Tuition: $895 * Limited to 15 Participants

Nonfiction Magazine Writing: Articles That Sell!

www.highlightsfoundation.org

Workshop Leader: Barbara Krasner, author of more than sixty articles published in children's publications.

Guest Faculty: Charles Baker, co-editor of Caliope, former editor of Footsteps

April 26-29 * Tuition: $895 * Limited to 12 Participants

Picture Books A-Z

www.highlightsfoundation.org

Workshop Leader: Juanita Havill, author of sixteen children's books

Guest Faculty: Susan Pearson, editor and author

May 3-6 * Tuition: $895 * Limited to 12 Participants

Writing from the Heart: A Guided Writers' Retreat

www.highlightsfoundation.org

Workshop Leader: Joy Cowley, highly regarded author of the much-loved Mrs. Wishy-Washy and dozens of other popular children's books

June 23-30 * Tuition: $895 * Limited to 12 Participants

(Visit www.highlightsfoundation.org often for new additions.)

CONTACT INFORMATION

Jo Lloyd, Program Assistant

Phone number: (570) 253-1192

E-mail: contact@highlightsfoundation.org for more information or an application

Web site: www.highlightsfoundation.org

I do not know if any of the Founders Workshops are right for you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (570) 253-1192 or feel free to e-mail me at my personal address, davidmcohn@aol.com.

David M. Cohn

The Highlights Foundation

814 Court Street

Honesdale, PA 18431

PS: Just a reminder, the 2007 Writers Workshop at Chautauqua will take place July 14-21. We don't want you to miss out on saving $415 on the tuition for first-time attendees. For moreinformation, and to read about this year's faculty, please visit:

www.highlightsfoundation.org

We do not wish to send you information you do not want. If you do not want to hear from us via e-mail in the future, please click here.

AIM MAGAZINE, P. O. Box 390, Milton WA 98354-0390: Ruth Apilado, Fiction Editor; Nonfiction Editor; Mark Boone, Fiction Editor. This publication is for high school and college students, teachers and some adults. Material of social significance. No religious. 15% of material is aimed at juvenile audience--and some is written by young people. Uses fiction 1000-4000 words, nonfiction 500-2000 words. Pays $15-$25 on publication. Email: mapilado@aol.com  Website: http://www.aimmagazine.org.  WARNING: Website lists that all manuscripts become the property of AIM Magazines.

NEW & CHANGES:

MY FRIEND, 50 St. Paul's Avenue, Boston MA 02130-3495: Contact: Sister Maria Grace Dateno.  For Catholic children ages 7-12.  They want well-written fiction of 600 to 1200 words that grabs imagination and gently teaches a lesson.  Also uses articles 150-900 words.  Pays from $75-$150 for stories and articles, $20-90 for poetry, fillers, puzzles and crafts. Staff writes doctrinal articles and puzzles. Now says no email submissions.  Website: www.myfriendmagazine.com. Guidelines and themes are at http://www.myfriendmagazine.com/contributors.html.

THE MAGAZINE OF FANTASY & SCIENCE FICTION, P O Box 3447, Hoboken NJ 07030: Gordon Van Gelder, Editor.  They use fiction for young adults—don’t get enough science fiction.  Average word length: 25,000 words.  Pays .06-.09 word on acceptance for 1^st NA rights.   Considers reprints.  No electronic submissions. Email: FandSF@aol.com. Website: www.fsfmag.com.

HEALTHY BEGINNINGS no longer is listed at the Bridge-Comm website.  I’ve removed it from my market list.

FLORIDA LEADER is up for sale and no longer publishing.

The email I had for DAVEY AND GOLIATH leads only to a Christian music site.  I’ve left the magazine, but removed the website link from my listing.

CAMPUS LIFE, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream IL 60188: Chris Lutes, Editor. This Christian magazine for high school and early college students uses articles, 750 to 1500 words.  It’s now a series of college guidelines on different studies; see website for list.  No longer lists fiction. Occasionally accepts reprints. Best way to break in is with 1st person experiences or as-told-to 1st person stories. Get theme info and DO query. This is not a beginner’s market. Email: clmag@campuslife.net Website: www.campuslife.net.

BLACKGIRL MAGAZINE has been removed from my market list.  On my last check -- ouch, it’s become a porn site.

I’ve also removed BEYOND CEENTAURI.  All that is at the website is a tribute to the deceased founder, and the email no longer works.

