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Writers Guidelines
JUNIOR BASEBALL addresses the needs
and interests of the youth baseball player, parent, and coach.
Covering the 7 to 17-year old age range (with emphasis on the
10-14 year old experience), Junior Baseball is the magazine for
the kids who play the game. Youth baseball becomes a way of life
for those families involved, and the family aspect is
emphasized, along with such wholesome values as sportsmanship,
teamwork, pride, responsibility, and respect for others.
Features:
Writers interested in contributing to Junior Baseball must be
well-versed in the subject matter, as the readers are
intelligent, and know their sport! Most articles for youth
readers should be written on a fifth to sixth grade reading
level. When targeting the youngest segment, text should be
written for the second and third grade levels. Subject for the
parent’s section should be intelligent, well-researched (if
applicable), and appropriate for the eyes of the children who
also read the publication (although not written to their level).
All articles should be composed in such a way as to not sound
like something that has been said many times before. A
well-detailed story, full of supporting facts, figures, and
anecdotes, makes for a better feature. Articles can run from one
to four pages in the magazine, depending on topic, depth, and
scope. The addition of excellent photographs with a feature
greatly increases its potential for publication. Fiction and
poetry are not used.
Technical, Skills, How-To - The author should have
extensive experience in coaching. A query with an outline and
introduction is acceptable for discussion prior to a completed
manuscript. Step-by-step photos are, in most cases, recommended
to accompany a manuscript. Note that there are specific columns
by regular contributing editors covering skills in each issue,
so check with editor to avoid redundancy. (Approx. 1000 - 1500
words)
Teams, Leagues, Tournaments - Spotlighting a particular youth
baseball team, league or organization, event, tournament with action
described, results, highlights, photos. (Approx.1000 - 1500
words)
Parents Feature - Topics of interest to parents of youth
ball players, i.e., dealing with coaches, other kids, school,
attitudes, pros and cons, etc. (Approx. 1000 - 1500 words)
ADULT LEVEL
YOUTH WRITERS:
‘Player’s Story’ - Written by the kids themselves. One player
per issue will tell about his best day, worst game, a lesson
learned, etc. Should include his opinion - what he thinks, as
well as his description of the experience. Articles must be
written by the child; the editors will correct grammar if
necessary. (Approx. 500 words)
DEPARTMENTS:
Most departments are handled by staff; however, we do accept
freelance submissions for the following:
‘In The Spotlight ’- News, events, etc. Submissions must be
newsworthy, accurate, accompanied with one or two photos.
(Approx. 50 - 100 words)
HOT PROSPECT - Written for the 14-and older competitive player.
High school baseball is the level targeted, and the focus is on
improving the finer points of the game to make the high school
team, earn a college scholarship, or attract scouts. Written to
an adult level, approx. 500-1000 words.
COACHES’ CLINIC - We invite coaches to share their favorite
coaching tips, drills, practice methods, etc. Can be a short
(100 word) tip, or a 500-1000 word article on more depth. You’re
speaking to other coaches here.
Payment:
The standard rate for text is 20¢ per published word, unless
other arrangements are made. For reprinted articles, or work
that requires extensive re-editing, the payment is half standard
rate. “In The Spotlight” articles accompanied by photos (when
applicable) pay $25 - $50. ‘Player’s Story’ pays $50. Coaches’
Clinic pays from $50 to $100.
Photos:
Well-focused and uncluttered photos are essential. Captions and
identification of subjects are required. For features, high-resolution (300 dpi) jpeg photos in 5x7 or larger are preferred. Color prints are accepted (preferrably 4x5 or larger). Do not write on
back of photos with ball point or felt tip pen as ink ruins
photos piled below.
COLOR PHOTOS: full cover $100-$150, cover inset $50, double page
spread $150, full page $100, half page $50-75, under 1/2 page
$25-50. BLACK & WHITE: Not used unless period or vintage photo
only available in B&W.
All Submissions:
Preferred method of submission of a manuscript is by email
(either as Microsoft Word attachment or text in body copy
area of email to
editorial@juniorbaseball.com . Also acceptable by
mail are Macintosh formatted disks, CDs or
double-spaced computer printout. Preferred programs are
Microsoft Word, QuarkXpress, or Simple Text. No faxes
please. The publisher assumes no responsibility for material
submitted, but will exercise reasonable care. Junior Baseball
buys all worldwide rights to manuscripts published, and
any accompanying photos and artwork unless other arrangements
are made. The publisher reserves the right to edit for
clarity and space. Inquires are generally answered within
two weeks. Submissions may be kept on file for any length
of time pending appropriate use, or can be returned if
SASE is enclosed.
Correspondence:
Do not send anything with an unsolicited submission, such as
original photographs that cannot be replaced. Please do not fax
unsolicited manuscripts. All submissions must be accompanied by
a self-addressed, stamped envelope or will not be returned.
Please direct all correspondence to:
The Editor
JUNIOR BASEBALL
P.O. Box 9099
Canoga Park CA 91309
Business & Editorial Offices: (818) 710-1234
email:
editorial@juniorbaseball.com
REV 10/05
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