Here is the Highlights Wish List mentioned in this chat transcript:

Dear Author,

Every few months, Highlights editors compile a list of their current needs to share with prospective authors. Below, you will find a detailed description of the types of stories Highlights editors are currently seeking. You may also find these updates at www.Highlights.com. Follow the "About Us" link to "Contributor Guidelines," and you will see "Current Needs" listed in the right-hand column.

Thank you for your interest in Highlights. Happy writing!

Sincerely,
The Editors

Highlights Winter Wish List 2006-2007

Kim Griswell, Coordinating Editor

Adventure
Articles that feature adventurous travel. Not the "family vacation" kind of thing, unless your family goes to study turtles in the Galápagos Islands, as does the author of "Stars and Sea Lions" (June 2006). We prefer articles that feature kids in some way. Publishable-quality photos are almost essential for these articles, since it would be difficult (or impossible) for us to acquire photos if the writer couldn't provide them. Please remember that even adventure articles need a focus--not simply "We went here and did this," but something that reveals the meaning behind the travel or the reason for the adventure, etc., 750 words maximum.

Marileta Robinson, Senior Editor

Fiction for Young Readers
We need humorous stories written for beginning readers, 500 words maximum.

Carolyn Yoder, Senior Editor

World Cultures

• Intimate looks at other peoples and their traditions--particularly in northern and southern Africa, Asia (not India), Europe, Canada, the Caribbean and the Pacific. (Articles on children.)
• Holidays--first person.
• U.S. History
• Modern history (20th century), particularly the Civil Rights movement
• Holidays, particularly Christmas and Thanksgiving
• Articles that touch on the diversity of people in the United States
• Biographies of U.S. subjects as children
• Anecdotal articles on George Washington and Abraham Lincoln
• Articles on patriotic themes
• HUMOROUS articles on U.S. history (review back issues for articles on Lincoln and humor, Washington and his teeth, Jefferson getting his life mask, and Ben Franklin and his love of exercise)

Judy Burke, Senior Editor

Fiction for 8- to 12-year-olds
We're currently looking for funny stories with boy protagonists, Easter stories (no Easter bunnies, please), Kwanzaa stories, Ramadan stories, Hanukkah stories, Passover stories, and contemporary stories set in foreign countries, 800 words maximum.

One-Page Activities: We're interested in 300-word activities of all kinds. At this time, we're especially interested in indoor and outdoor games that involve exercise, creativity, and/or humor.

Sports We could especially use profiles of contemporary female athletes. We're always interested in sports articles that focus either on a known athlete (a squeaky-clean one), on the development of specific skills (for example, shooting a basketball), or on the challenges faced by athletes of any kind (for example, staying positive when your team is losing). Successful articles often include quotes gained from personal interviews with athletes or experts and useful tips for readers who play that sport, 800 words maximum.

Andy Boyles, Science Editor

Science and Nature Articles -- We put a high value on articles that show science as a process--that is, articles that follow a scientist or group of scientists as they try to solve one of nature's mysteries or that show someone of elementary-school age engaging with nature in a healthy, inquisitive way.

We are always looking for science articles about animals that are of high interest to kids. For example, an article might follow researchers who study cougars or a young person who is involved with horses. The article may cover a long period of time or tell the adventures of one day, but information about the animals and/or the research should arise naturally in the course of the action, so our readers will learn something about both.

Also, we are in need of short Science Corner pieces that inspire young readers to explore the science in their everyday environment or to do a simple activity or experiment. See a recent issue for the format. We also look for safe, fun one-page experiments (400 words or fewer) more in-depth than those found in the Science Corner. These activities should introduce kids to some greater concept and require minimal parental involvement.

We currently have enough articles about birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects (especially bees), and volcanoes. Having said that, a clear storyline that reveals the process of science is a strong component. If we received a good story about a scientist studying birds that live on a volcano and eat reptiles that have a symbiotic relationship with amphibians that eat insects (even bees), we'd probably buy it.

Our guidelines state that our word limit is 800, but articles that are even shorter (350-400 words) are especially welcome as possible one-page features. Interesting approaches to botany, chemistry, anatomy, and geology and the earth sciences, are welcome.

Joëlle Dujardin, Associate Editor

Crafts -- We have a need for original crafts that encourage play, such as toys, costumes, and games, as well as open-ended art projects. We're also seeking crafts that are appealing to boys, holiday crafts, and crafts from various cultures.

Younger Nonfiction -- Younger nonfiction should be written for readers ages 4-8 and should not exceed 450 words. Things we're looking for include first-person accounts of fieldwork, photo essays, arts stories, accessible biographies of key historical figures, ancient history, high-interest animals, details from urban life (workers, transportation, etc.). All articles should have a clear focus and relevance to young kids.

Gallant Kids -- We're looking for leads or articles about kids who take an active role in making positive changes in their communities. Articles should be 350 words or fewer, and the child featured should be no older than 13.

Linda Rose, Assistant Editor

Full-Page Puzzle Activities -- On the inside-back cover of each issue, we publish a large visual puzzle of some sort. We like to vary the kind of puzzle presented here, and we're always looking for fresh ideas that appeal to a variety of readers and abilities. Often this page offers several activities within one (for example, using one illustration for a maze, a few riddles, a "find the..." puzzle, etc.). Submissions to this area ideally include detailed art directions/notes, as well as succinct and easily understood activity directions for the reader. (Artwork or photos do not need to be submitted with the manuscript but are welcome if you have them.)

Tiffany Hoffman, Editorial Intern

Short Activities -- We're looking for short puzzles, activities, teasers, and interesting tidbits to go on our mixed pages. We are especially interested in math puzzles--that do not resemble school activities--and games of all kinds. We do not encourage writing in our magazine, so please do not submit activities that would require children to write or draw on the page.

Tips and Resources

Highlights recommends reviewing the magazine's contributor guidelines available on www.Highlights.com in the About Us section. Also, it can be helpful to read through back issues, which can be found at most local libraries. For examples of stories, articles, and crafts we have published in the past, visit www.HighlightsKids.com, click on "Fun Finder" in the left column, then peruse "Highlights Stories" under Story Soup, "Science Stories" under Science in Action, and "Crafts" under Express Yourself.

The Highlights Foundation
814 Court Street
Honesdale, PA 18431
Phone: (570) 253-1192
E-mail: contact@highlightsfoundation.org