TO:
Prospective Writers
FROM: The Editors of Parents and Parents.com
Parents Article Requirements
Thank you for your interest in Parents and Parents.com. We're always looking
for new talent to add to our pool of writers. Before you send your query to
us, please take the time to look at the guidelines below. They're designed to
help you write an effective query letter in a form that's easy for us to read
and respond to. Thank you again for your interest.
- Before you query us, please take a close look at our
magazine at the library or newsstand. This will give you a good idea of
the different kinds of stories we publish, as well as their tempo and
tone. In addition, please take the time to look at the masthead to make
sure you are directing your query to the correct department.
- When querying us, please send a one-page letter
detailing the topic you'd like to address as well as your strategy for
writing the story. Demonstrate that you are adept at doing research by
mentioning the kinds of sources you intend to use. Keep in mind that all
of our articles include expert advice and real-parent examples as well as
study data. It's unnecessary to send a completed manuscript; a query
letter will do.
- We generally work only with writers who have some
experience, so please make sure you list the publications you've written
and include photocopied examples of your published work. Do not send
originals, as we cannot guarantee their return.
- We receive many submissions for essays; typically, we
only publish those that come from experienced writers and essayists.
- We're a national publication, so we're mainly
interested in stories that will appeal to a wide variety of parents. For
example, developmental service ideas for specific age groups are always
welcome. In addition, we're always looking for compelling human-interest
stories, so you may want to check your local newspaper for ideas. Keep
in mind that we can't pursue stories that have appeared in competing
national publications.
- We don't publish any unsolicited fiction or poetry;
any children's books we excerpt are acquired strictly through book
publishers.
- Because of the large volume of queries and
manuscripts we receive, it generally takes about four to six weeks for
us to reply, so please be patient.
- Always send a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Parents Magazine
805 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-499-2000
|