CHILDREN'S WRITERS MARKETPLACE

September 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.

HURRAY! My computer guru friend Jerry put my market list on C/D! See bottom of column for prices. If you order one, please specify whether you run Mac or PC. Until I get the hang of burning them, these will go out once a week (when I can have him run them).

FROM MY MAIL:

And the good news is that Mary Tucker finally got the old Shining Star mailing list and will be publishing a similar publication titled Bible Pathways for Kids. The first issue (using material she'd hopefully stockpiled) will be out in September! She has a theme list. You can write for it at Bible Pathways, 308 North Pine Street, New London IA 52645. Ask her for a flier to give to your church's CE director, too! Let's all help Mary make this great publication a success. Mary's email is writehouse@lisco.com.

Not as good news is that Leader in the Church School Today will no longer publish any articles form the classroom teacher. Not will they use puzzles and activities for kids. They still will use articles for directors of Christian education, Sunday school superintendents, and other professionals and volunteers who hold Christian education leadership responsibilities. Beginning with the summer 2003 issue, the magazine will be called Leader in Christian Education Ministries. The address is 201 Eighth Avenue, So., P.O. Box 801, Nashville TN 37202. Joan M. Shoup is associate editor.

I've had Scholastic's SuperScience listed in my market list as possibly using some freelance material. They do not. They do hire freelancers on a paid assignment basis. Patricia Janes, Senior Managing Editor, writes: "The articles in SuperScience cover all areas of science--earth, physical, life, technology, health and so on--and include cross-curricular tie-ins." She also requests a cover lever (which should include specific scientific interests), a resume and writing samples. It sounds like these are kept on file and she gets in touch should an assignment arise that suits your interests and skills. So while not totally open, this publication certainly isn't closed to freelancers either. The address is SuperScience, 555 Broadway, New York NY 10012-3999.

Story Mates and Partners both have new theme lists out. Send SASE's for the lists at: Story Mates, Box 1212, Harrisonburg VA 22801-1212: Crystal Shank, Editor and Partners, Box 1212, Harrisonburg VA 22801-1212: Norma Plank, Editor.

Fun for Kidz has theme list, too. Upcoming issues will include Helping Others, Pets, Gardening, Camping, Fall Fun, Winter Wonder, The Ocean, Recycling, Summer Splash, Fun with Food, Communication, Art Smart, In the Mountains, Animals and Indoor Fun. The address is Fun for Kidz, P.O. Box 227, Bluffton OH 45817. Virginia Edwards is associate editor.

I don't have a full theme list for Boys' Quest, but I know the June 2003 issue will be "water." The address is Boys' Quest, P.O. Box 227, Bluffton OH 45817. Virginia Edwards is associate editor here, too.

Annemarie Iverson, formerly editor-in-chief at Seventeen, has resigned. Her replacement has not been found.

Youth Update, 28 W Liberty Street, Cincinnati OH 45210-1298: Carol Ann Morrow, Editor. This Catholic publication buys 2200-2300 word articles and pays $400-$475. Tip: Write for a 15-year-old with a C+ average. Email: CarolAnn@americancatholic.org. Website: http://www.AmericanCatholic.org.

The Conqueror, 8855 Dunn Rd., Hazelwood MO 63042-2299: Travis Miller, Editor. This is a religious publication for United Pentecostal teens. They use articles and fiction of 250-1250 words and pay $15- $30 for 1st or 2nd rights on publication. They have cut the # of issues they publish so use less material. They used to use puzzles, KJV. Email: youth@upci.org. Website: http://www.upci.org/youth.

Insight, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown MD 21740: Lori Peckham, Editor. This Seventh Day Adventist weekly publication uses TRUE stories, written in fiction format, for teens. They pay $25 to $125 on acceptance for 500 to 2000 words (more for assigned); 1st or reprint rights. Articles should be 500 to 2000 words. Uses reprints. They have used a few puzzles and pay well, but this is not an ongoing puzzle market. NIV. They now run several columns each month; send LSASE for specifications. Email: insight@rhpa.org Website: www.insightmagazine.org.

Guideposts for Teens, 1050 Broadway, Ste 6, Chesterton IN 46304: Betsy Kohn, Editor. This religious publication wants nonfiction--real-life drama (teens saving others/near-death experiences) 850-1500 words, also humorous essays about teens, 750 words. No fiction. Will use how-tos, quizzes, embarrassing moments and profiles of teens. Pay runs from $100-$500. Prefers queries; email okay. Guidelines available. Sample copies come from Guideposts, Seminary Hill Road, Carmel NY 10512, Attn.: Special Handling. Send $3.25. Email: gp4t@guideposts.org Website: www.gp4teens.com.

