Links for Young Writers

Do you have a talented young writer in your classroom or in your home? Below are some resources that publish work written by children and teens, or that provide resources directed specifically to younger writers. It's a chance to encourage and support the writing skills that blossom early.

As a note to parents and educators, when reviewing any market for your child's or student's work, be sure you understand what rights your young writer may be giving up when they submit to the various markets. And if you're not sure, ask!

KIDSWWWRITE

A web magazine that publishes writing by children.

WritingKid

A free e-newsletter by C. Hope Clark (The Shy Writer) provides how-to articles plus listings for contests and publications for young writers of all ages. The sign-up for the WritingKid newsletter is on the homepage of FundsForWriters.com. A great resource!

Winning Writers has some excellent resources for poets and writers. As a teacher or parent, you should read their Contests & Agencies to Avoid page. Unfortunately, there are some less-than-legitimate opportunities out there and you can avoid some of the pitfalls by being aware.

There are more resources for writers of all ages available here.

Books for Young Writers

What Do Authors Do? by Eileen Christelow. Also wrote What Do Illustrators Do? —A great pair for understanding two of the jobs that go into picture books.

Kids Write!: Fantasy & Sci Fi, Mystery, Autobiography, Adventure & More! (Williamson Kids Can! Series) by Rebecca Olien — This is a great book for teachers or parents that want to encourage their young writers and get their imaginations revving! (It would even work well for some grown-up writers.) Full of prompts, vocabulary tips, word-related activities, crafts and much more.

Unjournaling: Daily Writing Exercises that Are NOT Personal, NOT Introspective, NOT Boring! by Dawn DiPrince and Cheryl Miller Thurston — 200 writing prompts to challenge and intrigue young writers while helping them practice and develop solid structure and concise writing.

Seize the Story: A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write by Victoria Hanley — Not just for teens, this is also a great book for adult writers who want a simple breakdown of the elements of story, including perspective, dialogue, conflict and more.