In the last week I’ve spoken at my local library and did a class visit with a group of 4th, 5th and 6th graders. I love sharing about my books and answering any questions they have about the publishing process. Usually at some point a student will begin telling me about a story idea they have or are actively working on, and I’m always amazed at how incredibly creative students are.
But inevitably there will come a point when I realize that at least some of the students believe (as I did when I was younger) that writing, and especially publishing, is something for adults only. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are so many organizations devoted to helping young writers or are actively searching for pieces from young writers that I wanted to list a few of them here. If these resources had existed when I was younger, or had I known about them, it’s possible I wouldn’t have waited 20 years to start writing seriously.
Here are four of my favorite resources:
NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program
I love NaNoWriMo. In November, writers get together and pledge to write an entire 50,000 word novel by the end of the month. I’m so excited that they have a program especially for young writers. (Note: The Young Writer’s Program lets students set their own word counts)
New Moon Girls Magazine
This magazine is run “by girls and for girls” and is always looking to print student’s work
Stone Soup Magazine
This magazine publishes “stories, poems, and art by children 8 to 13”
The Claremont Review
This magazine publishes not only stories, poems and artwork but short plays and photography as well from writers age 13-19
Like I said, these are just a few of my favorites and represents only a small sample of all the resources that are out there. Googling “Resources for Young Writers” or “Publishing Opportunities for Young Writers” will yield a ton more.
Do you have any favorite sites to help young writers along on their path to publication? List them below in the comments!