Lobster Press, 1620 Sherbrooke St. W., Suites C & D, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3H 1C9 is not accepting manuscripts or queries until January 1, 2003 and will not respond to current manuscript status queries until then. Website: www.lobsterpress.com.

Campus Life, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream IL 60188: Christopher Lutes, Editor. This Christian magazine for high school and early college students uses articles, 750 to 2500 words, and fiction, 1000-20500 words. Pays .15 to .20 word on acceptance for 1st and one-time rights; $50 for reprints. 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.com. Website: www.christianitytoday.com.

Nature Friend, 26737 TR421, Sugarcreek OH 44681: Marvin Wengerd, Editor. 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 are 300-1500 words; true stories (can be fictionalized), 500-750 words. The magazine primarily goes to rural families who hold a literal view of creation. They do not use holiday stories. The pay is .05 word on publication for one-time rights. They use KJV puzzles.

Winslow Press has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Most of the staff has been laid off.

Junior Baseball, P.O. Box 9099, Canoga Park CA 91039: Dave Destler, Editor This is a bimonthly magazine for youth baseball players, 7 to 17, their parents, coaches and associate organizations. They want nonfiction of 100-1000 words and shorts for "In the Spotlight" of 50-100 words: how-tos, interview/profile with major league players (on assignment only), leagues and tournaments, industry and parents. Pays $50 to $100 on publication for all rights. Email: editor@juniorbaseball.com. Website: http: http://www.juniorbaseball.com.

Highlights for Children, 803 Church Street, Honesdale PA 18431 is looking for articles and profiles related to the arts: music, fine and folk arts, dance, storytelling, photography, sculpture, writing, architecture and other. Have a narrow focus, unique slant, and strong kid-appeal. Highlights likes sidebars and interesting quotes. Complete bibliographies and photocopies of key research pages are required. Color 35 mm slides, photos, or art-reference materials are helpful. If you aren't an expert, have your manuscript reviewed by an expert before sending. They want up to 400 words for ages 3-7, to 800 words for ages 8-12. These articles should go to Kim Griswell, Coordinating Editor.

Twist, 270 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs NJ 07632: Kristin McKeon, Deputy Editor. This magazine is for teen girls (14-20). Wants features to 1800 words dealing with school, friends, romance, current issues, college, careers, entertainment, health, fitness and self improvement. Send query with clips. Pays $50 up to $1 word on acceptance for 1st NA rights and worldwide rights. Especially wants real life stories about teen girls overcoming obstacles or about those who have accomplished something extraordinary. Query or submit complete manuscript. No email queries or submissions. Email: twistmail@aol.com. Website: www.twistmagazine.com.

Scholastic has a new Young Adult imprint called Push. Senior Editor is David Levithan. They will be looking for new writing voices found through novel contests. The next starts this month! Check their website at www.thisispush.com.

Children's Book Insider's publisher Laura Backes and author Linda Arms white will give a two-day "Bootcamp" Sept 7-8 at the Hilton Garden In Eagan MN. This will be at the Hilton Garden Inn, which is just outside Minneapolis and minutes from the Mall of America. A second bootcamp will be held in Seattle WAS on September 28-29. This one will be at the Silver Cloud Inn-University in Seattle's University District. For the cost and more information, see www.WeMakeWriters.com or email CABootcap@aol.com. You can also call (303) 747-1014.

This one is cutting it short, but the American Christian Writers Conference in Colorado Springs CO will be on September 6 & 7.Call (615) 834-0450 for information.

Julie wrote to say that she did hear about her submission to Whispers from Heaven. I'm reporting this so people know it's not a magazine to be afraid of. This is not a children's magazine, but I'd included her query--and don't mind doing a few mentions of adult magazines if writers are having problems.

Nancy wrote that her response from Whispers from Heaven was within a few weeks, so probably, you just caught the editor on vacation, Julie!

Diana was kind enough to share a copy of the guidelines to Whispers from Heaven. I won't include them here, but anyone interested in seeing them can email and I'll shoot back a copy.

Dianna wrote in response to Melanie's question about Story Plus and Scribum: "I joined and had a story posted called, "Pipe Down, Pringles." They are a professional organization and I've enjoyed my experience working with them. However, the e-book industry is very slow and my story has so far only been downloaded one time in several months. So while I wouldn't discourage Melanie from joining and submitting stories, she needs to realistically realize that she might never get anything more out of it than the satisfaction of seeing her story online."

