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NO GUIDELINES FREELANCING

When it comes to writing for magazines, blogs, and periodicals, relatively new writers seek a button titled GUIDELINES or SUBMISSIONS. If they don't find one, they think: 1) the publication isn't reliable, or 2) the publication isn't worth their time submitting to.

Which immediately labels those writers as novices. 

Recently, a follower wrote, complaining that a market listed in a feature did not have guidelines on the website. I thanked them, then composed this editorial for you folks.

Actually, you'd be amazed at how many publications do NOT list guidelines. Usually the higher the pay, the less likely they list the guidelines. They don't want submissions to be easy. Instead, they want writers who thoroughly attempt to understand the publication, who are hungry for a good story, who are willing to dig deeper to understand what the editor needs. 

For instance, some sites only has an email address under Write For Us. They expect the freelancer to read the site, understand the word count and voice, and pitch something that fits the theme and mold of what's already been accepted. When looking at a site without guidelines, you:

1) Read the ABOUT page
2) Read the CONTACT page
3) Read the existing articles
4) Study the advertising to understand the readership. 

If nothing talks about guidelines, they study the publication and deduce what they like from what they've accepted in the past. If you aren't sure who to contact, study the MASTHEAD, or the list of people who work at the publication. Contact the appropriate editor. Do NOT contact the MANAGING EDITOR. Note what areas the other editors are responsible for to determine who you ought to pitch. Also, without guidelines, assume you query first. The only exception to querying is when a publication has short humor or op-ed pieces (i.e., 500 words), in which case they usually want the entire piece.

And if there are no guidelines as to payment, that means they negotiate. That's where a freelancer must sense their worth and have a bottom line. 






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Featured article

What You Need When You Want to Write for Teens and Preteens

By Krysten Lindsay Hager

The most important thing when writing for teens and preteens is to be authentic. You need to be aware of what current teens and preteens are dealing with and address their situations in a real and authentic way. 

Trying to skew a story in a certain way to make a point, preach, or write anything that isn’t genuine will be spotted right away by this age group. You might think your own school days were too far off for you to relate to today’s youth, but you would be surprised at how many things you have in common with teens today. 

The difference lies in if you remember it with your adult eyes or if you’re open to remembering it as it actually was and then using your adult experiences to help the next generations. One great way to do this is to get a notebook and write down all the experiences you remember in a handful of grades. Each memory will lend itself to another and you might even want to ask friends for their own experiences to jog your memory. 

What you’re looking for are the experiences that changed you in some fashion. It might be an embarrassing moment that forever colored how you approached something (gym class nightmares anyone?) Or it might be a difficult time with a friend where you felt left out and abandoned. Free write on that moment and let yourself feel all the pain of abandonment or whatever feelings come up. 

Remember what might not feel like a big deal to you right now as an adult might have felt like the world was ending to you back then. This exercise will help you remember those accurate feelings to put into your work which will give it an authentic feel. The reader will realize you experienced this, and you know what you’re writing about. Then you can add in anything you can now see as an adult looking back to try and help the reader who might be going through the same thing.

Another way to dig into what today’s youth is concerned about is to watch teen and preteen shows and movies. Although many shows amp up the drama or create silly scenes for entertainment, you can still find these will remind you of experiences in your past that might be worth writing about.  

I was watching a teen movie that brought back an unpleasant memory about two friends who suddenly decided to become besties overnight leaving me out in the cold. It happened in grade school and I had completely forgotten about it. I sat with my journal trying to write down everything I could about that day. I remembered them asking me to switch my seat in math class, so they could sit together, and I even remembered staring at the picture on my binder intently as I tried not to cry. I recalled that long bus ride home including a popular song that came on the radio and how I focused on staring outside the window to avoid talking to anyone. All of this went into a book in my Landry’s True Colors Series and helped put the reader in the shoes of my character, Landry.

