| American Girl is a bimonthly,
four-color magazine for girls ages 8 and up. American Girl
readers are girls in the formative years, girls who dream big
dreams. We hope to encourage that dreaming and to reinforce
each reader’s self-confidence, curiosity, and self-esteem
as she prepares to navigate adolescence in the years ahead.
Our lead time is approximately six to nine months.
Fiction
We’re looking for contemporary fiction up to 2,300 words.
The protagonist should be a girl between 8 and 12 who captures
the hopes, thoughts, and emotions unique to that precarious
age between childhood and teenager. We look for top quality
writing and thoughtfully developed characters and plots. Stories
should engage readers quickly and have a satisfying conclusion.
We are always looking for humor and seasonal stories. We don’t
publish science fiction, romance, or horror stories.
Nonfiction
We’re looking for individual girls or groups who are
doing something other girls would love to read and learn about.
Find a topic about which girls are passionate. Past pieces have
featured synchronized swimmers, rhythmic gymnasts, ballerinas,
and girl bands. Some of our most successful pieces are sports-related,
but that doesn’t mean we won’t consider other contemporary
topics or profiles. Look for new twists on familiar topics.
Please send queries rather than finished manuscripts.
Girls Express
This section offers the most opportunities for freelance writers.
We’re looking for short profiles of girls who are into
sports, the arts, interesting hobbies, cultural activities,
and other areas. We are also looking for true stories about
girls who have had unusual experiences. The girl must
be the “star” and the story must be from her point
of view. Be sure to include the age of the girls you’re
pitching to us. Let us know if you have any photo leads. We
also welcome how-to stories—how to send away for free
things, hot ideas for a cold day, or how to write the President
and get a response. Stories should be no more than 150 words.
In addition, we’re looking for easy crafts and recipes
that can be explained in a few simple steps, ideas for contests,
and current products and trends for girls to review.
Craft and Cooking
We welcome original craft and cooking ideas that are new and
exciting to our readers. Projects should require limited parental
involvement and supplies should be inexpensive and readily available.
Keep in mind the skill level of our readers. Safety is a priority.
Query with a short explanation of the project and an example,
photograph, or sketch.
Brain Waves
We’re looking for visual puzzles, mazes, math puzzles,
word games, simple crosswords, cartoons, and other ideas. Seasonal
ideas are especially welcome.
Sample issues
American Girl costs $4.50 per issue at the newsstand and is available
in many children’s bookstores. To get a sample copy, send
a check for $5.50 made out to American Girl, please include your mailing address.
Address
All queries and requests for sample magazines should be addressed
to: Magazine Department Assistant, American Girl, 8400
Fairway Place, Middleton, WI 53562-2554.
Please Note
American Girl cannot reply or return a manuscript
unless you enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. Please
allow 12 weeks for a reply.
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