I began my writing career over ten years ago by writing for children. I started out that way because – I confess – I thought it would be “easy.” Okay, I really dislike rude awakenings, but I was soon disabused of that notion and realized, like many things, it’s not so easy. But after making some classic beginner’s mistakes, I discovered it’s not that hard, either. In subsequent years I’ve had many many sales to children’s magazines, play publishers, e-zines and other kid driven publications. I’ve learned much. The scope of what you can write for children is vast, too. If you like to write for children, broaden your horizons and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find what’s out there. Here are five niches; maybe one of them is just right for you.
Rhymes
Kids still love them. Many children’s magazines like Highlights, Cricket and Stories for Children consider well written, age appropriate rhyming poetry. The same goes for picture books, though it can be daunting to face the competition in that arena. However, rhyme, near rhyme and uplifting or humorous verse is used sometime and somewhere in most children’s publications.
1. Cricket – Pays $3 per line
2. Pockets – Ceased publication in 2020
3. Shine Brightly – Pays $5 – $15
4. US Kids – Pays $35
Plays and Skits
Every year certain publishing companies go looking for fresh play and skit material for their program books and catalogs. Remember, like all good writing, it’s about the story. If you think you have a great story idea for a play or skit, first get it down on paper. Have some kids act it out for you so you can see what works or what doesn’t. When you’ve found your publisher, make sure you follow the guidelines closely.
1. Meriwether Publishing – Offers both royalty and non-royalty payment depending on type of submission
2. Plays Magazine – Rates vary with length of manuscript
3. Eldridge Plays – Pays 50% on royalties
4. Heuer Publishing – Pays royalties
5. Pioneer Drama – Offers contract
Science
I have a writer friend who consistently sells to Science World. She has an amazing grasp of a great variety of subjects and is a diligent researcher. Your excellent bibliography will go a long way to show editors that you’re serious and knowledgable about your chosen, or their themed, subject.
1. National Geographic for Kids – Pays $1 per word.
2. Odyssey – Pays $0.20 – $0.25 per printed word.
3. Highlights – Pays $150 and up.
4. Sylvan Dell – offers advance against royalties.
Short Stories
If you think short stories in general have gotten short shrift in the last twenty years or so, you’re right. But when it comes to kids the short story rules.
1. Kids Ark – Pays $100 per story.
2. Catholic Forester – Pays $0.50 per word.
3. Fun for Kids – Pays $0.05 per word. Fun for Kids has three magazines in at this one website.
4. Young Rider – Pays $150 per story. Like animals? This magazine wants your short story about horses.
5. Keys for Kids – Pays $25 for accepted stories.
Coloring and Activity Books / Articles
Think of the variety of these books that you can find almost everywhere from dollar stores to the Disney brands sold in high end boutiques. Someone has to write them. If your brain is jumping with cute ideas to keep young minds engaged this could the niche for you.
1. Warner Press – Payment varies.
2. Sterling Publishing – Payment negotiated. Sterling is a publisher with many imprints. Have fun here!
3. Girlworks – Pays $50 per page
4. Group Publishing – Payment begins at $150. Be sure to give Group a thorough look for all the areas where they accept submissions.
I still write for children and always have fun doing it. It takes time and some talent, but I’ve found it quite rewarding and if you’re inclined this way at all, so will you.
MORE PAYING MARKETS FOR WRITERS.
Susan Sundwall is a freelance writer from upstate New York eagerly awaiting a response on her resource book proposal at Group Publishing. She can be reached at: scsundwall -at- gmail.com
33 Worst Mistakes Writers Make About Blind Characters
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BOOK PROPOSALS THAT WORKED! Real Book Proposals That Landed $10K - $100K Publishing Contracts - by Angela Hoy
Peek over the shoulders of highly successful, published authors to see how they landed publishing contracts worth $10,000 to $100,000! An enticing yet professional book proposal is the key!
BONUS! Successful ghostwriter, Anton Marco, shares his secret for landing ghostwriting clients. Don’t miss Anton’s real ghostwriting contract at the end of this book! It provides an example of what he charges and the payment terms he requires from each client.
QUERY LETTERS THAT WORKED! Real Queries That Landed $2K+ Writing Assignments
Peek over the shoulders of highly successful freelance writers to see how they earn thousands per article! The query letter is the key!
In these pages, you'll find real query letters that landed real assignments for national magazines, websites, and corporations.
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- Abbi Perrets' form letter that brings in $30,000-$45,000 annually
- Sample phone query from Christine Greeley
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