Homeschooling writers are a common phenomena. Perhaps the love of learning and literature that homeschooling encourages is a factor in helping homeschoolers decide to pursue a writing career. Or perhaps it's just a coincidence. Either way, getting published in homeschooling magazines is similar to getting published in any other non-fiction genre.
Writing for Homeschooling Magazines
While it isn't necessary to be an expert educator or a perfect parent, expertise for being a veteran homeschooler is often accepted as credentials where other nonfiction genres would want professional experience or a college degree in the field, although some publications, like Classical Homeschooling (out of print) boast a staff of PhD's while others prefer input from experienced homeschooling parents who can relate to their readers.
Get Published in Homeschooling Magazines
The first step to getting published in a homeschooling magazine is to obtain a copy of their writer's guidelines. Once you're sure of the kind of content the magazine is looking for and how they like it submitted, you can either adapt an article you've already written. If they buy reprints, feel free to choose an article that's already been published, perhaps in a regional parenting publication, or write something specifically for the homeschooling magazine. Be prepared to make edits, and don't be offended by the process, it's part of being professional.
Writers Guidelines for Homeschooling Magazines
In the magazine industry, writer's guidelines state precisely what sort of content they are looking for and they also define the publication's “voice.” Do they publish personal stories, unit studies, curriculum reviews, opinion pieces, or religious content? Do their writer's guidelines offer any advice about what they want to see, what kinds of articles they need the most or how they like content submitted? Some magazines prefer a query letter while others prefer to see the entire article.
Paying Markets for Homeschooling Writers
Not all homeschooling magazines are paying markets. Some publications don't pay at all while others pay very low. A good writer will likely find it easy to be printed in a low-paying or nonpaying market. Once a writer is confident enough to pursue paid publication, the higher paying markets will be more likely to welcome their submissions.
Getting published in a homeschooling magazine or even a regional parenting publication, is one way writers can help share their knowledge with other homeschoolers. Additionally, the writer's bio that often appears at the end of an article is a way to promote an author's book, blog, website or family business.
Lisa Russell - Lisa Russell is a freelance writer and mom of six daughters. She blogs about their life at lisarussell.org
