Children's Stories for Magazines?

Storyteller5 · Sep 24, 2006

I've got a story posted in SYW-Children and have recieved a couple of reviews so far. I'm not surprised by the comments that it could be fleshed out more; I feel that too.

Obviously it depends on the specific mag, but can anyone give me a rough idea of magazine story length? Also, is it a problem if it's a bit scary or does that mean it might be better suited to a book. (I'm just trying to get an idea of my options depending where the story goes.)

Dollywagon · Sep 24, 2006

This link from the Childrens Toolbox thread will give you book guidelines

http://www.write4kids.com/colum44.html

For mags, it is down to each individual publication dependant on age etc.
As a safe(ish) guideline I would look to produce something about 1200 words. That way you can cut it back or pad it out as necessary.
I can't find my links to kids mags at the minute, but there are a fair few to go at although the competition for the better ones is quite tough.

Good luck with it all!

Storyteller5 · Sep 24, 2006

I'd read the book guidelines already, but thank you just the same.

I'm not sure about magazines but a few comments from people here and elsewhere have made me think I should at least consider it!

Bk_30 · Sep 24, 2006

Kid mags have cut back the number of unsol subs they will take, a few will not except any at all. I would say if you flushed as an easy reader you might get more nibbles..In paying markets I believe there is a list of kid mags and links to the sub guidelines.

ColoradoKate · Sep 24, 2006

Storyteller, go to http://kidmagwriters.com and use the markets menu at the top right. Jan has links to most magazines' writers' guidelines, which will include length. Many want very short stories--1200 words would be one of the longer lengths!

Kate

Children's Stories for Magazines?

Storyteller5

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Dollywagon

Storyteller5

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Bk_30

muse..muse...come here muse!

ColoradoKate