Writers: Your Voice. Their Imagination.

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Spin A Yarn India publishes short stories, articles, plays, poems and activities by children for children.

 

Our readers are school children who respond well to texts that delight, intrigue, challenge and inspire them—texts written especially for them. Remember that our readers live in a multicultural, diverse society and we aim for our magazine to reflect this.

 

Our readers are exploring their identities and appreciate insights into the world around them. What works best? Energetic and accessible writing that has suspense, with fast-paced action, twists, credible characters and, always, the child reader at its heart.

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In 2020 our magazines will not be based around specific topics. We accept exceptional manuscripts that have general appeal and you may submit these at any time.

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Fiction

• Stories can be realistic, fantastical or humorous genres with contemporary or historical settings.

• Stories should demonstrate clear, intriguing prose, originality of characters and fresh storylines.

• No longer than 1500 words (shorter stories are encouraged)

• Occasionally a longer story may be considered for serialisation.

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Articles

• Soundly researched texts across traditional nonfiction, journalistic and creative nonfiction genres such as articles, procedural texts, reports, profiles, interviews, short features and nonfiction narratives.

• Generally articles are 800–2000 words.

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Poetry

• Poems can be in any contemporary or traditional genre.

• Generally, a maximum of thirty lines.

• High-quality poetry that is dynamic, evocative and original is welcomed. If using traditional metre and rhyme, ensure that the metre is consistent and the rhyme unforced.

• When punctuating, keep in mind the developing skills of the young poetry reading audience.

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Plays

• Plays should be easy-to-stage scripts for large groups of students to perform, although plays for smaller casts are also welcome.

• Scripts should have literary qualities in characterisation, language and plot.

• Generally a maximum of 1500 words (fewer for younger readers).

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Activities

• The majority of activities and puzzles are generated in-house, but texts are also accepted from external writers.

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Editorial practice and publication

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• We require non-exclusive, ongoing print and digital rights to this material, and that you agree to give Spin A Yarn India first right to publish. Please note that you retain copyright. Your submission of a manuscript means that you accept these terms.

• Spin A Yarn India reserves the right to edit manuscripts according to house style and the needs of the magazine.

• We send one complimentary copy of the magazine to the authors of work in that magazine.

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Tips for writers

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• Familiarise yourself with our magazines—make sure your work belongs in our magazines.

• Write for our readers: most are Indian children between the ages of 6 and 13. Remember that Spin A Yarn India aims to reflect the diversity and inclusivity of the Indian society.

• Explore a fresh voice or angle, avoid being didactic, and take the time to polish and edit your manuscript.

• Carefully consider how you portray teachers, schools and controversial topics—our magazines are often read in classrooms.