Submissions

Once Upon A Time Writer's/Illustrator's Guidelines

Once Upon A Time, a 32-page, highly specialized support publication for children's writers and illustrators, has an ongoing need for instructional, informative, supportive, and entertaining articles on writing for children. OUAT is issued quarterly. We use from 20-25 freelance articles (up to 900 words) per issue in addition to our standing columns. Short, short articles (100-400) words usually find their way onto our pages soonest.

We also accept short poetry (maximum 24 lines) on writing or illustrating.

I'd like to hear from you if you have had work published or if you haven't. Are you discouraged? Have you quit writing? I'd like to hear about it if it could help others. Are you qualified to write a "How To" on plotting, character development, revising, dialogue, manuscript submission, newest illustrating techniques, what art directors want, or . . . ? ? Can you write a positive article about perseverance or working with an editor? Give us a glimpse into the writer's or illustrator's life by sharing news of how you work, handle rejections, keep up the learning process, how you connect with others in the field, the story behind your book, etc.

OUAT does not accept fiction, so please do not send your stories or poetry for children.

Illustrators . . . I use line drawings—black ink on white paper—no ballpoint ink. I can size your work to fit our column widths. Please send good quality copies. Some suggestions: children's illustrations or work that can illustrate the types of articles listed above—writers or illustrators at a conference, working at home, going to the mailbox, facing rejection, avoiding the work area, children or animals interrupting work, researching, holding newly published book, etc. We feature about 20 illustrations per issue.

Once Upon A Time is not a paying market for writers or illustrators (other than contributor's copies), but rather a substitute for the backyard fence—a place to talk to each other, commiserate, share successes, pass along information, and gather information. We are in our 18th year of publication. Once on our pages, your work will be seen by thousands who share your love of children's literature—editors and art directors included! So plug yourself into the fun and write and illustrate for Once Upon A Time . . . and please remember artwork (put your name, address, and email on each piece) and manuscripts will not be considered for publication, nor will they be returned or acknowledged, unless they are accompanied by a SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope). This is standard procedure for everyone. OUAT responds to articles and artwork in one month or less.