It’s wonderful if you still have your journals or diaries from those days, but I will tell you mine weren’t as in-depth as I would have liked. Sitting and trying to replay the scenes in my head did for more for my writing rather than looking through old scrapbooks and journals because it helped those accurate feelings come through. Authenticity is everything in the teen and preteen market and you can make your work connect with readers by staying true to that.

Bio:  Krysten Lindsay Hager writes about friendship, self-esteem, fitting in, frenemies, crushes, fame, first loves, and values. She is the author of True Colors, Best Friends...Forever?, Next Door to a Star, Landry in Like, Competing with the Star, Dating the It Guy, and Can Dreams Come True. True Colors won the Readers Favorite award for best preteen book and the Dayton Book Expo Bestseller Award for childen/teens. Competing with the Star is a Readers' Favorite Book Award Finalist. Krysten's work has been featured in USA Today, The Flint Journal, the Grand Haven Tribune, the Beavercreek Current, the Bellbrook Times, Springfield News-Sun, Grand Blanc View, Dayton Daily News and on Living Dayton. www.krystenlindsay.com
 

COmpetitions

HALLOWEEN WRITING PROMPT CONTEST
https://www.everywritersresource.com/2018-500-halloween-writing-prompt-contest/
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 28, 2018. We are asking for writing prompts that will produce scary stories. The first, second, and third place winners of this contest will be the first three on our new list. We will give you credit for the prompt and a link to your page. The first-place winner will walk away from this contest with $500. We want your horrifying Halloween writing prompts!



50-WORD HORROR STORY HALLOWEEN CONTEST
https://www.everywritersresource.com/2018-50-word-500-horror-story-halloween-contest/
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 28, 2018. Must be a high-quality horror story. Must be 50 words or under. Your story will be also placed on a tile and shared on our social networks. We will announce the winners on Halloween Night in our movie and chat. Winner receives $500. 



NELLIGAN SHORT STORY PRIZE
https://coloradoreview.colostate.edu/nelligan-prize/
$15 ENTRY FEE. Opens December 1, 2018 and closes March 14, 2019. $2,000 will be awarded for the best short story, which will be published in the fall/winter 2019 issue of Colorado Review. There are no theme restrictions, but stories must be at least ten pages (or 2,500 words) but no more than 50 pages (12,500 words). You do not need to be a Colorado or US resident to enter.



THE ROSWELL AWARD
http://www.lightbringerproject.org/science-fiction-contests
NO ENTRY FEE. OPENS October 1, 2018. The Roswell Award for short science fiction by adults (18+) from across the globe is an international competition. First, second, and third place prizes, as well as special prizes and certificates, are awarded to both finalists and the honorable mentions at the reading. Artemis Journal and Hollywood NOW will also present the Women Hold Up Half the Sky Award for the best feminist themed science fiction story. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three writers, offering $500, $250, and $100. All science fiction stories must be 1,500 words or less. 



PLOUGH INTERNATIONAL POETRY PRIZE
https://www.theploughprize.co.uk/
£5 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 31, 2018. First prize £1000 in each category. Second prize £500 in each category. 
Third prize £250 in each category. Categories are open poetry and the short poem. Maximum length, excluding title and any blank lines: Short Poem - ten lines, Open Poem - 40 lines. 



NUHA ANNUAL WRITING COMPETITION
https://nuhafoundation.org/blogging-prizes-english/#.W6eRnmhKiUl
Deadline October 13, 2018. Accepts international entries. Young Writers Prize of up to US $250 for those born between 2004 and 2008. Youth Prize of up to US $900 for those born between 2000 and 2003. Adult Prize of up to US $2,400 for those born before 2000. It doesn't matter whether English is your first, second or even third language: articles will be judged first and foremost on the quality of argument and the originality of ideas. To participate, authors must respond to one of the set topics within the word-limit. To participate, write an article of 600 to 1,500 words on one of the topics on the website.