ANIMALS AND YOU (U.K.) is no longer listed at the website

PAYS IN COPIES:

(Australia) LITTLE ANGEL http://www.nextmedia.com.au/magheaders/littleangel.html

(Australia) MANIA http://www.nextmedia.com.au/magheaders/mania.html

(Australia) GIRL POWER: http://www.nextmedia.com.au/magheaders/girlpower.html

TEEN LIGHT: The Teen 2 Teen Christian Magazine, 6118 Bend of River, Dunn NC 28334.  Writers must be 22 years old or younger.  Uses articles, poetry, fillers.  Has a contest.  Also pays in free classes. Submit by email.  Website: www.teenlight.org Email: publisher@teenlight.org

TRANSCENDMAG.COM, 2855 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd., Ste 760-355, Suwanee GA 30024: Quentin Plair, Managing Editor.  Monthly ezine for the African American teen.  Articles 100-5000 words; fiction 100-5000 words, reviews 200 words.  Reprints okay.  Prefers email attachments.  Website:www.transcendmag.com  Email: uvaldes@aol.com

YOUNG GENTLEMAN’S MONTHLY, PO Box 23, West Charleston VT 05872-0023: Sharon White, Editor.  For Christian boys 7-11.  Articles 200-600 words; fiction 200-800 words.  Likes “old-fashioned” stories—moral, character building. Devout Christian/Messianic Jewish based.

Y:L MAGAZINE, P O Box 802684, Dallas TX 75380: Quia Querisma, Publisher and Editor.  Magazine for urban teen girls.  Monthly online (only).  The print edition was cancelled due to lack of funds, and the website was hacked so at the moment they are not “up.”  Check later.  Dating, school, music reviews, fashion and beauty. Follow their guidelines closely & QUERY first.  Queries and submissions to editorial@yl-mag.com.  ONLINE POSTINGS ARE NOT PAID!

FROM YOU (THANK YOU)

To Michelle Rodman for this information: WONDERTIME, Disney Publications, 244 Main St, Northampton MA 01060.  Publication for parents of small children.  They are not open to freelance, but parents with material to share can contact Wondertime Editors at the address above.  They do use activities and crafts.  I have no information about payment. Email: www.wondertime.com

BRAG TIME:

I must plug an anthology that contains three of my stories.  It is entitled “Manhattan Mysteries” and came out of the 2004 Manhattan, Kansas mystery conclave weekend I’ve been promoting here the past two years.  Two of my stories are for children; one is for adults.

Copies are available at Amazon.com:  www.amazon.com or through Claflin Book Store at claflin@interkan.net.   Single copy price is $12.00.  Sales tax will apply, at least for Kansas residents--I’m not sure about non-state residents. Should a bookseller wish to order it, wholesale prices are available at the publisher: KS Publishing, Inc.: www.kspublishinginc.com.

I have an article in the new God Allows U-Turns for Women.  It is available at many Christian bookstores and at www.amazon.com.

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 "Write Tidbits for Tots through Teens": http://home.universalclass.com/i/crn/5609.htm

HELP!

***The link for YOUNG AND ALIVE no longer works.  Help?

***Same on YOUNG DANCER.

***The url I have for TOGETHER no longer lists guidelines.

***The url I have for SMILE takes one to a generic list.  Anyone have one?

***The url I had for the online SETMAG.COM no longer work.  I may be removing this one from my list.  (I’m trying an email first.)

****The guidelines site I had for the Australian SCHOOL Magazine group does not work.  Anyone have it?  Same on NEW ZEALAND SCHOOL JOURNAL.

***The website I had for RIOT requires a membership code.  Anyone have an actual site for this?

***The url I have for REAL FAITH IN LIFE no longer works.  Help?

*** LEAP'S POND is still available at http://www.leapfrog.com/do/findpage?pageKey=home. I cannot find any submission information.  Anyone have it?

***The website I have for Kid Time no longer works.  Help?

***The website I have for Dynamath no longer works.  Anyone have it?

***Does anyone know if Blues Clues uses freelance?

***Dovetail is now listed as a web magazine—does anyone have the url?  This may not be the interfaith magazine I have listed, but I’d like to check it out.

***The website I have for Adventures is not working.  Does anyone have a current site?

***Same on YOUTHLINE U.S.A. And YOUTHWEEKLY.COM brings up a page of non-related topics.

CONGRATULATIONS:

To Jori Reijonen who wrote:

Hi Margaret.  More good news from me.  I just heard today that

Fandangle (a new online children's magazine) has accepted 'Beautiful

Barrettes' and will run it in their December issue.  I wrote

that piece during Lesson 4.  Thanks for all of your help!  Jori

PLEASE HELP with the below.  I will be working over my market list in the next few months, partly trying to do my annual weeding of typos, but also hopefully incorporating any changes others know about.  Please also report any markets you’ve tried and received no response from (after a follow-up query).  With postage going up let’s all save what we can by not submitting to markets that will take us nowhere.

