The Bones of a Picture Book, part III/Calls for Submissions

This article is a continuation of a series.

Rhyme. Some editors like rhyme; some love it; many shy away from it. All shy away if the rhyme isn’t perfect in meter and beat. Honestly, I’m totally lost on writing rhyming text so I don’t even attempt it. Instead, I choose to write rhythmic prose. If you’re a natural at writing rhyme or have studied it, give it a try. The rhyme should flow smoothly and as with prose, each line should further the plot. Surprise and delight the reader with the word choice.

Strong, unique concept. Every story plot has already been written, right? We’re not going to stumble onto anything new in that department. But we should provide a new twist, a surprise ending, something to make the story stand apart from others. Otherwise, why publish something that’s already in the market. Integrate the character’s emotional problem with a physical problem so when the character is actively trying to work toward the physical goal, the emotional goal is being met as well.

Call for submissions for adult writers:

Funny Times. Our print publication pokes fun at politics, news, relationships,
food, technology, pets, work, death, environmental issues, business, and the human condition in general. Not much is off limits, so do your best to make us laugh. We pay upon publication, not acceptance, and the rates are $25-$40 per cartoon based on reproduction size and $60 each for story. You’ll even get a complimentary subscription to Funny Times and some serious bragging rights. Limit 500-700 words.

Details at http://www.funnytimes.com/submissions.php#.UT6DoFeN7To

Call for submissions for young writers:

Skipping Stones. Writings (essays, stories, letters to the editor, riddles and proverbs, etc.) should be typed or neatly handwritten and limited to 750 words and poems to 30 lines. We encourage writings in all languages with an English translation, if possible. And, we love illustrations! Please send originals of your drawings, paintings, or photos. Include your name, age, and address along with your submission.

Tell us about yourself in a cover letter. What is your cultural background? What languages do you speak or write? What is important to you? What are your dreams and visions for the future? What inspired you to write or create your submission? We might even print your letter!

If you would like a reply from us or your work returned, include a self-addressed envelope with postage stamps. Submissions that do not include SASE's will be recycled if we do not publish them. Allow three months for our reply. When your work is published in Skipping Stones, you will receive a contributor's copy of that issue.

Submission guidelines at http://www.skippingstones.org/submissions.htm

Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/