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Writing for the Homeschool Market
By Karen Lange
One question that I frequently hear is: “How does a writer
break into the homeschool market?” There’s really no secret
formula to writing for homeschoolers, but if you aren’t
acquainted with homeschooling it might seem intimidating.
Here are a few insider tips to help get you started on the
right foot.
Read homeschool publications. There are several national
homeschool magazines, such as The Link, The Old Schoolhouse
Magazine, Home Education Magazine, and Home School Enrichment.
Homeschool magazines can be found at many bookstores and
libraries, either in their regular periodical section or in
the children’s department. Check out the magazines’ websites,
too, to familiarize yourself with articles. Sample issues are
available; check writer’s guidelines for details.
A great way to gain inspiration, first hand knowledge, and
credibility is to talk to homeschooling families. Find out
what motivates them to homeschool. What’s their educational
philosophy? Do they prefer certain teaching methods? Do they
have any inspiring stories? A few words of caution: homeschooling
has received some negative press, and many homeschoolers have
encountered disapproval. Families may be cautious about strangers
asking questions, so don’t be offended if all homeschoolers
don’t welcome you with open arms. If they sense that you have
a genuine interest, however, most will be open to discussion.
Many magazines have a calendar with themes; others accept all
types of articles anytime. A homeschool family interview might
produce a “Day in the Life” article, popular with many magazines.
Consider interviewing local group leaders. Ask them about their
group’s co-ops, activities, field trips or service projects. Or,
interview regional or national homeschool leaders, speakers, or
authors.
Educational projects make great articles. Projects must be user
friendly and suitable for home or small group use. Don’t try to
mimic classroom lesson plans, most are geared to large numbers
of students and don’t always suit the homeschool environment.
Consider grouping age levels together, such as K-2, 3-5, 6-8,
and 9-12. There is a better chance of acceptance if the project
covers a range since families often teach more than one grade
level at a time. Topic ideas such as arts and crafts, science
experiments, social studies projects, seasonal or current event
activities, and money management are good places to start.
Review the magazines for format and content examples.
Finally, make sure that your article or query is homeschooler
friendly. Homeschool magazine editors, like any others, are a
discerning bunch, and they won’t be fooled by insincerity or a
condescending attitude. The editor will toss your paperwork in
a heartbeat, just like in any other market, so do your homework.
Paying homeschool publications include:
Home Education Magazine
http://www.homeedmag.com/write.html
$50- $100 per 900 – 1,700 word feature articles.
Cover photos - $100, inside photos - $12.50.
Prefer articles to queries.
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/writersguidelines.php
$50 per 1,500 word article, themes are posted with guidelines.
Queries only, via their online template.
The Link
http://homeschoolnewslink.com/contact.asp
$20 per 1,200 - 2,000 word articles. Prefer articles to queries.
Home Educator’s Family Times
http://www.homeeducator.com/FamilyTimes/submissions.htm
$20 with editor approval, or a byline. Prefer articles to queries.
Don’t forget to check out homeschooling books and websites for
more insight on the personality of this market. As the number
of homeschooling families increases each year, so also the need
grows for quality homeschool friendly content. Just think, you
aren’t just writing an article, you are helping educate a future
generation.
BIO
Freelance writer and speaker Karen Lange is a former homeschool
mom; her articles have appeared in Home School Enrichment, The
Link, Home Educator’s Family Times, and other homeschool
publications. In addition to writing for other markets, Karen
blogs and teaches online writing courses for homeschooled teens.
Write to her at karenelange@gmail.com.
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