Get Published: How to Write for Children’s Magazines
The KidLit Creator’s Chronicle – Issue #10
For many aspiring authors, writing for children’s magazines has been a valuable stepping stone toward building a successful publishing career. I’ve met several authors who found that contributing short stories, nonfiction articles, or poetry to magazines allowed them to hone their craft, gain publication credits, and build relationships with editors.
Writers like Lisa Amstutz, who has authored numerous nonfiction books for children, began her writing journey by contributing to educational publishers and magazines. This experience allowed her to develop a clear, concise writing style and expand her knowledge of writing for young audiences.
Writing for magazines offers writers the opportunity to develop their skills, experiment with different styles and subjects, and gain visibility in the children’s publishing world. For many, these early credits provide valuable experience that supports future success in book publishing.
Why Write for Magazines?
Writing for children’s magazines is a fantastic opportunity that many authors overlook. While picture books often require months (or even years) to write, revise, and submit or self-publish, magazine stories offer a quicker way to get your work published — and build valuable experience (and earn money) along the way.
Magazines are a powerful stepping stone for children’s book authors. They allow you to practise writing shorter, focused stories and gain confidence as a published writer. Plus, they provide opportunities to test out ideas, themes, and styles that may inspire your next book.
Beyond improving your writing skill, writing for magazines also expands your audience. Readers who enjoy your magazine stories may remember your name when they see your book on a shelf. Meanwhile, magazine editors, many of whom are well-connected in the children’s publishing industry, can become valuable contacts for your future book projects.
And here’s the best part: magazines are always looking for new content. Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or activities, there’s a magazine out there that’s perfect for your work.
If you’re feeling stuck with your book project or want to gain publishing experience, writing for magazines could be the perfect next step.
How To Get Published In Magazines
Breaking into children’s magazines can seem overwhelming at first, but by following these steps, you can boost your chances of success.
Step 1: Understand the Market
Not all children’s magazines are the same, so it’s essential to target the right publications for your work.
Audience Age Groups: Some magazines cater to preschoolers, while others target older children or even tweens.
Magazines for 2- to 6-year-olds
- Content Types: Magazines often look for a mix of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, puzzles, and activities.
- Tone and Style: A playful magazine like Highlights High Five has a very different tone than an educational publication like Cricket.
Action Tip: Start your research by identifying magazines that match your writing style and interests. Look for submission guidelines on their websites to understand word counts, content preferences, and tone.
2. Target the Right Market
Once you’ve identified potential magazines, research more to ensure your submission aligns with their needs:
Analyze Past Issues:
- Read several recent issues to understand the magazine’s tone, style, and preferred themes.
- Pay attention to content types: Does the magazine favour humorous stories, heartfelt anecdotes, or educational pieces? Knowing this helps you tailor your submission appropriately.
Identify Recurring Themes:
- Many magazines feature seasonal, cultural, or adventure-based content. If you notice a pattern, brainstorm fresh takes on those themes to stand out while aligning with the publication’s preferences.
Study Submission Guidelines:
- Each magazine has specific requirements for word count, formatting, and submission protocol. Following these guidelines precisely shows professionalism and increases your chances of acceptance.
Step 3: Find the Right Fit for Your Writing
Once you’ve identified potential magazines, consider what type of content best suits your style.
- If you enjoy storytelling, focus on writing short fiction pieces.
- If you love facts and research, consider writing nonfiction articles that align with your interests or expertise.
- If you prefer playful language and wordplay, try writing poems, riddles, or jokes.
- If you enjoy creating hands-on activities, write simple crafts, recipes, or science experiments for younger readers.
Action Tip: Tailor your ideas to the magazine’s unique themes and style. For example, Spider focuses on imaginative stories, while ASK features science-based content.
Magazines for 6- to 9-year-olds
Step 4: Write a Clear, Engaging Pitch
A great pitch makes all the difference. Here’s how to stand out:
Start with a Strong Hook:
Open with a compelling statement, intriguing fact, or engaging question that immediately grabs the editor’s attention. For example: “Did you know that bees communicate by dancing? My nonfiction piece dives into this fascinating phenomenon, perfect for your science-focused readers.”
