editors speak
KNOW, The Science Magazine for Curious Kids
In January 2006, 6-to-9-year-old children were treated to a new
science magazine: KNOW, The Science Magazine for Curious Kids.
From the very first issue, readers found exciting interactive material
include snappy science facts, experiments and projects, puzzles,
contests, book reviews – even fiction! One of our wonderful Kid Magazine
Writers contributors was even discovered by KNOW editor Adrienne Mason.
So naturally, we want to know all about this magazine and meet this
delightful editor. We managed to snag her during her incredibly busy
schedule to offer us some insight on KNOW.
KMW: Since KNOW is YES Mag's "little brother," how do a younger focus
translate into content. For readers familiar with YES Mag, what would
they find different in the style of KNOW?
AM: I like to think of KNOW as YES's younger sister :) , but usually
refer to her/it as the "younger sibling." We share many features -- a
news section and regular columns for example, but KNOW also has many
features that are not in YES. We both try to keep things light and are,
at times, slightly irreverent and a bit silly. (Thus all of our "plays"
with the word know.) We also both try to get at the stories behind the
science. This is often what makes the most interesting reading.
As far as differences, the main one, logically, is the length and
reading level of articles. We have very few pieces that are longer than
250 words. We also have many unique features not found in YES Mag such
as regular columns on animals, the human body, a "thing" or technology,
and dinosaurs; poetry/fiction; Science in Action (interview with a
scientist); a regular comic page, and a puzzle page.
KMW: KNOW is still pretty young as a magazine -- now that y'all have
put out a few issues, are you planning any changes?
AM: We have made a few changes already, such as the introduction of the
Close-up page. Other than that, we are not planning anything major.
We're pretty happy with the way things are going so far but I'm sure
we'll continue to "tweak as we go."
KMW: I see KNOW publishes fiction ... now that you've read a few
bizillion submissions, are there any tips you can offer folks preparing
to send you a fiction piece? Are there any stories you're seeing a few
too many of?
AM: Actually, I haven't received a lot of fiction submissions. There are
a few issues for which I have received none. Having said that, we are
very particular about this section and unless we get something that we
really like we will forgo this page/spread and use that spread for more
science content. What I really want are poems and short stories that
relate to the theme (all of our issues are themed) and impart a bit of
science too. For examples, see Becky Loesher's poem in Issue 4 and a
poem by Bill Capossere in Issue 5 (Sept/Oct).
KMW: I know you don't accept nonfiction submissions -- but you are
accepting samples from published science writers. What would you be
looking for in the samples -- good science? Writing well to age group?
Quality of publication?
AM: Although I assign almost everything, I am willing to receive SHORT
e-mails from people who have an idea that might fit in our KNOW News
section (science news).
If you are a non-fiction writer and are interested in working for us,
please send me a brief note and some published clips. (Your writing does
not have to be in science.)
I am also interested in hearing from people with a good science
background who might be interested in writing for children. I am willing
to work with people who show promise, since finding good writers who
understand science is a challenge!
In general, please don't assume that writing for children and writing
science for children is easy. In my estimation it is one of the most
difficult genres because you need to be simple, clear, engaging AND
scientifically accurate.
KMW: Can puzzle writers submit directly like fiction and poetry
writers? Do you buy picture puzzles? Are there any types of puzzles you
really don't want to see?
AM: We have a regular contributor who does our KNOW Fun puzzle page.
However, in each issue we also publish a short "Mind Game." While this
is generally generated in house, I'd be open to receiving short,
original "mind games" that we could use as filler. These do not have to
relate to the theme. No word searches please. I'd also be interested in
original activity ideas, but most of these are also generated in-house.
KMW: Where do your young reviewers come from? Are they readers? I
love the reviews.
AM: At first, I asked children that I knew. Now readers just write into
us and I put them on a list. I give them a choice of books, which I then
send to them with a questionnaire. When they send in the questionnaire I
cobble their review together. (It's one of my favourite parts of the
magazine, too! Actually, I love all of the pages that the readers
contribute to.)
KMW: So, what's your favorite thing about being the managing editor
of KNOW? What's the hardest part of your job?
AM: I love the rush of working on a new project every two months. My
favourite issue is always that one that I'm working on! I really do
enjoy working with the writers and together shaping their pieces for our
readers. It's also very nice to get poems, letters, and artwork from our
readers.
The hardest, or perhaps most challenging, thing about the job is trying
to find the right balance for our readers. Ages 6-to-9 is so difficult
to write for because you have children with such a wide range of reading
abilities. Generally, we assume that children with be reading the
magazine with an adult or an older child, so our main concern is that
they can comprehend the material. We try to give a range of reading
opportunities presented in a range of styles so that children who are
ready to read on their own, will do so.
KMW: Thank you so very much for sharing with us. Anything else you
want to say?
AM: You're welcome. Thanks for asking.
If I could add a few other tips:
- I prefer to receive submissions via email
at adrienne@knowmag.ca.
Regular mail is also fine, but I have to say that I get a bit irked when
I receive an SASE with US stamps. We are in Canada so, of course, I
can't use US stamps here! Just provide me with an email address and I
will respond in that way.
Postal Address:
KNOW
501-3960 Quadra St
Victoria, BC
V8X 4A3
Canada
- I need to have submissions 3 1/2 months before an issue is
published. So, for our Jan/Feb 2007 issue, I need submissions by
mid-September.
- Please try to take a look at an issue or 2 of KNOW or at least check
out our web site.
This page last updated on 1 August 2006
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