Geary sold a short story to this book publisher: CTB/McGraw-Hill, 20 Ryan Ranch Road, Monterey CA 93940. They accept fiction and nonfiction stories for grades 1-12. Multi-cultural stories are needed.

Geary said he also submitted a story to ECS Learning Systems. They kept his story on file, but said they are not accepting stories now. Geary (me, too!) would like to know of any other book/educational publishers that include short material.

Anyone interested, please check out my new online class, "Write Short Stories for Children." This is basic instruction. http://universalclass.com/i/arts/creativewriting/classes/2371.htm.

My course for more advanced writers is "Children's Fiction: In-Depth Plotting." Write me details about your writing experience if you're interested. This one needs instructor permission prior to enrollment. Check it out at http://class.universalclass.com/secure/634/3499/index.htm

The address I have for Surprises is no longer valid. Does anyone have a current one?

Melanie--who had the question about Story Plus and Scribum--please email me. Kathryn says she has information and you can email her. Only I must have been over-zealous in cleaning out my own email box and have lost yours. (See above for another response.)

Jon writes: "I have a written short story for children based on a product I am developing. I am looking for someone who can read the story and write it in children's style and wording. It is about four pages long, single-spaced. If you do this type of work or know of anybody to refer me to, I'd appreciate it." (Jon would also like a price quote). I don't do this type work, but if you do, email Jon at Craycrit@aol.com.

CONTESTS:

Lee & Low Books, 95 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10016 has a September 30, 2002 postmark deadline for the Third Annual New Voices Award. This award-winning publisher does multicultural picture books for children. The contest is open too writers of color who are residents of the US and who have not previously published a picture book (writers who have published other types of books for children or adults are eligible). Submissions may be realistic fiction or nonfiction for kids 2-10. No folklore or animal stories. Word length is to 1500 words. Send with a cover letter including your name, address, phone number, a brief biographical note, relevant cultural and ethnic information, how you heard about the award (I found this in Children's Book Insider--list them) and your publication history, if any. Type, double-space. Send with a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return. Two submissions allowed per entrant, but send them separately. Do not submit your entry(ies) elsewhere until the award winner has been announced December 31. One Award will be given in the form of a cash grant of $1000 and a standard Lee & Low publication contract and a standard advance against royalties. One Honor Award winner will receive a cash grant of $500. For more information, see www.leeandlow.com/editorial/voices.html.

The Children's Writer has a preK fiction contest open until October 31, 2002. Send SASE to PreK Fiction Contest, Children's Writer, 93 Long Ridge Road, West Redding CT 06896-1124 for information.

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.

Hi, Kimberly.

First, don't do your own pictures--or if you do, make sure the editor knows they are samples only. Most (not all) publishers prefer to hire professional illustrators.

I would suggest joining a local writer's group--or find one online. I know Yahoo has some. (READERS! Can you recommend good online critique groups?) This will give you insight in whether you need to work on the books before sending them out.

Good luck, and happy writing.

Margaret

Dear Charlene:

Laura and Jon get the credit for this great site (I agree!). They are just kind enough to give me space each month.

I don't have time to do individual critique work, although I do, of course, do them when it's time for a story in the courses I teach. I'd recommend that you follow the advice I gave above and join either a local critique group or one online.

First, it's hard to sell a book of short stories unless you are well known--at least within the U.S. You might want to submit them to short story magazines first, and asking to retain book rights. If you submit to magazines that buy one-time use or 1^st rights, this will be automatic. For magazines that purchase all rights, add a note that you wish to retain the book rights.

I'm not familiar with South African magazines so I don't know if there are many for children. U.S. markets are open to international writers although you might find the need to "Americanize" some wording.

As for copyright, you can find a wealth of information online. Just use a search engine. If you want South African copyright laws, type the country name in, too. I'm totally unfamiliar with copyright laws anywhere except the U.S. and I'm not an expert on those. So long as you don't open the self-mailed (and yes, registered) manuscript, you should be proving your ownership of the work.

You have exactly the enthusiasm writers for children need. Best of luck!

Margaret

SEPTEMBER TIP: The holidays are fast approaching so try to write extra hours in September and October. No matter how good the intentions, holidays drain time away from self-employed workers--including freelance writers. Plan ahead and your sales won't slump as drastically!

TO ORDER my complete 350+ Children's Writers magazine market list (paying markets ONLY; approx. 1/3 are Christian markets): send $5.00 for an email copy; $10.00 ($12.00 outside US) for print snail mail copy. NEW! C/D copy (specify Mac or PC) available for $10.00 (12.00 outside US). 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.

Click here to view August's Children's Writers Marketplace