Submission Guidelines for BABYBUG magazine for babies ages 0-3

BABYBUG, a listening and looking magazine for infants and toddlers ages six months to two years, is published by Cricket Magazine Group. BABYBUG features simple stories, Mother Goose rhymes, short poems, words and concepts, illustrated in full color by the best children's artists from around the world.

BABYBUG measures 6-1/4" x 7", contains 24 pages, and is printed in large (26-point) type on high-quality cardboard stock with rounded corners and no staples. The paper and colors are non-toxic.

Editorial Director: Alice Letvin
Associate Editor: Jenny Gillespie
Managing Art Director: Suzanne Beck

Published: monthly except for combined May/June, July/August, and November/December issues
Price: $33.95 for 1-year subscription (nine issues)

Manuscripts

Stories: very simple and concrete; 4 to 6 short sentences maximum
Poems: rhythmic, rhyming; 8 lines maximum
Nonfiction: very basic words and concepts; 10 words maximum
Activities: finger plays, parent/child interaction; 8 lines maximum

Art

• By assignment only. Artists should submit review samples of artwork to be kept in our illustrator files. We prefer to see tear sheets or photoprints/photocopies of art.
• If you wish to send an original art portfolio for review, package it carefully, insure the package, and be sure to include return packing materials and postage.
• Author-illustrators may submit a complete manuscript with art samples. The manuscript will be evaluated for quality of concept and text before the art is considered.
• Rate: $500/spread ($250/page).
• We purchase all rights; physical art remains the property of the illustrator and may be used for artist's self-promotion.

Comments

• Before attempting to write for BABYBUG, be sure to familiarize yourself with this age group and read one or more issues of the magazine.
• PLEASE DO NOT QUERY FIRST.
• We will consider any manuscripts or art samples sent on speculation and accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Submissions without a SASE will be discarded.
• Response time: Please allow 6 months for manuscripts and 3 months for art samples.
• We do not distribute theme lists for upcoming issues.
• Submissions from outside the U.S. should include an International Postal Reply Coupon.

BABYBUG normally purchases the following rights:

1. For previously unpublished stories and poems, BABYBUG purchases all rights.
2. For stories and poems previously published, BABYBUG purchases second North American publication rights. Fees vary, but are generally less than fees for first publication rights. Same applies to accompanying art.
3. For recurring features, BABYBUG purchases the material outright. The work becomes the property of BABYBUG and is copyrighted in the name of Carus Publishing Company. A flat fee per feature is usually negotiated.
4. For commissioned artwork, BABYBUG purchases all rights plus promotional rights (promotions, advertising, or in any other form not offered for sale to the general public without payment of an additional fee) subject to the terms outlined below:
   1. Physical art remains the property of the illustrator.
   2. Illustrator may use artwork for self-promotion.

Please address all MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSIONS to:

Submissions Editor, BABYBUG
Carus Publishing / Cricket Magazine Group
30 Grove Street
Suite C
Peterborough, NH 03458

Please address all PORTFOLIO SAMPLES to:

Art Submissions Coordinator
Carus Publishing
70 East Lake Street
Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60601

Direct inquiries regarding PERMISSIONS to:

Mary Ann Hocking
Rights and Permissions Manager
Carus Publishing
315 Fifth Street
Peru, IL 61354