Tips for Writing for Young Adults and Children

Writing for younger markets is a rewarding experience, and the differences to writing for adult markets are slim. The main difference is the word count limit in which you have to develop your memorable characters and tell the story to completion. For middle school to Young Adult magazines, you are looking at less than 2,000 words. That is only seven or eight pages. The markets for kids magazines generally pay very well compared to adult markets. If this type of writing interests you, here are some tips.

Writing For Kids, Selling to Adults

Kids editors are every bit as professional and practical understanding as that of any other publication. They have the same stresses and time constraints involved in the editors business. So, keep that attention to detail in your submissions.

Write Older

Kids will not read about someone younger than them, and barely tolerate their same age. If you are targeting a ten year old, then the hero of the story should be at least 12. Do not talk down to your audience, or simplify your style this will result in not challenging your readers.

Know Your Market

There are hundreds of children's magazines, but many have a particular niche in the stories they share. Understand the niche of the magazines you are writing for. As with writing for any adult publication, you should purchase the children's magazines you wish to write for to understand them.

Write What You Know

With writing for children's market, this age-old cliché takes on a new perspective. As an adult, we need to reach back into our childhood and revisit those feelings, smells, and opinions. We need to remember how we felt at the age of five, and then again as a teenager. Pick out those emotions and apply them to your characters.

Every Word Pulls Its Own Weight

Keep in mind that, generally, you will only have 1500 words to play with. Each word should exude confidence and further the story. You have very little writing room to waste with children's stories. Cut out wasted dialog and unnecessary description. Keep physical descriptions to a minimum.

Check Your Facts

Keep in mind that editors check the numbers as well. Make their job easier and check your facts before submitting. Children often trust what they see in print. Be aware that you do not misinform.

Give Your Very Best

Keep in mind who you are writing for. These are our children. Everything they touch, see, feel, and even read becomes part of the learning experience that shapes their lives. Remember the stories that shaped yours before writing one that will shape theirs.