Or, “Imagine discovering a dinosaur bone in your own back garden! My nonfiction article, ‘The Backyard Fossil Hunt,’ teaches young readers how fossils form — and how they might uncover one right in their own neighbourhood.”
Outline the Key Details:
Clearly explain your piece’s core idea, intended audience, and how it fits the magazine’s theme or mission.
Showcase Your Expertise:
Include a brief bio that highlights your relevant experience, passion for the subject, or previous publications. Even if you’re unpublished, mentioning your dedication to writing or your unique perspective can strengthen your pitch.
Propose Visual or Interactive Elements:
If your piece lends itself to illustrations, infographics, or interactive sidebars, suggest these additions to enhance the reader’s experience. Editors often appreciate ideas that improve engagement.
Step 5: Manage Your Submissions Like a Pro
To stay organised and maximise your chances of success:
- Track your submissions: Use a spreadsheet to record where and when you’ve submitted pieces.
- Submit widely: Many magazines accept simultaneous submissions — just be sure to withdraw your piece if another magazine accepts it.
- Be Patient: Magazine publication timelines are often slower than expected. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back right away.
Step 6: Repurpose and Reimagine Your Work
One of the best things about magazine writing is the flexibility to adapt your ideas.
- Expand a successful article into a picture book.
- Turn a rejected magazine piece into a blog post or school visit activity.
- Rework a published piece with a fresh angle to submit to new magazines.
Action Tip: The effort you put into magazine writing doesn’t have to stop at one publication. With smart repurposing, a single idea can become multiple opportunities.
7. Perfect Your Writing
Strong writing keeps editors interested and leaves a lasting impression on young readers. Focus on these key areas:
A Powerful Opening:
Start with action, dialogue, or an intriguing statement to draw readers in quickly. Avoid lengthy setups or heavy exposition.
Use Vivid, Age-Appropriate Language:
Capture readers with sensory details and language that matches their developmental stage. For example, a story for 5-7 year-olds may use playful, rhythmic language, while content for tweens may use humour or emotional depth.
Create a Memorable Conclusion:
End with a takeaway, twist, or satisfying resolution that leaves a lasting impression. Consider how your ending might inspire curiosity, start a conversation, or encourage further exploration.
Bonus Tip: Revise and Polish
Before submitting, set your piece aside for a day or two. Returning to your work with fresh eyes will help you spot awkward phrasing, redundancies, or missed opportunities to enhance your piece. Reading your work aloud can also highlight issues with rhythm or flow.
By combining targeted research, a strong pitch, and high-quality writing, you’ll soon be published in your first magazine.
Why Writing for Magazines Can Help Your Picture Book Career
Many aspiring picture book authors overlook magazine writing, assuming it’s unrelated to book publishing, but that’s not the case. Writing for magazines sharpens essential picture book skills like telling a story in a low word count, pacing, and strong hooks.
Magazine writing also helps you develop the discipline of writing to deadline, following guidelines, and tailoring your voice to specific audiences–all transferable skills that will improve your picture book writing.
Last, but certainly not least, magazine writing builds your author platform. Each published piece shows agents and editors you’re a professional who can deliver quality work. Editors value writers who understand the market and can produce interesting content, and magazine credits are a great way to prove your skills.
Magazines for ages 9 and up.
Real Examples
Laura Purdie Salas is a prolific children’s author known for her poetry, nonfiction, and picture books. In addition to her books, she has written for educational markets, producing content for various publishers.
Jacqueline Jules is an accomplished children’s author known for books like Zapato Power, The Porridge-Pot Goblin, and Never Say a Mean Word Again. In addition to her picture books and early readers, Jules has written poems, short stories, and educational content for various children’s publications.
It’s pretty telling that two such successful authors still choose to write for magazines. Clearly, they see the value in this, whether it’s a chance to reach new readers, explore fresh ideas, or simply keep their creative muscles strong.
Over to You!
Have you ever written for magazines? I’d love to hear about it!
If not, have considered writing for magazines, or would you consider it now? Let me know if this edition has helped you see new possibilities!
Writing for magazines can be a rewarding step that builds your skills, grows your confidence, and gets your work into the hands of young readers. Whether you’re just starting out or adding new work to your writing career, I encourage you to consider writing for magazines as part of your journey!
