about us

Most children’s magazine writers suffer from a bit of an inferiority complex. To borrow a metaphor from my Southern roots, we’re the redheaded stepchildren of the children’s writing world. Our work is considered some kind of “practice” for the “big time” -- writing children’s books. The serial nature of children’s magazines limits our shelf life, making our writing feel ephemeral. Our sources of support and information are usually focused on children’s book writers (or even adult book writers) with a nod to magazine writers as an after-thought. Sometimes we feel like we catch crumbs and try to make bread from it. Our professional organization seems to exclude us by its very name: The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. All in all, it’s a wonder more of us don’t sulk and eat worms.

And yet, children’s magazine writing touches lives. One reason why I will never stop writing for magazines is because I will never forget my childhood wonder of discovering that magazines existed just for me and kids like me. The first children’s magazine I ever read was a tattered copy of Humpty Dumpty that I found in a second grade classroom. I was mesmerized by it. Today, thirty years later, I still remember some of the content. I was that impressed. And that little girl and all the kids like her are the ones I write for today.

A single children’s story may reach far more children than a newly-printed picture book. Marianne Mitchell wrote a little folktale-styled story called “Windows of Gold” for the Highlights Magazine Contest some years ago. She won. With a circulation of 2.5 million, the story initially reached far more kids than the average picture book. Eventually the story was re-sold to Disney where it was made into a little animated tale for their preschool cable programming and it reached an entirely new audience. How many children’s book writers would love to know their story touched the lives of millions of readers? Magazine stories can do that.

So, this website was created for all of us -- all the redheaded stepchildren. Here you’ll find content directed to you and your needs. And you’ll have opportunity to share your wisdom with your peers, if you would like. If there is any content related to children’s magazine writing that you would like to find here, contact us, and we’ll work hard to bring it to you. We’ll do it because children’s magazines matter. The kids are counting on us.

Jan Fields -- Editor