A few more markets I’m hoping someone has current information right now are AMERICAN SKATING WORLD, AMERICA'S HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE, (England) ANIMALS AND YOU, BLACK CHILD, BLAST/KID POWER, CAREERS, CAREER PREVIEW, CHILDREN'S STORY SCRIPTS, CHRISTIAN SCHOOL BUILDER, CLUB KIDSOFT, CONNECT FOR KIDS, THE CRYSTAL BALL, DIMENSIONS, DINOSAURUS, DOGS FOR KIDS, DRAGONFLY, ECS LEARNING SYSTEM, EDGE, FANTASY & SCIENCE FICTION, FF, FIRST OPPORTUNITY, FLUX, FREEZE, FRINGEGOLF, GIRL: FASHION FOR EVERY BODY, BEAUTY FOR EVERY FACE, GIRLS TO THE RESCUE, GLOSSY, GSI, HIGHWAYS, HiP, HOBSON’S CHOICE, HORSEPLAY JUNIOR, H.S. SPORTS, INTERNATIONAL GYMNIST, JOEY MAGAZINE, JUNIOR COURAGE, JUNIOR RIDERS, JUSTINE MAGAZINE, KID PLANET, KIDSPORTS, KIDS TRIBUTE (CANADIAN), KIDS WALL STREET NEWS, KIDS WORLD MAG (CANADIAN), KITE LINES, K MAGAZINE, LACROSSE, LATIN GIRL, LILO AND STITCH, LITERARY CAVALCADE, THE LOOK, MICROZINE, MID-ATLANTIC SOCCER, MY LITTLE MAGAZINE

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:

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 does critiques on a limited basis, depending upon her schedule—and at the moment is taking on only picture book clients.  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.

LETTERS:

Hi, Margaret:

Have you ever tried any of the software programs for writing?  Would you

recommend any?

Thanks,

Jenny

Hi, Jenny.

No, I haven’t used any of these.  Readers, please email me if you have and share your experiences.  I’m sure Jenny isn’t the only one with a question about this.

Margaret

Hi, Margaret.

 The Salvation Army's Edge for Kids magazine will be publishing my recipe "Deep Blue Sea Dessert".  They don't pay but they do send complimentary copies.  After it comes out, am I free to send the recipe elsewhere?  There has been no discussion about rights or contracts. Where can I find more information on rights?

Hope you're having a good summer.

Alice

Hi, Alice.

First of all, congratulations on this sale.  I’ve made a note of the fact that they don’t pay.

I’d advise you to write and ask which rights they purchase.  With no payment, I’m guessing just first or one-time rights.  If so, yes, you will be able to submit it elsewhere.  Instead of offering 1^st N.A. Serial rights, type: Reprint rights: 1^st published in Edge for Kids and the date.

Keep going, and do try paying publications next.

Margaret

Dear Margaret:

The beginning of August, I sent e-mail out asking anyone, living in a foreign country and publishing in the US, how they handle the situation about including a self addressed, "STAMPED" return envelope. So far I did not have a reply. Do you by any chance know about this?

With many greetings from sunny Italy,

Maja.

Hi, Maja.

One postage solution is to look for the markets that accept email submissions.  Those are noted on the market list (where I know that they do).  Otherwise, I think you can still buy international money coupons  (can't remember what they're called, but just think IRC coupons) at post offices.  When I've submitted to Canadian markets, I've even sent cash or found Canadian stamps to buy and have on hand.

I am listing new ones I learn about that take email submissions in a separate place on my column now, as you’ve probably noticed.

Margaret

Hi Margaret,

I have a question about Carus Publishing's (Cobblestone). I've read their writer's guidelines and am confused about the request for queries. Do they want a query for a quiz?

They are theme based. My quiz is a funny 12 question Presidential quiz, including a question about George Washington.

 One of their themes is "George Washington Father of Our Nation", is this Presidential quiz to much a stretch for that theme? Under Cobblestone's category of supplemental non-fiction, they say, "subjects directly and indirectly related to the theme."

My third question is they state, "all articles must be submitted on disk using Microsoft Word. Disks MAC or DOS compatible."  Does this include quizzes too? My quiz includes pictures of the Presidents...I'm assuming they would need it on a disc...

Now for another unrelated question. There are few magazines that accept rebuses. Are their book publishers that accept them?

Thank you for your insight!

Lisa

Hi, Lisa.

Yes, they will want a query for a quiz--and I'd suggest doing one just about George Washington.  I'd ask them how they want pictures handled?  Actually, Word should allow you to incorporated images.  I've never done it, but I know it can be done.  Use the "help" feature on Word.  Make sure you use a PC (DOS) compatible disk.  Macs can read them, but PC's can't read Mac disks without special formatting.

Most of the secular magazines for very young children use rebuses (see samples at your local library).  Highlights has one in each issue.  A few of the Christian magazines use them, too, and I expect they would be open to them.  I've never seen a book devoted to the rebus format--probably because very few short story collections are put out for kids (and not too many for adults unless it is a famous author).  They just don't sell well enough.  There may be some.  I'll put this up to column readers.

Margaret