SERVICESCAPE SHORT STORY AWARD
https://www.servicescape.com/short-story-award
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline November 30, 2018. For this award, any genre or theme of short story is accepted. All applicants should submit their original unpublished work of short fiction or nonfiction, 5,000 words or fewer, to be considered. Along with receiving an award for $1,000 USD, the winner will have his or her short story featured within our blog, which reaches thousands of readers per month. 



BRICK ROAD POETRY BOOK CONTEST
http://brickroadpoetrypress.com/poetry-book-contest/
$25 ENTRY FEE. Deadline November 1, 2018. The first-place winner receives a publication contract with Brick Road Poetry Press and $1,000 prize, publication in both print and ebook formats, and 25 copies of the printed book. We may also offer publication contracts to the top finalists. Submit original collection of 50 to 100 pages of poetry, excluding cover page, contents, acknowledgments, etc.
 

GRANTS / FELLOWSHIPS / CROWDFUNDING

THE MUSE AND THE MARKETPLACE SCHOLARSHIPS
https://museandthemarketplace.com/scholarships
Deadline November 5, 2018. We at GrubStreet offer numerous partial need-based scholarships - for general audiences, for writers doing great work in the literary community, and for writers from historically marginalized backgrounds. No previous publication or MFA required, and there is no application fee. If you are eligible, we welcome you to apply for multiple scholarships selecting all scholarships you'd like to be considered for in your application. Nearly all scholarships are awarded in quantities of $250, to be used towards Muse 2019 registration. Occasionally we offer larger amounts to individuals demonstrating particular need and merit. Location Boston, MA.



REPRESENTATION MATTERS
https://repmatters.org/Apply
Connecting self-identified people of color who are interested in publishing and literature with publishing professionals who can help their mentees learn about, and get a foothold in, the industry. Ideal applicants are readers, writers, and book lovers with a genuine interest in pursuing a career in publishing. Applicants need not live in New York City. Mentorship can be done remotely. Applicants should submit a one-page essay to [email protected] explaining why they are interested in becoming an editor at a book publishing company and what holes they see in the marketplace that relate to their personal experiences. Please specify area of interest (i.e. a preference for either children’s books or adult, fiction or nonfiction, and any particular genres of interest). Applicants should also include a resume that reflects any editorial experience they may have (paid or volunteer).
 

 

FREELANCE MARKETS

RAISING ARIZONA KIDS
https://www.raisingarizonakids.com/writer-guidelines/
Raising Arizona Kids is targeted to caring, open-minded and intellectually curious Arizona parents within the 25-59 age range. Articles should be written to inform, enlighten, challenge, support, amuse or touch these parents as they grow within their new roles, seek ways to enhance their children’s lives and face the pressure of combining careers and parenting. We work only with Arizona-based writers. Feature articles run from 1,000 to 3,000 words in length. Departmental submissions run 200 to 500 words in length. Pays $200 for features and $75 for columns. 



BP MAGAZINE
https://www.bphope.com/professional-writers/
bp Magazine (bphope.com) is a 50,000 circulation quarterly speaking to Americans and Canadians who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, along with their families and medical caregivers. bp is not a medical journal, but rather, a lively and information-rich consumer magazine. Our editorial objective is to serve as a guide for those with bipolar disorder who want to live healthier, more balanced lives. bp delivers information, hope and harmony to its readers. Main articles are between 1,500 and 2,500 words. They cover subjects of broad interest such as emotional coping, health and/or bipolar treatment issues, the history of bipolar manic depression, research, personalities, lifestyles and creating a more stress-free pattern of living with bipolar disorder. Each issue also contains regularly appearing short features (approx. 650-750 words). 



ESPERANZA
https://www.hopetocope.com/professional-writers/
Our editorial objective is to serve as a guide for those with depression and/or anxiety who want to live healthier, more balanced lives. esperanza delivers information, inspiration and hope to its readers. esperanza also provides a forum for discussions on cutting-edge thinking and emerging topics about depression and anxiety. esperanza typically includes three to five features in each issue. Main articles are between 1,500 and 2,500 words. Each issue also contains regularly appearing short features (approx. 650-750 words). 



