Writing Non-Fiction for Children's Magazines

It is common to think fiction when writing children's stories but there is also a great need for non-fiction articles. Writing non-fiction in a creative way can help children become excited about learning. Read Maureen J Hinds article below for some valuable tips on the non-fiction market.

Writing for Children-Non-Fiction Magazines


Nonfiction need not be dull; it includes a wide range of topics. It can include history, biography, personal essays, personal profiles, sports, biology, geology, geography, holidays … the list really is almost endless. Anything that you find fascinating can be turned into a riveting nonfiction piece for young readers. Also, keep in mind that you can write for whatever age group you prefer, from the youngest toddlers to teens.
If you’re interested in writing for the magazine market, the following tips will help you get started:

Stay Focused
Magazine pieces are short, which means that you will not be able to cover all sides of your topic. Choose the one that most interests you and that you feel has the most readership appeal.

Spice it Up
One way to avoid an “encyclopedic” feel to your article is to include quotes from experts, interesting quotes from your research, descriptions, and if appropriate, dialogue. Use the tools of fiction for a lively magazine piece.

Do the Research
This applies to both your article research as well as your market research. For your article, editors want to see a variety of resource materials. One entry from an encyclopedia will not make the cut. Use a variety of sources, and try to avoid those encyclopedia references. If possible, use both primary and secondary sources. If you are able to obtain a quote from an expert, that can also help sell your piece.

When doing market research use a variety of tools available to you, and do not forget the "hands on" approach. This means reading several back issues of your targeted magazine--reading a year's worth is ideal. When fine-tuning your piece, be sure to follow the each magazine's guidelines. This means staying within the word count, avoiding certain topics, and following any approaches listed. The following are some sources for learning more about the market and magazine guidelines. For up-to-date information, be sure to visit each magazine's website, as many post their editorial guidelines as well as upcoming themes if applicable.

Online:
BOOST's Magazine Database
http://boost4writers.com/magazineguidelinesdatabase.htm
Jan Fields offers a great website:
http://www.kidmagwriters.com/
Writer's Market Online
www.writersmarket.com
Books:
Children's Writers & Illustrators Market, published by Writer's Digest Books
The Best of the Magazine Market, published by the Institute of Children's Literature (http://www.theinstituteofchildrensliterature.com/F9624/)

Lastly, be persistent! One common theme among published writers is that they do not give up. Find several target markets to begin with. If these do not work out, consider re-working the piece for a different age group, or give the piece a different slant. Whatever you do, keep writing and keep submitting. The nonfiction magazine market can be a great way to see your work in print. Yes, it takes focused effort, but it can be well worth it!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maurene_J._Hinds

Write it down,
Carma

The Soul of a Non-Fiction Reader

Young Children are not often encouraged to read non-fiction for pleasure. As a rule you will find more fiction stories and picture books stacked high in the class room than non-fiction. However, fiction is not a bad thing. I just think we should give Non-Fiction children readers a boost too. Enjoy the following article from Jessica Pegis.


Over the past few months, it's dawned on me that I'm raising a non-fiction reader. First she came home with a book about child rulers. Then it was a round-up of Greek mythology. Now it's something about how to scare yourself silly.

Lots of maps, time lines, and most critical of all: facts.

Since non-fiction is the only kind of reading I've ever been able to sustain, I have to admit I'm tickled. But I'm even happier about the smart teacher and cagey librarian who recognized the non-fiction gene in my daughter and encouraged her forward. Are you raising a non-fiction type? Here are some ways to tell:

Words, words, words Readers of fiction love the words on the page--what a word looks and sounds like; how one word looks sitting next to another; how an author used an image throughout a book. Non-fiction readers don't care. I repeat: they just don't care. Watch them glaze over when you say the word "motif."

Story schmory Non-fiction readers can't see the point of reading stories because once you've read one, let's face it: you've read them all. They don't get lost in what they're reading--they get lost in what they're thinking or doing.

Which brings us to. . .

Something to think about Non-fiction readers often gravitate to the theoretical and the logical. They like their books to give them the scoop on how stuff works and they need time to ruminate on it all. Or try it out. Or do something with it. Often the fun begins once the book is closed. (Kinesthetic learners, anyone?)

Periodical happiness Non-fiction readers will usually be kept amused with a steady supply of magazines and websites in their areas of interest. This reading material is often challenging but more to the point: the non-fiction reader will see it as relevant.

Mystery Inc. This is one fiction genre that is worth trying out on the non-fiction types. They will enjoy the process of assembling clues and trying to figure out the ending before the author does.

Lately, it seems that everyone (except, perhaps, the Texas State Board of Education) is encouraging kids to choose their own reading material. So if your child is bringing home lots of non-fiction, don't worry. It's all reading and it's all worthwhile.

And if those preferences last a lifetime, that's not only OK--it could turn out to be pretty interesting.

Jessica Pegis is an author and consultant specializing in learning resources kids. She is the mother of 10-year-old Simone, her sternest critic and loudest cheerleader. Sign up today for KidSmart, her FREE e-zine, by going to http://www.talkplaythink.com Tips, games, and other fun (and brainy) stuff to do with kids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Pegis

Write it down,
Carma