HONOR PUBLISHING COMPANY seeks brief, bright, meaningful stories with inspiration and appeal that seven & eight year old children (Cub Scout Age) can read by themselves. We want stories that interest, entertain, inform, and inspire children. We publish a variety of themes and genres, but stories about Cub Scouts or Brownies, or young children in a group situation will be considered first.

FICTION: Original, realistic, contemporary stories, as well as tall tales, folk tales, legends, and myths of all cultures.

NONFICTION: Fascinating subjects and information presented as a story in language accessible to seven and eight-year-olds. No dry facts or encyclopedia-type pieces, please.

STRUCTURE: Well-developed stories with captivating beginnings and energetic middles that end with a satisfying, humorous, unexpected windup, flourish or twist. No list-type stories, please.

LENGTH: Varies by type:

Middle grade -- These books are targeted towards young Scouts in the Cub, (BSA) and Brownie (GSUSA) programs, or youth ages 8-11. Manuscripts are typically 36-84 pages in length, stories more complex (subplots involving secondary characters are woven through the story) and themes more sophisticated. Kids get hooked on characters at this age, which explains the popularity of series with multiple books involving the same cast. Fiction genres range from contemporary to historical to science fiction/fantasy; nonfiction includes biographies, science, history and multicultural topics. Pictures and illustrations, if used, tend to be larger and follow the story line closely. Stories about, or that include children in Scouting or youth organizations will be given preference.

STORYLINE: strong, clear, focused (Pick just ONE theme)

CHARACTERS: Characters should be vivid, believable, and child-appealing "role models" to whom children can relate, identify with, and care about. "Heroic" type characters, or youth who do brave or heroic actions are encouraged. If an animal is used in your story as a pet, it must act as an animal would or could act and not be humanized or made "cute." If the animal character is "humanized", make sure the child can visualize the character (i.e.:A wise old Owl)

SENTENCES: Sentences should be complete and grammatically correct. No sentence fragments.

LANGUAGE: Use U.S. English; a mix of both natural and book language. If dialogue is used, it must sound natural.

Please do not submit:

queries, manuscript summaries, or resumes vocabulary lists, or language skills manuscripts that stereotype or demean individuals or groups, or present violence as acceptable behavior or objects stories that have been previously published.

Submission Procedures:

1. Manuscripts should be written (word processor or typewritten) and double-spaced with your name, phone number, and the page number on each page. Illustrations are welcomed, but not necessary. Send photocopies, not originals.

2. Include a short cover letter with your name, address, telephone number, and manuscript title.

3. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient return postage. International Reply Coupons are not acceptable.

NOTE: Our response time can be as long as six to twelve months.

Send submissions to:
Publications Editor,
c/o HONOR PUBLISHING COMPANY.
P.O. Box 14252,
Kansas City, MO 64152

Requests for revisions do not in any way imply, suggest, or guarantee acceptance or publication of a manuscript.