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

COMPANY/PUBLICATION: ASK MAGAZINE 

Deadline: 30 September 2020

JULY/AUGUST 2021: SHELL, SWEET SHELL

What’s it like inside a shell?


Possible stories: Why is the ocean full of shelled animals? Why do birds lay eggs that are hard to get out of? How (and why) did cephalopods lose their shells? different kinds of shells and who grows them; how to grow a shell; humans using shells; hermit crab house swapping

Pitches by: September 30 2020

ASK® MAGAZINE FOR AGES 7–10 (SCIENCE, NONFICTION)

ASK® is a nonfiction magazine for children 7–10 years old who are curious about science and the world they live in. Each edition of ASK is built around a central theme or question.

ASK introduces kids to the joys of thinking and questioning scientifically, and presumes them to be active members of the international community of knowledge-seekers. The ideal ASK article is an engaging nonfiction story (or cartoon) that is concrete, specific, and appealing to newly independent readers (grades 3–5), but that an adult reader might also find interesting. Above all, it should tell a good story, with an emphasis on ideas and problem-solving rather than just facts. ASK encourages humor, and believes that no topic is beyond the grasp of an intelligent young person if explained well in lively terms.

ASK encourages writers to stretch the boundaries of topic themes and look for interesting perspectives and unexpected connections. We also love science cartoons.

We particularly welcome writers from traditionally underrepresented communities and diverse life experiences.

GUIDELINES

All articles in ASK are commissioned; ASK welcomes queries for articles for upcoming themes (see table below). Queries should give an overview of the proposed article, including scope and treatment, resources, and a draft opening paragraph. For cartoons, please provide a rough script, sketches for the first few panels, and one finished or a link to your finished work. Writers new to ASK should also provide a resume and two writing samples, including at least 200 words of unedited copy on any nonfiction topic.

Authors are expected to ensure that all content is scientifically correct in both conception and detail, and drafts should include a full list of references and sources consulted. Authors wishing to write for ASK should consult any past copy to get a sense of the tone, style, and range of articles. (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.

• Feature Articles (400–1200 words, with sidebars)
• Photo Essays (400–800 words)
• Humor Pieces (200–400 words)
• Profiles/Interviews of Scientists, Inventors, Engineers, Artists (200–1000 words)
• Theme-appropriate experiments
• Science panel cartoons (2–6 pages)

PROCEDURE

Story pitches should be submitted on the Submittable page you're currently on, or emailed to ask@cricketmedia.com. We do not accept hard-copy submissions or queries. Submittable accepts international submissions.

RIGHTS

• Articles previously unpublished: Rights vary, with option for authors to retain copyright.
• Articles previously published: ASK purchases second publication rights.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

• Submissions: Via Submittable
• Questions: ask@cricketmedia.com
• Website: http://cricketmedia.com/Ask-science-magazine-for-kids

TO HELP YOU CRAFT YOUR PITCH:

• Learn more about the publication: ASK is a nonfiction magazine for children 7–10 years old who are curious about science and the world they live in. It explores topics ranging from shipwrecks to the solar system and the hows and whys of laughter through a lens of STEM, history, and art. More information here.
• Review the submission guidelines here.
• Check out our collection of pitch excerpts on this page and find more sample pitches at The Open Notebook Database.