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

COMPANY/PUBLICATION: MUSE

Deadline (queries): 15 December 2021

THEME: EXTINCTION

Modern-day extinction wave. How many animals on the planet are threatened? How about plants? Danger zones for animals: why certain habitats are disappearing faster than others. Helping threatened animals that aren’t cute and cuddly (why pandas get the big bucks and blobfish don’t). The ugliest animals that need the most help. How does the current extinction wave compare with extinctions of the past? A success story in conservation. Possibly story of conservation that didn’t work, as well. The technology of conservation: how do you replicate delicate ecosystems? Why is cloning NOT the answer?

Queries by: December 15, 2021

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