Writing a Middle Grade Novel, part 3/Calls for Submissions

Let’s examine a middle grade novel idea. 

Children’s novels, as with all writing, begin with an idea. The problem is, how do you determine if the idea is worthy of the vast amount of time and effort needed to take the idea to a completed manuscript. Here are some details to consider:

Conflict drives a story. Does your idea allow for conflict to develop between characters, within the character, or both?

Offer something different. Does the idea add a spark that will catch the interest of an editor? If the story has been told over and over, you need to find a way to take your idea in a new or different direction. Maybe the setting could be in the future or the past. Tell your story in a fresh way that will intrigue and please the reader.

Excitement factor. How much fun do you think you’ll have writing the story? How interested are you in the subject? About one-third of the way through the manuscript, many writers feel worn down by the task. The excitement factor has vanished. Develop an idea that will hold your interest over the long haul. Think of the types of books you enjoy reading and consider writing in that genre.

Next week, I’ll discuss ways to begin the manuscript.

Call for submissions for young writers:

Guardian Angel Kids is pleased to announce we are now accepting
submissions from children up to 14.

Upcoming themes:

The date on the right is the submission date.

May UNIQUE ART March 1, 2014
June SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS April 1, 2014
July SIDEWALK ART May 1, 2014
August INCREDIBLE ART June 1, 2014
September EXTRAORDINARY ANIMALS July 1, 2014
October AUSSIE ANIMALS August 1, 2014
November FLYING TO THE MOON September 1, 2014
December SOLVING MYSTERIES October 1, 2014

Submission guidelines at http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/submissions.htm

Call for submissions for adult writers:

Turtle Magazine for Preschool Kids (ages 3-5)

• FICTION: Short stories 350 words or less. Payment: $70 and up.
• NONFICTION: We accept short articles/activities that introduce and reinforce measuring, counting, reading, nature, simple science experiments, etc., 250 words or less. Payment: $70 and up.
• POETRY: We accept poems 4-12 line poems. Please remember the age of your audience. Payment: $35 and up.
• RECIPES: We accept simple, healthful recipes of 200 words or less that generally require no cooking and minimal adult help. If possible, include a photo of the recipe with submission. Payment: $40 and up.
• CRAFTS: We accept fun crafts of 250 words or less that preschoolers can make with their family. Crafts can celebrate holidays or seasons. Materials should be inexpensive and easy to obtain. Include easy-to-understand steps and directions and, if possible, include a photo of the finished craft. Payment: $40 and up.
• FINGER PLAYS & ACTION RHYMES: We accept finger plays and action rhymes of  200 words or less that preschoolers can easily do. These are often written in rhyme and include lots of movement. Payment: $40 and up.
• Submission guidelines at http://www.uskidsmags.com/writers-guidelines/