OC87 RECOVERY DIARIES
https://oc87recoverydiaries.org/your-story/
Essays (approximately 1,200-1,500 words in length) should be sent as an email attachment. We offer a $250 honorarium for accepted posts, payable upon publication. If you are ready to share your mental health recovery story, please submit. If we are interested in working with you to develop your piece into an OC87 Recovery Diaries essay, you will hear from us in four to six weeks with information on next steps. The staff of OC87 Recovery Diaries recognizes that substance abuse and/or addiction often co-occur with mental illness, and we welcome essays from writers struggling with mental health and substance co-occurring disorders.  However, we regret that we are unable to consider essays or content focusing solely on substance abuse or addiction at this time, nor will we consider essays about recovery from physical ailments or conditions.



PSYCHOLOGY TODAY
https://psychologytoday.submittable.com/submit/68615/magazine-pitches
Our magazine explores every aspect of human behavior, from the cultural trends that shape and reflect the way we think and feel to the intricacies of modern neuroscience. Although many psychologists and mental health professionals read PT, most of our readers are simply intelligent and curious people interested in the psyche and the self. Query first.



THE ESTABLISHMENT
https://medium.com/the-establishment/pitch-us-b0788d803a0b
The Establishment is looking to unearth overlooked stories, produce original reporting, and provide a platform for voices that have been marginalized by the mainstream media. And yes, we want your humor, wit, and good old-fashioned satire, too. We publish originally reported features, interviews, long-form journalism, personal essays, and multimedia of all shapes, sizes, and creeds. We pay $125 for feature stories, op-eds, and personal essays (800–1,500 words), and $500 for a select few long-form investigative pieces that involve original reporting and at least five interviews (3,000 words). All multimedia submissions are paid for on a case-by-case basis, but we pay everyone an egalitarian rate for every contribution they make.



VERYWELL
https://www.verywell.com/about-us#OurWriters
Verywell is a friendly online resource where you can explore a full spectrum of health and wellness topics, from comprehensive information on medical conditions to useful advice on fitness, nutrition, mental health, pregnancy, and more. We take a human approach to health and wellness, delivering accessible solutions and offering a welcome alternative to clinical sites. Writers are specifically selected for both their extensive knowledge and real-world experience as well as their ability to communicate complex information in a clear and helpful way. 



TONIC
https://tonic.vice.com/en_us/page/about-tonic
Tonic is a website and digital video channel that covers wellness, science and big-picture health issues. We'll tell the human stories on the leading edge, capture paradigm shifts in research that allow us to see the world in new ways, and offer a roadmap to people who want to live healthier lives. Please send questions, pitches and ideas to [email protected].


 

Publishers/agents

NEW SOCIETY PUBLISHERS
https://www.newsociety.com/Submissions
New Society Publishers is a progressive publishing company that specializes in books that contribute in fundamental ways to building an ecologically sustainable and just society. We sell our books to a North America-wide market, using trade distributors in both Canada and the United States, as well as through direct mail and the Internet. We also have distribution channels overseas. New Society Publishers also sees itself as a solutions publisher, providing ‘good news’ most of the time as well as clear analysis of the major issues we face in the struggle to create a more just and equitable world. Our emphasis is always inspirational, motivational, and skill-oriented. 



KWiL PUBLISHING
https://kwilpublishing.com/submissions/
We are seeking excellent children’s literature; books that will leave young readers begging, “Read it again!” We are particularly passionate about “scientific fiction” with STEM or Makers themes—stories that have well-researched and vetted scientific, technological, mathematical, engineering, or Makers-related content. At the heart of each are memorable characters and compelling plots. They are “read-it-again-worthy” in their own right, but they are also excellent supplements to a STEM or Makers curriculum. We prefer projects with shelf-life over projects that feel gimmicky or feed a fad, although there are always exceptions. We are seeking illustrators for our picture book projects.



