We are still accepting submissions for upcoming 2008 issues!

We are looking for works for our upcoming issues about Fairy Tales & Fantasy, the Ocean, Sports & Summer Fun, Mysteries, Variety (any topic), and Heroes. We still have space in all of our upcoming issues, and Launch Pad especially needs young artists.

Please review the submission guidelines with an adult before submitting.

Submission Guidelines

Launch Pad invites submissions of creative works by young authors and illustrators, ages 6 through 12. All submissions must be free of copyright restrictions. Launch Pad retains copyright for works published in its magazine, but we believe in flexible copyright options for authors and illustrators. Works accepted for publication will appear in our online magazine (not in print).

Launch Pad will contact contributors only if work is accepted for publication (within 3-6 weeks after material is received). We will continue to send back material not accepted for publication if a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) is included with the submission. Contributors are welcome to email the editor for an update on the status of their submission.

Themes

We are looking for poetry, fiction, nonfiction, artwork, and book reviews pertaining to the themes below. Some ideas for upcoming issues are included to spark your imagination.

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The Ocean
Adventures on the Sea, Pirates, Undersea Worlds (real or imaginary), Whales, Vikings, The Beach, Sea Creatures and Monsters, Ships and Sailing, Mermaids...

Mysteries
Dectectives, Clues, The Bermuda Triangle, Mysterious Noises, Hidden Treasure, Vanished or Lost Civilizations...

Sports
Dance Recitals, Soccer Games, the Olympics, Sports Heroes, Racing, Football, Sportsmanship, Horseback Riding, Baseball...

Written Submissions

icon Launch Pad considers works of fiction, nonfiction, plays, poetry, and book reviews for publication. Most of our published works will be fewer than 2000 words, but we will consider up to 2400 words. Written works will be judged on the basis of creativity, plot, setting and mood, characterization, and style. Preference will be given to imaginative works that appeal to other children. Parents and teachers are encouraged to help with spelling and suggestions for editing, but submissions should be the original work of children ages 6 through 12.

Young authors are encouraged to submit their work with illustrations. In some cases, Launch Pad may choose to publish a story, but may choose a different artist to illustrate the story.

The Book Review Guidelines page contains information for submitting book reviews

Artwork Submissions

paintbrush rocket If you are interested in becoming an illustrator for Launch Pad, submit one or multiples samples of your artwork. Launch Pad will contact you if we wish to publish your samples, or if we have a story or poem for you to illustrate.

Artwork is judged according to craftsmanship, style, originality, use of color, line, design, and other artistic elements.

Launch Pad is interested in the following types of two-dimensional artwork; drawings, paintings, collages (made of non-copyrighted collage elements), mixed media, engravings, woodcuts, photographs, and more (no computer-generated or created art, please)! We accept originals, or high quality digital images of your artwork if you wish to keep the original.

Files over 10 MB should be mailed on a CD-ROM, or email the editor to arrange electronic transfer.