FOOTSTEPS is a 48-page magazine that focuses on African American heritage and culture for young people ages 8 to 14. Writers are encouraged to study recent back issues for content and style. (Sample issues are available at $5.95 plus $2.00 shipping and handling. Send 10" x 13" self-addressed envelope.) We are looking for articles that are lively, age-appropriate, and exhibit an original approach to the theme of the issue. Cultural sensitivity and historical accuracy are extremely important. Authors are urged to use primary sources and up-to-date scholarly resources for their research. And don't forget to make it interesting! FOOTSTEPS purchases all rights to material.
Procedure
Writers may propose an article for any issue. The idea must be closely related to the theme of the issue. Please include a completed query and a SASE.
Each query must be written separately.
Feel free to include published writing samples with your query.
Do not begin writing your proposed article until you have heard from the editor.
After the deadline for query proposals has passed, the editor will review all submissions and assign articles. We may suggest modifications to your original proposal or assign an entirely new idea.
Please, do not begin work until you have received a detailed assignment sheet from the editor.
Guidelines
Feature Articles:
600 - 750 words Includes: in-depth nonfiction, plays, interviews, and biographies
Supplemental Nonfiction:
300 - 600 words Includes: in-depth subjects related to the theme. Editors like little-known or offbeat information but encourage writers not to overlook the obvious. Especially interested in the "stories behind the stories."
Fiction:
up to 700 words Includes: authentic retellings of historical and biographical fiction, adventure, and legends related to the theme
Activities:
up to 600 words. Includes: crafts, recipes, puzzles, games, and other creative projects that children can do alone or with adult supervision. Query should be accompanied by sketches and detailed descriptions of how activity works and relates to the theme.
Approximately 20 to 25 cents per word and payable upon publication.
Photo Guidelines
To be considered for publication, photographs must relate to a specific theme. Writers are encouraged to submit available photos with their query or article. We buy one-time use.
Our suggested fee range for professional quality photographs* follows:
¼ page
to
full page
b/w
$15
to
$100
color
$25
to
$100
* Please note that fees for non-professional quality photographs are negotiated.
Cover fees are set on an individual basis for one-time use, plus promotional use. All cover images are color.
Prices set by museums, societies, stock photography houses, etc., are paid or negotiated. Photographs that are promotional in nature (e.g., from tourist agencies, organizations, special events, etc.) are usually submitted at no charge.
If you have photographs pertaining to any upcoming theme, please contact the editor by mail or fax, or send them with your query. You may also send images on speculation.
Theme list for 2006 - 2007
[query due date]
1963 March on Washington (September)
[8/31/05]
Explorers (November)
[10/28/05]
Blacks in Education (January)
[1/27/06]
The Black Press (March)
[3/24/06]
Ella Fitzgerald (May)
[5/24/06]
Note
Write a brief description of your idea, including unusual sources you plan to use, your intended word length, and any unique angle or hook you think will make your article irresistible to our audience (children 8 to 14 years old and their parents and teachers). Queries may be submitted at any time before the deadline, but queries sent well in advance of deadline MAY NOT BE ANSWERED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. Go-aheads requesting material proposed in queries are usually sent at least several months before publication date. Unused queries will be returned with SASE. Hard copy queries ONLY, no email.
Mail queries to: Editorial Department Cobblestone Publishing Attn: Charles F. Baker 30 Grove Street, Suite C Peterborough, NH 03458
Mail sample requests to: Editorial Department Cobblestone Publishing Attn: Sample Requests 30 Grove Street, Suite C Peterborough, NH 03458
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