BLOSSOM SPRING PUBLISHING
https://www.blossomspringpublishing.com/submissions/
Blossom Spring Publishing is one of the few publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts (that is, those that are not presented to us by an agent and self-published authors). We accept manuscripts for fiction, nonfiction and children’s stories. At present we are particularly interested in the following: FICTION - commercial women’s fiction, including historical romance and saga; crime and psychological thrillers; paranormal and mystery; children’s fiction. NONFICTION - humour; health & well-being; food and drink.



CAMERON AND COMPANY
http://cameronbooks.com/
Founded in 1964 by aerial photographer Robert Cameron, Cameron+Company is a boutique publishing house, creating and distributing quality books and calendars with a focus on photography, art, food+wine, children’s literature, and publications of regional interest.



HOLIDAY HOUSE
http://holidayhouse.com/faqs/
Holiday House is a publisher of children’s books only. We specialize in quality hardcovers, from picture books to young adult, both fiction and nonfiction. We publish children’s books for ages four and up. We do not publish mass-market books, including, but not limited to, pop-ups, activity books, sticker books, coloring books, or licensed books.



PHAIDON
http://www.phaidon.com/about-phaidon/submitting-a-book-proposal/
ADULT - If you are interested in submitting a book proposal to us, please bear in mind that we publish in the following areas: art, architecture, design, photography, film, fashion, contemporary culture, decorative arts, music, performing arts, cultural history, food and cookery, and travel. We do NOT publish works of fiction. Please send a short description of your project in English to [email protected] along with your CV. 

CHILDREN'S - If you are interested in submitting a children's book proposal to us, please bear in mind that we currently publish for children ages zero to eight in the categories of: board book, novelty book, and picture book. Subject matter must be relevant to the target age group and quality must be commensurate with the Phaidon brand. 



ETHAN ELLENBERG LITERARY AGENCY
https://ethanellenberg.com/submission-guidelines/
We are actively looking for established and new writers in a wide range of genres. We are looking for storytellers of all kinds and remain confident that books, in whatever format they are published, will continue to play a key role in our society to entertain and to instruct. We’re interested in all kinds of commercial fiction, including thrillers, mysteries, children’s, romance, women’s fiction, ethnic, science fiction, fantasy and general fiction. We are also interested in literary fiction as long as it has a strong narrative. In nonfiction, we are interested in current affairs, history, health, science, psychology, cookbooks, new age, spirituality, pop-culture, adventure, true crime, biography and memoir. We are also open to reviewing other genres and topics, as long as the material is for a trade or general audience and not scholarly.



TAYEN LANE PUBLISHING
http://www.tayenlane.com/submissions/
We are currently seeking manuscripts for fantasy & science fiction titles, general fiction, and nonfiction books (spirituality, human awareness, socioeconomic political reality, quantum physics meets spirituality, etc.). Whether you’re an established author or aspiring author, please give us a chance to review your book, should it speak to our publishing philosophy. We look for just a very few wonderfully written manuscripts each year. 



AQUEDUCT PRESS
http://www.aqueductpress.com/submissions.php
Aqueduct Press publishes works of feminist sf as well as works about feminist sf or of particular interest to readers of feminist sf. We are interested in seeing feminist sf novels of any length; for our Conversation Pieces series, we are interested in original novellas, poetry, and prose work of every kind at lengths ranging from 20,000-35,000 words. Please send a query to info[at]aqueductpress.com before sending us nonfiction or a collection of short fiction.

 

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FINE PRINT

Please forward the newsletter in its entirety. To reprint any editorials, contact [email protected] for permission. Please do not assume that acknowledgements listed in your publication is considered a valid right to publish.

C. Hope Clark
E-mail: [email protected]
140-A Amicks Ferry Road #4
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Copyright 2000-2018, C. Hope Clark
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