Pitches wanted (skepticism) | up to 25 cents per word

COMPANY/PUBLICATION: MUSE

Deadline (queries): 15 January 2022

THEME: SKEPTICISM/SPOTTING FAKES

What is skepticism? Why is it an important part of science? Why do people believe what they believe? Why people believe propaganda and pseudoscience. How to be a skeptic. Houdini and his crew of medium-busting magicians. How stories spread through the internet. What makes a story believable? What makes us doubt that a nonfiction piece is actually true? Why do urban legends or interests in cryptids last throughout time? Possibly the story of an urban legend.

Queries by: January 15, 2022

ABOUT MUSE

MUSE® is a discovery magazine for children and teens. It takes intellectual curiosity seriously, while never taking itself too seriously. The editors seek fresh and entertaining articles from the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Timeliness and trustworthiness are essential, but humor, irreverence, and atypical angles are also hallmarks of MUSE.

Each edition of MUSE focuses on a central theme and open-ended organizing questions about the theme. Although articles will provide different angles and perspectives on a theme, we aim for every article in an issue to help a reader begin to form at least an initial answer to the organizing questions.

Ideal MUSE articles build on and extend the existing knowledge most young people in grades 4–8 have. We value articles that feature innovators, scientists, and engineers who can explain what they’ve done in a clear and understandable way. Articles that explore new developments related to the organizing questions are especially welcome.

We seek articles that describe how things and processes work, and we look for claims or assertions to be backed up with evidence.

GUIDELINES

Interested writers should familiarize themselves with MUSE’s style and content, particularly in recent issues. (Sample copies are available for viewing at the Cricket Media Store where you can also purchase a current issue.) Issues are also available at many local libraries. Authors are expected to ensure accuracy in both conception and detail. MUSE purchases all rights to materials.

• Feature Articles (800–2,000 words, including sidebars)
• Profiles and Interviews, particularly of underrepresented STEM professionals (500–800 words)
• Activities and Experiments (500–800 words)
• Photo Essays (100–300 words)
• Science Fiction or Science-Focused Fiction (800–1,200 words )
• Infographics

PROCEDURE

Articles are commissioned. We invite detailed queries for articles related to upcoming theme. Detailed queries include a cover letter, an outline of the proposed article, including scope and treatment, and proposed resources. Writers new to MUSE should also provide a resume and writing sample. Authors wishing to write an article that belongs in MUSE but doesn’t fit posted themes may submit an abbreviated pitch that conveys the idea in a paragraph or two. No unsolicited manuscripts please.

Pitch via email to muse@cricketmedia.com. include the word “QUERY” and the issue’s month/theme in the subject line.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Questions / submissions: muse@cricketmedia.com

Website: https://shop.cricketmedia.com/muse-magazine-for-kids#modal-close

NOTE: Some editors do not want their contact information (e.g., email address) posted on public websites. As a matter of courtesy, may we ask our members not to publicize their contact details? Thank you very much.

* * * * *

LOOKING FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES? Find additional jobs on Extra. Check out the upcoming deadlines on our PLUS+ Calendar. Filter the listings by category (worldwide opportunities, high-paying leads, paying publications, and non-pitching jobs). Use the search form on the homepage to find opportunities relevant to your interests. Want more tips? Read the welcome notes here (note: links have been corrected).