There are many opportunities to write for children. If you love the idea of becoming a children's book author then a great place to start is with kids' magazines. They are always in need of good material for kids, whether it is fiction, true stories, articles (educational or inspirational), poetry, games, jokes and puzzles.
Some people assume that writing for children is easy, but it is not really any easier than writing for adults. It has its own set of challenges.
For starters, it takes more than a few jokes and rhymes to keep children reading. And shifting to a different target age group, for example by a couple of years, can represent quite different levels in reading and learning.
As an aspiring children's writer you will have plenty of competition from other writers. If you want to succeed then study the craft. Read plenty of children's books and magazines. Discover what works.
Visit the library and observe the children while someone is reading aloud to them. What makes them laugh? When do their eyes light up? And why are they eager to find out what is on the next page? Find answers to these questions and you will soon be thinking up some great story ideas of your own.
Writing for kids might not be the most lucrative area of freelance writing but it makes up for that in being very satisfying and loads of fun. You might not become the next Dr. Seuss or JK Rowling, but then again you will never know unless you try it.
Here are several examples of children's writing markets.
American Girl, USA
http://www.americangirl.com
A bimonthly, four-color magazine for girls ages 8 and up. Mission is to encourage girls to express themselves and achieve their personal best. Not currently looking for fiction. "We’re looking for individual girls or groups who are doing something other girls would love to read and learn about. Find a topic about which girls are passionate. Past pieces have featured girl entrepreneurs, girls who attend unusual schools, and girl bands. Look for new twists on familiar topics. Please send queries rather than finished manuscripts. Also publishes pieces on crafts and cooking. Paying market.
Guidelines: http://www.americangirl.com/corp/corporate.php?section=about&id=8
Boys Quest, USA
http://funforkidzmagazines.com/boysquest
A magazine created for boys from 6 to 13 years. 6 issues per year. Includes articles, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that deal with timeless topics, such as pets, nature, hobbies, science, games, sports, careers, simple cooking. Pays a minimum of $0.05 per word for fiction and nonfiction, with additional payment if the piece is accompanied by photos or art. Pays a minimum of $10 per poem or puzzle, with variable rates offered for games, carpentry projects, etc.
Guidelines: http://funforkidzmagazines.com/writers
Cadet Quest, USA
http://www.calvinistcadets.org/questpromo2.php
A Christian-oriented magazine for boys ages 9 to 14, published seven times per year by the Calvinist Cadet Corps. Looking for fiction stories; articles about sports, camping, athletes, or nature; craft and hobby projects; cartoons; puzzles; and illustrations. Pays $0.05 per word and up.
Guidelines: http://www.calvinistcadets.org/cadetquestthemes.php
Fun For Kidz, USA
http://www.funforkidzmagazines.com/frameset.html?target=ffk
A magazine created for boys and girls from 6 to 13 years, with youngsters 8, 9, and 10 the specific target age. Six issues a year. Looks for timeless topics, such as pets, nature, hobbies, science, games, sports, careers, simple cooking, and anything else likely to interest a child. Paying market.
Guidelines: http://funforkidzmagazines.com/ffk_guidelines
Girl’s Life, USA
http://www.girlslife.com
Magazine for 10 to 15-year-old girls. Each issue is packed with real information and advice on: growing up, guys, health and fitness, academic success, peer pressure, time-management, self-esteem, beauty, fashion etc. Paying market.
Guidelines: http://www.girlslife.com/page/Writers-Guidelines.aspx
Grip, Canada
http://griponlife.ca/grip/index.php
A magazine written by and for Alberta teens, published three times per year by the Alberta Mental Health Board. You have to be between the ages of 13 and 19 to submit. Pays between $25 and $75 for stories and art.
Guidelines: http://griponlife.ca/grip/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=185&Itemid=107
Check out our markets list with 40 Markets for Children’s Writing (it includes the markets listed above).
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