So far, the most important thing I’ve learned is that research is the best preparation. Having loads of ideas is great, but you should make sure the subject you choose is a good fit before you start writing.

To do that, first go through at least the last year’s worth of issues to make sure your topic hasn’t already been covered in the same way. Highlights is well-respected in the industry, so it’s one of the top publications children’s writers submit to. Taking the time to get to know the magazine and its content will help you write the best piece for their market.

Next, you’ll want to review (and bookmark!) two excellent resources on the Highlight site: The contributor guidelines and current needs pages. These sections really help take the guesswork out of what, when and how to submit your articles. But remember, the kind folks at Highlights provide and update this information for a reason. FOLLOW IT!

Former Highlights senior editor Kim T. Griswell also shared some great tips on the Women On Writing site. The interview is a few years old, but the advice is still relevant.

After you’ve done all that, the main focus is to write the best piece you can. This means writing drafts, getting feedback, revising, reworking and making sure the topic and language are appealing to the magazine’s age group. That, of course, is the hard part.

As I mentioned in my 2010 goals post, I received a rejection to my first submission to Highlights. It was also my first rejection ever. I was disappointed, naturally, but I was also encouraged by the notes and suggestions the editors made about the piece. It wasn’t something I expected, but I appreciated the guidance.

It helps to remember that writing is a journey. If you expect the ups and downs, the days that ideas flow and the days that you get nothing, you’re more likely to be persitent. And it’s the persistent writer, not the one who gives up, who reaches the goal in the end.

Photo by: Litandmore