Manuscript Wishes

 

At the beginning of each year, I enjoy trolling through sites and picking up on the latest manuscript wishes as presented by publishers, editors, and agents. The literary offerings are constantly in flow—changing, morphing. New publishers emerge, new styles take charge, and new opportunities for writers abound.

 Here are some of the predicted trends and editor wishes for 2018

 1.      Strong female characters

 

2.     Kid-friendly nonfiction

3.     Series

4.     Fantasy worlds and creatures

5.     Activity books in STEM areas

6.     Board books

7.     Picture books for ages 4-8—fiction, humorous, wacky stories. Narrative nonfiction. Strong females who made a mark in history.

8.     Historical fiction for middle grades. Action and adventure stories with elements of fantasy and magic (series and standalone) as well as nonfiction.

9.     Young adult fiction and nonfiction. YA thrillers becoming popular.

10. Graphic novels

11. Unusual voices

12. Unfamiliar style and unique perspectives

13. Diverse books by Own Voice writers

14. Subjects on contemporary social matters

Of course, many books that don’t fit within this list will find homes with publishers. Make your manuscript the best it can be, ship it out to prospective editors, and begin a new manuscript while waiting for a response.

Here’s to a bountiful year of writing.

Call for Submissions for Young Writers:

Hanging Loose magazine. Since 1968, every issue of Hanging Loose has had a section of high school writing. We’re always looking for new writers. Poems or short stories, or an equivalent combination of poetry and prose.

Submission guidelines at http://hangingloosepress.com/submissions.html

Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:

APPLESEEDS: Ages 6 and up, focus on 3^rd and 4^th grade. Multidisciplinary, nonfiction social studies. Theme-oriented. See guidelines for upcoming themes. Articles should be scientific and/or historical research-oriented. Feature articles, nonfiction, interviews, etc: 1-4 pages. Articles must be proposed first.

Submission guidelines at http://www.cricketmag.com/18-Submission-Guidelines-for-APPLESEEDS-magazine-for-children-ages-6-9

Nancy Kelly Allen has written 40+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK.

To leave comments or to check out her blog click, go to www.nancykellyallen.com

Picture Book vs. Magazine article, part III/Calls for Submissions

Today’s blog is part III of a series.

Check out the following elements to determine if your story works better as a picture book or a magazine story:

Does the story have 14-20 scenes or pieces of action? Picture books have about 28 pages of illustrations; magazine stories have 1-8 illustrations. Did you allow enough leeway for the illustrator to tell part of the story? A magazine story will include details such as “red, polka dot dress.” A picture book manuscript usually doesn’t include such details because the illustrations will show this aspect of the story. In fact, some picture book texts can seem sparse and not always easy to understand without the illustrations, which not only reflect the text but carry the story beyond. A magazine story is told with numerous details because the text does not rely on illustrations to help tell the tale.

Does the story have a universal theme? A picture book has an idea or message that flows throughout the story.

Is the story different in some way? Does the author voice or writing style stand out? Does the text zing with rhythm? A picture book manuscript needs a distinctive element.

Does your story have the “read it again” factor? Is there a satisfying conclusion in which the character solves his/her problem? Does the ending have a surprise or twist that delights the child? A favorite picture book may be read over and over. A magazine story is usually read fewer times.

Both picture books and magazines offer entertaining and informational stories to children and both claim important places in the literary world.

Call for submissions for adult writers:

Jelly Bucket is open for submissions through June 1. Send us your best poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Jelly Bucket is distributed nationally and produced by the Bluegrass Writers Studio, which grants the MFA in Creative Writing at Eastern Kentucky University.
Submission guidelines at www.jellybucket.org.

Call for submissions for young writers:

Hanging Loose magazine welcomes high school submissions. As with other writers, we reply within three months, and high school authors whose work we publish receive the same small fee and two copies of the issue in which their work appears. We feel a special responsibility to those young writers who look to us not only for possible publication but sometimes also for editorial advice, which we are always happy to give when asked. Send 3 to 6 poems, or 1 to 3 short stories, or an equivalent combination of poetry and prose. This enables us to get a good idea of what your work is like.

Submission guidelines at http://www.hangingloosepress.com/submissions.html

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