How to Submit Work to KidSpirit

From Ginny Wiehardt, former About.com Guide

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KidSpirit Basics:

Founded in 2008, KidSpirit is a nonprofit online magazine created by and for 11- to 15-year-olds that empowers young teens to explore values, spirituality, and life's big questions in an explicitly non-affiliated and inclusive forum. KidSpirit fosters mutual understanding among kids of diverse backgrounds and traditions and encourages exploration of mankind’s search for meaning. Each issue centers on a theme chosen by an all-kid editorial board; past themes include "Science and Spirit" and "Myth and Meaning." Kids supply the writing and artwork, and a "spiritual elder" contributes a final note to each issue.

Writing for KidSpirit:

KidSpirit accepts artwork and writing on an ongoing basis. Submit work onlineor send it via snail mail to Submissions, c/o Editor-in-Chief, KidSpirit Magazine, 77 State St., Brooklyn, NY 11201. (Do not send your only copy; submissions will not be returned.)

To write a feature of 400-1,000 words, check the site for upcoming themes.

General Info on Magazine Submissions:

If you're new to the world of publishing, find more information on how to submit writing to a journal or magazine on this site, including info on how to write your cover letter and your bio.

Sample from "Meditation" by Susan Yassky:

"When most Americans think about meditation, they likely envision a man sitting cross-legged on the ground, making a deep, sustained noise. This might seem a little funny, and the idea of an American doing it somewhat preposterous. American kids most likely see it as a calming Asian ritual, perhaps a religious one. But despite this speculation, most people never bother to ask one important question: Does meditation actually do anything?"

Mini-Review from KidSpirit Reader Allie M.:

"It seems to me like the kids magazines you see around today feature either meaningless articles or stories written by adults. Don't get me wrong, some of these can be very interesting, but at times I feel like I'm in the minority, and that maybe people don't think kids can write.

"I know that's not true, and when I see a magazine like this -- filled with appealing articles written by kids my age -- I feel the need to pick it up and read it cover to cover. The articles were satisfying, and the graphic design was amazing. The colors are bright and eye-catching, one of the things I feel most literary magazines lack.

"One more thing I spotted was that many of the writers played string instruments. Being a cellist myself, knowing just that much about the author helped me relate to the article in general a little more. It also reminded me that the people writing these were normal kids, which I think is important. So thank you, KidSpirit, for bringing an intelligent teen magazine to my table."

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