| Dear Writer,
We constantly hear from editors that the vast majority of the manuscripts they receive are rejected because they were not written to the editor’s specifications. Few editors will consider a story or article that does not meet their specs—precisely. Writing contests also have exact specifications. That’s why we encourage writers—all writers, new ones and old pros too—to enter contests. They’re excellent, professional training experiences and, if you win, they can get you published and pay healthy prize money. The winners in these contests will be published in Children’s Writer, the monthly newsletter that goes to every children’s book and magazine editor/publisher in North America. Along with the winning piece, we’ll publish an article on it and the other top-ranked entries and their authors. There are also cash prizes. The cash prizes alone are a lot of good reasons to write a piece and enter. Current subscribers to Children’s Writer enter free. All others pay a $13 reading fee—standard for writing contests. But, if you are not a subscriber, your $13 fee will also bring you an eight-month trial subscription to Children’s Writer. You can submit multiple entries, but please use the attached entry form for each one. The contest rules are important. They follow this letter. Please read them very carefully. Please note the opening and closing dates each contest. Be sure that your entry arrives in the correct time window, and note that the deadline is absolute! Now, warm up your computer and write a prize-winning piece. P.S. A majority of entries do not make it past the
first reading because they are not targeted to the specified age range
or because they exceed the word limit. Don’t fall out of the running
because of either of these two easy-to-meet specifications. Age-target
your writing and count your words. Upcoming ContestsHistorical Fiction Historical fiction for young teens, age 13, to 1,500 words. Balance originality with accuracy and provide strong sources. Create a voice and a story that is historical but relevant to contemporary readers. Include a bibliography of research sources. Publishability is the ultimate criterion. Entries must be received by October 31, 2010. Current subscribers to Children’s Writer enter free. For all others, the entry fee is $13, which includes an 8-month subscription. Winners will be announced in the March 2011 issue. Prizes: $500 for first place plus publication in Children’s Writer; $250 for second place; and $100 for third, fourth, and fifth places. Send to: Children’s Writer, Historical Fiction Contest, 93 Long Ridge Road, West Redding, CT 06896.
Kindergarten Story A fictional
story or nonfiction about family life or school for age 5, up to 150
words. The story should be appropriate to five-year-olds learning to
read on their own. It should be fun, use vocabulary and syntax well, and
have high interest for a kindergartener. Take great care not to write
too high for this age. Know what a five-year-old can and cannot read.
Originality and the overall quality of writing will also be considered.
Publishability is the ultimate criterion.
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