Writing for Young Readers -
by Eugie Foster
April 2007
An Interview with Judy Burke of Highlights for Children
An Interview with Judy Burke of Highlights for Children
Judy Burke is the Managing Editor of Highlights for Children, the monthly magazine for ages 3 to 12. Highlights for Children was founded in 1946 and, in keeping with its motto of "Fun with a Purpose," publishes material that entertains children and which also encourages learning. With a circulation of more than 2 million, it has the largest paid, subscription-based circulation of any general interest magazine for young readers. Judy has worked for Highlights since 1995 and edits the fiction for older readers, ages 8 to 12, and the nonfiction sports articles. Additionally, she edited a craft book, Look What You Can Make with Paper Bags, and three children's journals for Boyds Mills Press.
What makes a manuscript really stand out for you? What do you look for that makes a story really right for Highlights for Children?
We look for stories with a fresh voice, an engaging plot, and memorable characters. A unique setting can be a plus, as can an insight into another culture. Above all, we look for strong writing and storytelling skills. In addition, we like it when the child protagonist thinks up a clever solution to whatever problem he or she is facing. When young characters solve their own problems, we think that's empowering to readers.
Are there any subjects you don't want to see or material you see so much of that it's a hard sell?
It'd be tough to rule out a particular subject, but it might be helpful to note that we avoid stories whose sole purpose seems to be to teach kids a lesson. (As we sometimes say, those stories are "all purpose and no fun.") We receive hundreds of fiction submissions every month, so in general it's tough to sell us fiction, but authors should not be discouraged. We buy loads of stories every year from writers who've never sold a manuscript in their lives! We judge each submission on its own merits, not on the author's history of published work.
Likewise, what's the most common thing you encounter that will result in a speedy rejection?
I would say that the biggest mistake is not following our guidelines. For example, our word limit is 800, but we still receive many 1000-word stories. Also, this may sound odd, but we often find ourselves rejecting stories that are good, but not great. As I've said, there is a lot of competition. There are many "good" stories out there, but we're looking for the ones that stand out. If authors are interested in selling to Highlights, I'd recommend that they find the most current issues at their library and read them in their entirety to get a feel for what we publish.
Under the "current needs" section of your guidelines, Easter stories, Kwanzaa stories, Ramadan stories, Hanukkah stories, and Passover stories are specifically requested. Are you more interested in stories that explore the traditions and cultures of these holidays, the religious and historical elements, or both?
Any of those would be fine, but when it comes to fiction, a strong plot is necessary. Often, authors will use fiction to explain what a holiday is all about without including a plot or conflict. In those cases, they might be better off presenting their information as nonfiction.
Also from the guidelines, one of your focuses is on fiction for 8- to 12-year-olds. Aside from length, how do you and the other Highlights for Children editors establish what manuscripts are appropriate for particular age ranges?
Stories for 4- to 8-year-olds (which shouldn't exceed 500 words) usually have a protagonist who is between 4 and 8 years old, simple vocabulary and simpler sentence structure, and a conflict that a child in that age range can relate to. Stories for 8- to 12-year-olds (which shouldn't exceed 800 words) usually have a protagonist who is between 8 and 12 years old, more complex vocabulary and sentence structure, and a conflict that a child in that age range can relate to. The fiction for younger readers should not seem babyish to an older reader, and the fiction for older readers should be appealing to younger readers if read aloud.
Can you provide an overview of the consideration process a typical manuscript goes through when it is submitted to Highlights for Children?
We read each manuscript that we receive in its entirety (as long as it meets the word limit in our guidelines). If an editor thinks that a manuscript has potential, he or she will circulate the manuscript to three other editors for their comments. After the first editor receives the comments back, he or she will decide whether to purchase the manuscript, return it, or ask the author for a revision. The process usually takes about two months, but can take longer or shorter depending upon various circumstances.
Highlights for Children publishes material for a broad age group: 3- to 12-year-olds. Do you think that your target audience has changed with regard to inherent sensibilities and sophistication over the years? Or are there universal elements that children find entertaining that have remained essentially the same?
I think it's true that children are growing up faster these days, but I believe that there are still constants. For example, what makes a fiction story great is that it illuminates a certain aspect of human nature, that it resonates within a reader. I don't think that will ever change. Details, such as clothing, kids' hobbies, and turns of phrase, may change, but the heart of a good fiction story won't. And yes, I think that kids will always want to laugh, play, learn, create, make friends, overcome problems and embarrassing moments, and succeed. And they like to see protagonists do the same, since readers often identify strongly with protagonists.
What do you think is the most important thing beginning writers need to focus on when writing for children?
My short answer is: "Be in touch with the world that children live in. Let your audience inspire you! If you're trying to write for kids, then be around them every chance you get."
My long answer is:
- Do your homework. Research your market, study the magazine you're submitting to, and follow its guidelines.
- To improve your chances of a sale, start small. Crafts, puzzles, and activities are often easier to sell than fiction or nonfiction. And once your foot is in the door, editors may remember your name and be more open to seeing other work from you.
- Learn to love the revision process.
- Be persistent. Don't get discouraged by rejection letters, and don't take them personally. Editors are not saying, "We don't like you"; they are saying, "This manuscript is not right for us." Keep learning -- join writing groups and critique groups, read to kids in libraries, attend writers' conferences, read writers' publications, visit websites for writers, and continue to polish your work and research your market until you find your match -- and you will!
Eugie Foster is a short-fiction writer specializing in genre and children's literature. She has sold more than a dozen stories to the Cricket Magazine Group, including Spider, Cricket and Cicada, as well as to an assortment of other children's magazines including Dragonfly Spirit and Story Station. She holds an M.A. in developmental psychology, has co-authored a textbook on child development, and is a frequent speaker at Dragon*Con's Young Adult Literature Track. She is a member of the SFWA and managing editor of Tangent (http://www.tangentonline.com). Foster maintains a list of children's SF/F magazine markets at her website, http://www.eugiefoster.com.
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