editors speak
Update on Kid Zone Magazine
Anne Huizenga, editor
By Jan Fields
Since we added an editor interview and special report on Kid Zone, a
Scott Publications magazine, many of our readers have responded with
appreciation for the information on this great nonfiction market. This
month, we’re catching up with the new editor of Kid Zone magazine, Anne Huizenga to hear of any changes that our readers might need to know.
KMW: Can you tell me what parts of KID ZONE are in house and therefore
not open to submissions?
AH: KID ZONE is not a market for fiction, poetry, trivia, games, or
recipes, unless they are part of a written feature.
KMW: How does KID ZONE handle holidays?
AH: We try to take a fall-festival approach in the autumn issue and
avoid anything that might be construed as anti-Christian or evil. We do
promote Christmas in the Nov/Dec issue, but may also include Hanukkah
and other December holidays. Likewise, we will talk about Easter in the
spring issue. [Submissions for the Nov/Dec holiday issue would need to
be submitted by July 1st. Easter submissions should be sent by November
1; and fall-festival submissions would be sent by May 1st. So, in
general, holiday submissions need to be sent from six to five months
before the holiday.]
KMW: I see that most of the zones in KID ZONE have an accompanying craft
or activity -- do you also buy craft pieces separately or should they
always come with an article?
AH: Articles that are submitted with craft projects, games, recipes, or
other extras will probably get more consideration that those without.
Projects may be submitted alone.
KID ZONE issues each have a general theme for projects:
March/April SPRING [submissions should be made by the previous November
1st]
May/June SUMMER [submissions by January 1st]
July/Aug BACK TO SCHOOL [Submissions by March 1st]
Sept/Oct FALL [Submissions by May 1st]
Nov/Dec CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY [Submissions by July 1st]
Jan/Feb WINTER [Submissions by Sept 1st]
Submissions are considered based on a query, which includes a photo of
the project along with a brief description of the project. These queries
can be sent by mail or email.
KMW: What zones will appear in every issue of KID ZONE?
AH: We have found a core group of zones that we do each issue: Chomp,
Critter, Discovery, Story, Fun, and Culture. Chomp Zone features a
specific food or type of food with recipes and other fun ideas. [Past
issues have included history of the food, how the food was
invented/discovered, famous people associated with the food, as well as
recipes and quizzes.] Critter Zone features a specific animal, bug,
reptile, etc and includes details, trivia, projects, photos, quizzes,
etc. Individual bug features will not be selected. Discovery Zone
explores the world around us through information and hands-on projects.
Science and safety topics could also be featured here. Fun Zone can be
almost anything but this is where holiday and seasonal topics are
usually touched on. Culture Zone focuses on one country’s culture with
all information presented in a positive light. The goal is to celebrate
the differences of all people.
KMW: How would an illustrator "break in" to KID ZONE?
AH: We currently work with two illustrators exclusively, but
illustrators can submit a sample of their work via mail which we will
keep on file should our needs change.
KMW: When a writer sends you a craft -- do you want to see accompanying
photos? the finished product? Photos illustrating the steps? How about
recipes -- do you cook them or do you need to see high quality photos of
the finished food?
AH: Craft projects should be submitted with a photo. We don't need the
instructions, just a brief description and photo. We keep the photos on
file and will only respond if we can use it. We only take submissions of
recipes with a feature submission. We don't need photos, just the
recipe.
KMW: Is there any kind of "favorite" craft you like to see? I know some
magazines like to see crafts that result in playable toys. Some like
gift ideas. Some like DIY makeover things like room decor items. Is KID
ZONE totally eclectic or do you have some things you'd like to see more
of?
AH: We like to see a variety. We want to feature crafts in a variety of
mediums throughout the issue. It's always great if the items needed are
easily accessible and inexpensive to make. We have a lot of teachers and
group leaders who use KID ZONE for group projects.
KMW: Are there any sorts of things you aren't seeing enough of? Any
pieces you're seeing too much of? How can magazine writers better meet
your needs?
AH: We get many submissions on bugs. Too many. We get the fewest
submissions for our Culture Zone, which covers the culture of a
different nation each issue. Submissions for this feature must mirror
past issues as all are presented in the same manner. The submission must
include information, words to say from that nation, a typical recipe and
craft project. Photos are also helpful.
Culture Zone focuses on one country's culture and includes: map, flag
with explanation, information on items of interest/importance to that
country, what kids do, school information, what's great about that
nation, recipe, how to write/speak a few words of the language, and
craft project representative of that country. Present all information in
a positive light -- the goal of this feature is to celebrate the
differences of all people, Past features include: Thailand, Mexico,
Sweden, India, New Zealand, St. Pierre & Miquelon, Russia, and Poland.
KMW: I really appreciate your time. Any parting tips or comments?
AH: Thanks for your interest. If I can just add one more item that might
be of help. The most annoying submissions are those from individuals who
have either not reviewed the writer guidelines or have never looked at
an issue. If you're going to submit to a magazine, make sure you have
seen an issue and that you know what and how to present the piece.
Otherwise you're just wasting your time, and the editor's.
Our word count is 500 – 750 words and we ask for World Rights. Payment
for written features varies and will be addressed individually, but runs
approximately $20 - $50. We pay upon publication.
To submit project ideas and photos via email, send to
Anne Huizenga
To submit project by regular mail, send to:
KID ZONE
Anne Huizenga
801 W. Norton Ave. Suite 200
Muskegon, MI 49441.
Photos will not be returned.
This page last updated on 01 June 2005
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