Want to make a living by writing for children? Sounds impossible? Not if you dip your toes into the wonderful ocean of non-fiction. Editors require at least three times more non-fiction material than fiction. Non-fiction covers biographies, science experiments, crafts, and wildlife--anything in and around our universe, and that’s quite a lot to write about.

Think visual

When writing non-fiction, think visual. Children need illustrations to bring the text to life. Most topics are new to them and visual aids help present a realistic understanding of the topic. More importantly, it keeps the young energetic reader from skipping the pages and going outdoors to play. Editors, therefore, evaluate the article from the visual perspective.

Why photos and not illustrations?

Photos are more realistic than illustrations. Take the case of a craft article. A child might prefer to learn a craft from photos (especially if the models are children too) than from instructions or illustrations. Also, when photos show the actual subject, the reader experiences proximity to the subject. A biography gets interesting with photos of the subject as a child, as an adult, and in action. Wildlife, natural phenomenon, and even cultural motifs come to life with photos.

Why should the writer supply photos?

Flip through a children’s magazine. You will find a combination of original illustrations, photos, and even cartoons occupying the pages, depending on the text. Though magazines commission artists to produce original drawings for articles, some articles work better with cartoons and some can only be brought to life with photos.

After an article is accepted, the editorial team searches for the most appropriate photo source, based on the bibliography given by the author or by their own research. Photos could belong to personal archives, museums, government departments, websites, and other publishers. It is a long-winded process of tracking down sources and requesting good quality prints or digital images. Even if such a request is placed, there is no guarantee that a positive response will come in before the publishing date. This is one important reason why upscale magazines require a mandatory list of photo sources, primary research notes, and a detailed bibliography.

Writers who target non-fiction for children’s magazine market should always think of their manuscript as a complete package--a text with illustrations and plan for photos. While researching articles, track down photo sources. You would have interacted with primary sources and hence be in a better position to request photos. An important advantage a writer has is the opportunity to take photos during a firsthand visit of the place or interview with the subject. For example, if you are doing an article about your local museum, you need not rely on the publicity shots of the museum. You could take a few snaps yourself when you visit.

When a manuscript is submitted along with visual aids, the editorial team is able to visualize the article as a final product and hence find it easier to accept the article. They also appreciate the effort and time that could be saved. In case of crafts, biographies, and experiments, it is almost mandatory to attach relevant photographs to convince the editor that you have made the craft or performed the experiment inorder to prove that it can be done using the steps you have detailed.

Photo sources

When photos are generic or relate to familiar places and people, don’t hesitate to take your own photos. If the article is about pets, conservation of trees, transport, or maybe even a scientific phenomenon like shadows--go ahead and shoot a few snaps yourself. If you are writing an article about fire accidents, walk down to your fire station and grab some shots. The photos would not only help you move up the slush pile, they will also fetch you more money when the article is accepted.

Not convinced yet? Read what these writer’s guidelines have to say about photo-supported submissions.

Highlights for Children: Color 35mm slides, photos, or art reference materials are helpful and sometimes crucial in evaluating submissions.

http://www.highlights.com/about/contribGeneralGuidelines.html

Children's Better Health Institute: We do purchase short photo features (up to 6 or 8 Picture) or photos that accompany articles to help illustrate editorial material. (Please include captions and model releases.) http://www.cbhi.org/cbhi/writersguidelines.shtml

Cricket Magazine: Writers are encouraged to submit available photos with their query or article. We buy one-time use.

Ladybug magazine: Non-fiction: concepts, vocabulary, simple explanations of things in a young child's world. Length: up to 400 words. (Be prepared to send backup materials and photo references—where applicable—upon request.)

http://www.cricketmag.com/pages_content.asp?page_id=18

School Arts Magazine: Let your illustrations tell your story! Illustrations are as important as the text of an article, and they should accompany any submission to SchoolArts. Include as many illustrations as necessary. If your article describes a process or technique, photograph each step. http://www.davis-art.com/schoolarts/guidelines.html

Ok, you are convinced that photos will help land the next big acceptance. But you are not sure how to get them? Here are a few tips.

Wildlife and Plant life: If your article is about an animal or plant, then you can visit the zoological park or the botanical garden in your town. They might be willing to give away photographs in return for acknowledgements and honorary mentions.

Scientific phenomenon: If you are writing about rocks and minerals, the nearest geological survey or university with a geology department would be a good bet. They would be able to provide photos and maybe a few expert quotes to use in your article. If you are doing science experiments or explaining physical or chemical phenomenon, try the science department of a local school or university.

Internet: When a photo source is not locally available, search the Internet for sites that have good quality photographs on your subject. Write to them about your article and ask them whether they would be willing to provide photographs for free or a moderate fee. If you choose .org sites (typically not-for-profit organizations) or .gov sites (government organizations), they might not negotiate a fee and some might be open to sharing professional quality digital images that are not available on the website.

Taking your own photos?

Keep in mind the following guidelines.

a) Take more photos than you require.

b) Take a variety of shots like close-up, long-range shots etc.

c) Keep the main subject of your article in focus always.

d) Avoid taking pictures into the sun or against a white background and avoid taking photos in bright sunlight, unless you are familiar with the professional techniques of photography. You could sign up for a crash course of photography in your local community college to learn the nitty-gritty.

f) Take photos that cover all aspects of the article.

g) Ensure that you use safety procedures and project safety equipment in photos. Children’s magazines do not use visuals that set a bad precedence.

h) Obtain model releases.

i) Do not use an instant camera--it does not give you professional quality photos.

j) When developing your rolls, prefer glossy to matt finish and 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 to other sizes.

Here are some acceptable formats for both B&W and color. As always, check the magazine guidelines for accurate photo requirements.

· 35mm transparencies
· 2 ¼ x 2 ¼ transparencies
· 5 x 7 prints
· 3 x 5 prints
· 4 x 5 glossy prints
· 8 x 10 glossy prints

If you own the latest digital camera, here are some tips.

Your digital camera allows you to set the resolution of each picture. If you prefer a 5 x 7 print for publications, then be sure to set a resolution of 1280 x 960. For 8 x 10 prints, you need better resolution; choose at least 1600 x 1200.

The rule of thumb to follow here is that larger the picture you want to print, the higher the resolution should be. If you try to print a lower resolution image blown into an A4 size, you will only see a vague image in grain.

You need at least a 2 Mega pixel camera for a good 5 x 7 and a 3 Mega pixel camera for quality 8 x 10 photos.

Need more help? Go to www.kodak.com for an interactive session on digital photo techniques.