Pockets, 1908 Grand AV, P.O. Box 340004, Nashville, TN 37203-0004. P(615)340-7333. Email: pockets-at-upperroom.org. Website: http://www.pockets.org. (Ms) Lynn W. Gilliam, Editor. 80% freelance. "Each issue of Pockets reflects a specific theme and features material that
children can use in a variety of ways. The contents include
stories from scripture,
fiction, poetry, prayers, puzzles, and activities with colorful illustrations and graphics. Submissions do not need to be overtly religious but should reflect daily living, lifestyles, and problem-solving based on living as faithful disciples. They should help children know that the Christian life is not always a neatly wrapped moral package but is open to the continuing revelation of God''''s will in their lives. Pockets uses seasonal material, both secular and liturgical. The magazine is written primarily by adults. We welcome submissions from children, particularly for the two Pockets Club pages. Pockets is inter-denominational. Our readers include children of many cultures and ethnic backgrounds. These differences should be reflected in the lifestyles, living environments (suburban, urban, rural, reservation), families (extended families, single-parent families), and peoples'''' names. Stories should show appreciation of cultural differences." Welcomes new
writers. "We are certainly open to new writers. Time and workloads do not allow us to ''''work'''' with writers. We suggest that all writers read, read,
study, read, study, study, and study several issues of Pockets. Read the
themes that relate to those issues." Circ. 95K. 11 issues/year. Pays on acceptance. Publishes ms approx. 10 months after acceptance. Buys newspaper, periodical, and electronic rights. Accepts reprints if they''''ve been published only once before. Responds 6 weeks. Sample $1.50 plus 9x12 SASE with 4 first-class stamps. Subscription $19.95; $25.95 outside of the U.S. Guidelines online at http://forums.writersweekly.com/viewtopic.php?p=44408 and http://www.upperroom.org/pockets/writer_guidelines.asp; upcoming themes online at http://www.upperroom.org/pockets/upcoming_themes.asp.
CURRENT NEEDS: "We continue to need articles about children involved in environmental, community, and peace/justice issues. Such articles are entitled, ''''Peacemakers at Work'''' or ''''Someone You''''d Like to Know'''' on the table of contents of each issue. We have very few submissions for this feature. We seldom have a selection of ''''Wendell'''' stories for any issue. These are stories targeted for younger readers, 5-7 year olds. No more than 600 words. They must reflect the theme of the issue."
Pays $0.14/word for stories and articles; $2/line, up to 24 lines, minimum of $25 for poetry; $25 and up for games and activities. Non-fiction runs 400-1000 words; Fiction 600-1400 words; Fiction for younger children, 5-7 year olds, no more than 600 words; and Poetry is 24 lines maximum. Contributions should be typed, double-spaced, on 8 1/2"x 11" paper, accompanied by a SASE for return. We do not accept queries, manuscripts by FAX or e-mail. Writers who wish to save postage and are concerned about paper conservation may send a SASP for notification of unaccepted manuscripts. We will recycle the paper the submission is printed on. Please list the name of the submission(s) on the card."
PHOTOS/ART: "For non-fiction submit 4-6 photos. We prefer pictures of children engaged in the activity. Send pictures that show their faces, not their backs. We will accept a school picture. Digital pictures must be 300 dpi." Pays $25/published photo. "Submit name and address of photographer along with photographs."
HINTS: A common mistake is when "writers submit material that is not appropriate for Pockets. Writers are wasting their time, energy, and postage. Know what kind of material interests a publisher before submitting material. Please do not query. Read the guidelines and the themes. Study issues of Pocke
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