Like many writing genres, writing for children is a competitive field that favors top quality work, often by seasoned writers. Needless to say, getting published with the highest paying children’s magazines isn’t easy, especially for new writers. The good news is, there are plenty of children’s magazines out there that pay. There are also some that don’t.
So why would a serious writer want to submit to a children’s magazine that doesn’t pay? After all, isn’t the point of having a career in children’s writing to make money doing it? For many, yes. But nonpaying markets can help achieve that goal, too – and more.
The Advantages of a Nonpaying Children’s Writing Market
While some children’s writers write for money, others have different reasons for writing for children. One thing most children’s writers strive for, though, is getting published. Publication is how children’s writers get kids and adults to read their work and validate their status as writers. And it can be more empowering than receiving a check in the mail.
Getting published in a nonpaying children’s magazine, particularly one that displays professionalism and has a large readership, has many advantages – even for experienced writers. Without the fierce competition of the higher paying markets, it’s a relatively easy way to get published. Nonpaying markets often publish work more quickly than paying markets, too.
Plus, a publishing credit is a publishing credit; a nonpaying market still provides children’s writers with something to add to a resume or writing portfolio, not to mention that all-important writing sample that many of the higher paying magazines request. And some nonpaying children’s markets, like Skipping Stones, accept submissions from kids – which is especially ideal for young writers who want to share their work with a larger audience or get some valuable publishing experience.
Another bonus of many nonpaying children’s magazines is that they help promote writers by providing writers' bios and links to personal websites. This can lead to contacts and paid work. In addition, nonpaying magazines are often read by editors and teachers, offering good visibility and important connections for children’s writers. Finally, some nonpaying markets host writing contests or competitions that include monetary prizes for the best children’s writing.
Where to Find Nonpaying Children’s Writing Markets
To find nonpaying children’s magazines, check any listing or directory of children’s magazine publishers, such as CWIM or Kid Magazine Writers. Children's writing newsletters, like Children's Book Insider, SCBWI's Bulletin, and Stories for Children Newsletter for Writers, also list nonpaying markets for children's work. Just make sure the information is current. Children’s magazines, like many adult publications, come and go from year to year.
Nonpaying children’s magazines accept a wide variety of material. Fiction and nonfiction are both common needs of children’s magazine publishers, as are fillers, like quizzes, crafts, and games. And don’t forget Christian children’s magazines, a great market with both paying and nonpaying possibilities.
Of course, writing for a nonpaying children’s magazine doesn’t mean writers can expect lower standards. In fact, nonpaying markets can be as picky about the quality of work as paying markets. And they do reject submissions, even from experienced writers. So give them your best effort and follow writer’s guidelines carefully.
Although the road to getting published can be long, nonpaying children’s magazines can help. A valid market without the heavy competition, nonpaying children’s magazines offer many advantages and can be a good stepping stone to more lucrative markets.
For more articles on writing for children’s magazines, see:
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
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