August 2002

Where Can I Find Contests for Young Writers?

I am 13 years old and I need your help! I love writing and wish to publish my own book. Do you have any personal suggestions on any contests that I could enter? I have checked your site for contests, but I don't know which one I should pick because of my age.

I am thinking of writing a short fiction story. I am currently working on a children's chapter book and since I am just beginning, I need advice on how long my story should be, what type of format, and if I even have a chance to write a good book at my age.

I always enjoy hearing from enthusiastic young writers! Entering contests is an excellent way to develop your writing skills. You will also learn about the submission process and gain confidence. You'll find a variety of contests, from poetry to writing about chocolate in 25 words or less, at Creative Writing for Teens at About.com. This site also features "How to Write a Novel" which offers advice about writing, especially for teens.

Writing Contests.net offers a list of Kids' Writing Contests. Go to the link below and click on each contest for more details. Kids@Random has several contests sponsored by Random House Children's Books. Guidelines for entry are posted at the web site.

Go ahead and write that book! At this stage you don't need anyone to show you how to do it. The best way for young writers to learn how to write is by reading and writing. Read other books like the one you want to write. Re-read and study them to see how the authors wrote them.

There are several resources on the Internet. The Writing Child is a web site that publishes short stories, articles, poetry, contests, and markets for young writers. "Markets for kids and teens" has a list of fifteen markets, such as Stone Soup and Cyberkids, for kids like you who like to write. "Talented Kids" is another web site where you'll find all kinds of links and information, plus you get the chance to "add your talent" just by filling out a short online form. Membership to this site is free and it's a great way to meet other talented young writers. If you like to write reviews of books and movies, "Talented Kids" is the place to submit them.

Good luck with the contests and happy writing!

How Can Illustrators Make Contact With Others Involved In Children's Book Publishing?

My husband and I have been professional fine artists since 1980. We collaborate and have already been published a few times. Our work is perfect for picture books (as our clients often remind us) and we feel this would be a marvelous bonus to offer the customers who have collected our work over the years, as well as a way to introduce new folks to our paintings.

Is there a resource for getting reviews and recommendations for children's picture book agents? Is there a reliable chat room for the world of children's books that includes artists, writers, agents, and publishers?

Your illustrations are charming! If you haven't already submitted your portfolio to art directors at children's publishing houses, I think you should consider doing so. Your work is exceptional!

You can find a list of art reps in the Children's Writer's & Illustrators Market, including submission guidelines.

I'm not aware of any resources or chat rooms with that exact combination of experts in the field. Marilyn Singer hosts an AOL chat room. But you can only access it through an AOL account.

The Business Side is a new email newsletter, which covers the business aspects of the children's publishing industry for authors and illustrators. Each issue contains an article about a business issue, such as a contract term or phrase and what it means for an author or illustrator. You will find more information at Rita Cammarano's web site, Smart Writers. Also Wee Ones Magazine has a new children's writers email discussion group.

The Society for Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) has just expanded their web site to feature new Discussion Boards. Membership information is also available. Members can login to access several discussions topics such as: announcements, conferences, critique groups, market info, plus the Illustrator's Corner including digital art, non-digital, and visual creativity forums.

If you're not a member of SCBWI, I encourage you to join. It's the most respected, well-organized support group for children's writers and illustrators. If you are already a member, be sure to look up your Regional Advisor at the web site and make contact to find out about local activities. The strength of the regional chapters is the chance to network with other illustrators.

My best wishes to you and John in your artistic endeavors!

Can You Suggest Some Non-fiction Publishers?

I have a question regarding nonfiction country books for children. I have written one about India and am writing another about Kashmir. There are already a few books on the subject, but of course we all have different views. However, I am still unsure about the market here and where to begin. Can you suggest some good publishers? And, if a publisher has already published the book on this subject, can he publish a similar one?

I did a quick search in children's books at Amazon. There are 74 titles relating to India, but no results for Kashmir. Get that Kashmir book written, Seema! Better yet, write the table of contents, outline, and proposal, then send it out to children's non-fiction editors at publishing houses that have published books on India.

Publishers will indeed publish books on similar non-fiction subjects. However each book must have a different slant. "Count Your Way Through India," "Colors of India," "Picture a Country: India," and "Here Comes Diwali: The Festival of Lights," are all books about India. But you can see from the titles alone, each book offers a unique perspective on the subject. That's the key!

Do your research! Find publishers who are actively looking for children's non-fiction. Charlesbridge is best known for 32-page picture book nonfiction, which makes up 60% of their list. They are constantly seeking submissions to fill their needs. While they will look at full, unsolicited manuscripts, please note they demand exclusivity; they won't consider simultaneous or multiple submissions. In fact, "Exclusive Submission" must be written on all envelopes and cover letters. Go to their web site and follow their submission guidelines. Spend some time at the Children's Bookshelf looking at the adventure and multicultural titles to see where yours fits in.

Facts on File is currently seeking non-fiction proposals. They publish non-fiction books related to school curriculum, and library reference books. They will only look at 2-page queries that include the following information: description of the subject; intended age group; description of any illustrations or photographs available; estimated length of finished manuscript; your qualifications for writing the book; summary of the competition and the niche your book will fill. Address your query to Owen Lancer, World Studies Editor, Facts on File, 132 West 31st Street, 17th Floor, NY 10001. Visit their web site and look for series they are currently publishing. Incentive Publications publishes teacher resource materials for pre-school through middle grade classrooms. They are seeking books that include lesson plans and activities that can be integrated into existing curriculums. Send a query with a letter of introduction; overview of the project, including length and age group; table of contents; and sample chapter to: Jennifer J. Streams, Editor, Incentive Publications, 3835 Cleghorn Avenue, Nashville, TN 37215. Be sure to check out their web site!

This should get you started. Good luck with your proposal!

For more information:

Creative Writing for Teens Contests

http://teenwriting.about.com/cs/writingcontest/

How to Write a Novel

Writing Contests: Young Writers

http://www.writing-world.com/contests/index.shtml

Search the contest database for contests for young writers.

Kids@Random

http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/games/index.html

The Writing Child

http://thewritingchild.com

Markets for kids and teens

http://members.tripod.com/~Beawriter/kids.html

Talented Kids

http://www.talentedkids.com/index.php

Her Prose Sparkles and Her Poetry Sings: An Interview with Marilyn Singer

http://www.writing-world.com/children/singer.shtml

The Business Side of Children's Publishing

http://ritacammarano.smartwriters.com/index.2ts?page=1002

Wee Ones Magazine writers discussion group

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/weeonesmag/?yguid=2509978

SCBWI

http://www.scbwi.org

Charlesbridge Publishing submission guidelines

http://www.charlesbridge.com/asubmis.htm

Charlesbridge Children's Bookshelf

http://www.charlesbridge.com

Facts on File submission guidelines

http://www.factsonfile.com
Click on Customer Service, then click on Author Submissions in the Help Menu on the left.

Incentive Publications submission guidelines

http://www.incentivepublications.com/contactUs.htm

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