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Writers Retreat > Student Talk > Course Lessons > Assignment 6 > I'm defeating myself
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annsuey
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« on: March 02, 2010, 11:02:52 PM »
Hello all-
I am stuck on assignment 6. And when I say stuck, I mean I haven't even gotten to the story. THAT would be the easy part for me. No, I'm stuck on the phrase from the header of section 7; "...name a possible magazine for it." I'm going crazy here. What do you do if you can't convince yourself that it is suitable for any magazine? Clearly I will need to change it but what do you all do if your story just dosen't seem to fit in the magazine catagories? I think I'm talking myself out of all possibilities and I'm wondering if it is possible to read too much into the descriptions fo magazines? Or should I stick really close to the guidelines? Any help here would be much appreciated!
Thanks,
Suze
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mmmgood
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« Reply #1 on: March 03, 2010, 12:24:34 AM »
Hi Suze!  Nice to meet you!

Okay, first:  Breathe. 

Next:  Go ahead and begin writing your story.  When you get it to where you enjoy the product of your work (staying within the specified word count), then take a look at a possible fit.  Do you have the "Magazine Markets for Children's Writers" guide?  If so, take a peek in there and see which one you feel is the closest fit.  Don't worry about it being perfect, or you'll drive yourself nuts. 

You can also post a request out here for one of us to take a look at your story and suggest some magazines for you to look into.  There are a few people out here who are more experienced at this than you and I, and would be more than willing to point you in the right direction.  Also, your instructor will most likely make suggestions for you along with her return critique of your work.

Try not to get too uptight about it.  That's what this course is all about ... to teach us how to write publishable material, and find good fits for our efforts.  And that's what this retreat is all about ... support, support, support, encouragement, encouragement, encouragement. 

You've come to the right place, Suze!  Grin
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Marie Elena Smiley
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« Reply #2 on: March 03, 2010, 07:13:53 AM »
Try not to panic. Some of my students pick magazines by throwing darts (Okay, I don't know that ...but really...sometimes there actually is NOTHING about the magazines that fit). So really, even if you have to stretch a little, you'll be okay. I also have students who just say "I really couldn't figure out a market fit...can you help?" And I actually like that over the "throwing darts" approach.
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Mikki S
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« Reply #3 on: March 03, 2010, 11:38:42 AM »
To second Marie:  take a deep breath, let it out slowly.  Good!  Now, another one...excellent!

First step:  FORGET THE MAGAZINES, write your story.  Stay as close to your subscribed word count as possible.

Second step:  edit a little, don't go overboard, DON'T PANIC, just make sure that your thoughts are clear, and you don't have any SPAG errors ( SPAG = spelling, punctuation and grammar).

Third step:  reread your story.  What genre is it?  contemporary? fantasy? science fiction? mystery?  Decide.

Fourth step: what age group are you targeting?

Got all that?  Okay, here's the fifth step:

Open your Magazine Markets for Children's Writers.  Forget all the front part.

A ) Go immediately to Page 325.  There you will find a list of categories of stories.

B) Go down the page and find the category your story fits. Example: Early Reader Fiction

C) Turn the page.  From Page 326 to page 368, the magazines that fit the categories listed on Page 325 are listed by category and alphabetically.

D) Find the magazine category that fits your story...Example: Early Reader Fiction, Page 331, top of page, middle column.

E) Check out each one of the magazines that are in your category for submission guidelines, and pick out 3 that you think would be the most likely to accept your story.

LESSON ACCOMPLISHED!  ASSIGNMENT FINISHED!  NO PANIC, NO PROBLEM!

Good girl, YOU DID IT!

Mikki
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« Reply #4 on: March 03, 2010, 12:06:20 PM »
See, Suze?  Told you you came to the right place.  Great step-by-step advice, Mikki!
« Last Edit: March 03, 2010, 12:08:11 PM by mmmgood » Logged
Marie Elena Smiley
"And I'll be the poet who sings your glory - and live what I sing every day."  ~ Psalm 61:8.
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