Parenting Magazines?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-28-2003
Parenting Magazines?
4
Tue, 04-06-2004 - 8:49am


I've been a stay at home mom for 18 months now to my three kids - 5,4 and almost 3. The writing is on the wall that we will not make it financially on one salary so I'm trying to get creative on finding some alternate sources of income/career. I do not want to go back to my old, stressful career - I love being home!

I have a whole book of "cute" kid stories that I'd like to start submitting for publication - what parenting magazines do you all read? Thanks for any and all input? Anyone else done this?

mom2four

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2003
Tue, 04-06-2004 - 12:20pm
Hi!

Good luck with your writing goal. I was writing for years before I became brain dead after being pregnant/having the baby (she's only 1 and I'm 24 weeks pregnant again, so it will be a good 2-3 years before my brain is back 100%, ha ha) anyway...

Unless you have been published before, it's best to start small. Rather than submitting to "Parents" or "Child" right away, I would start local, like with any newsletters or publications in your area. You'll have to get some publishing cred under your belt before you move on. Also, try forming the cute stories into typical seasonal articles that the staff writers at the different publications are sick of writing (i.e. "10 Ways to Amuse a Toddler in the Winter", "The Best Family Summer Vacations") you might be able to being a new perspective to the mag.

Also, make sure you know a good editor. Someone who will be truthful and cut words like crazy. But, don't "show as you go" hand them a completed story and a red pen.

Good luck!

Melissa
Meldi
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Tue, 04-06-2004 - 1:48pm
I would also subscribe to Writers Market online. It costs about $3/month and is searchable. It's a really good way to find opportunities. But I also agree with the poster who said you need to start small. Most of the biggies want clippings. I also agree with finding an editor. I did that before I was a SAHM (corporate, not general pubs) and would typically cut most people's work by about half (not writers who worked for me, but others in the building who didn't write for a living).
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-28-2003
Tue, 04-06-2004 - 2:26pm


Thank you both for the good advice.

What is a good source for understanding how this works - do you have to submit a resume with previous publications when you submit and article? What's a clipping?

Any good ideas for where I could start to understand the ins and outs of freelance writing?

thanks

mom2four

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 04-07-2004 - 8:29am
Writers Market. It not only lists publications, what they're looking for, what their requirements are, etc., but it offers a lot of explanation as to how it all works. You might also check out local colleges or universities to see what continuing ed classes they offer. Ours offers magazine writing courses, freelance writing courses, etc., and they require you to try to get published as part of the class.

I really can't say enough about Writers Market. If you're serious, it's well worth the money. A book is published each year, but the online version is much better as it can be updated continuously rather than just once a year, and it costs about the same. It not only lists markets for mags, but for screenplays, books, greeting cards, etc.