Guidelines for Submitting Articles to VOYA

VOYA's editorial policy is guided by three principles. These principles are incorporated into every publication in VOYA. The following information describes the three areas where contributions from our readers are accepted:

Booklists are usually arranged by the VOYA Editor with committees or contributors as annotated bibliographies/Webliographies that appear annually. Occasionally booklist submissions on current topics of teen appeal are considered via query. Submissions must conform to the house bibliographic stylesheet, available upon request.

Columns are planned by the Editor. New column ideas are welcome as queries.

Articles are welcomed from youth advocates who share philosophies, literary analysis, author interviews, research results, experiences, practical project ideas, or controversies that arise in working with youth. Research results involving surveys of practitioners or teens should include basic statistical information about the respondents when applicable. Questions about this should be directed to the Editor. Articles that catch the Editor's attention are written in an approachable style and speak with authority and enthusiasm about the areas in which VOYA specializes. Short articles run from 750-1,500 words. Longer articles up to 3,500 words are also considered.

If you wish to submit an article about a successful teen library program, see Young Adult Program Roundup Submissions. If you are a teen who wants to write for VOYA, see Teen Submissions.

Tips for successful submissions: Most published VOYA articles come from writers who are very familiar with the magazine's content and mission. Usually article authors have firsthand experience working with teens in areas relating to their reading, writing, or other informational and developmental needs. We suggest that you thoroughly explore the What's in VOYA pages on the site, looking for the type of article or broad topic that you are interested in writing about. Read several articles in depth to get the "feel" of VOYA. You may also request a recent print copy of the magazine from Sarah Baltic at sbaltic@scarecrowpress.com if you describe your potential submission topic.

Sending Queries and Submissions

You may query VOYA's Editor to determine your piece's suitability for VOYA. All booklist and column ideas must be queried. Send queries by e-mail, phone, or letter to Stacy Creel, Editor (editors@voya.com). Include the following as attachments in your e-mail:

1. A cover letter or memo describing your article briefly, along with your professional background, expertise, and perceived audience for the article, and complete contacts for reaching you by mail, phone, and e-mail.
2. A double-spaced manuscript in 12-point type with one-inch margins on all sides as a .doc or .txt file. Please do not include images in the manuscript; instead insert a text description of the image in brackets (i.e. [teen sitting at computer] would replace the actual picture of a teen sitting at the computer). Pictures and illustrations will be included if the article is accepted for publication at a later date.
3. A word count of your manuscript.
4. A list of suggestions for images, such as photographs, brochures, logos, Web screen grabs, book covers, or other illustrations. Do not send actual illustrations until article is accepted for publication.

top

How to Submit Additions to Young Adult Library Services Chronology

Published in VOYA in June 2005, Two Hundred Years of Young Adult Library Services History: A Chronology, compiled by Anthony Bernier, Mary K. Chelton, Christine A. Jenkins, and Jennifer Burek Pierce, was the first attempt to draw together all pertinent events in the development of young adult library services in the U.S. in both school and public libraries. Appearing in a shortened form in the print magazine (pages 106-110) and in a much longer version on VOYA's Web site, the Chronology is a work in progress.

To fill in historical holes and to keep the Chronology up-to-date with new developments, VOYA will publish occasional updates on the Web site. Submissions for the update are welcomed from anyone in the library profession. Suggested additions can cover events throughout the 200-year history of YA services as well as current landmarks. Library educators might consider an assignment to students to find and submit worthy additions to the Chronology.

Using the complete online Chronology for reference, contributors must word submissions in a single sentence following the year the event occurred, as in the existing Chronology structure. Complete citations of sources (print and electronic) must be included; see the "Sources" list at the end of the Chronology for format. Include your contact information with street address, phone, and e-mail.

Send submissions to compiler Anthony Bernier at abernier@slis.sjsu.edu. Place "Chronology Submission" in the subject line. For the 2008 update, submissions are due by April 1, 2008.

top

Teen Submission Guidelines

• How to Submit Your Article to Notes from the Teenage Underground
• Teen Poetry Contest
• Teen Cover Photo Contest

How to Submit Your Article to Notes from the Teenage Underground

VOYA invites submissions from teens aged twelve to eighteen for Notes from the Teenage Underground. This occasional column reveals secrets of teen culture to the adults who care regarding books, information, entertainment, media, and identity. VOYA readers are librarians, teachers, counselors, authors, publishers, and youth workers who provide services, information, fun reading, and entertainment for teenagers. What would you like them to know about your popular culture, your favorite reading, media, music, hobby, pastime, or craze--or your inner thoughts about just being you, transforming from child to adult?

Submissions must be between 500 and 900 words, double-spaced in word processing as a .doc or .txt file and should be submitted to the editor via email. Include a recent photograph of yourself and a brief biography containing your school name, grade, town, and state, with some interesting facts about you. Your chances of acceptance are better the more carefully you edit your own work, from spelling and grammar to logical construction. Cite the source for any quotation (title, author, publisher, publication date, page number), as in a research paper. Titles of books, CDs, games, etc., must be followed by publisher and date in parentheses. Referrals to Web sites must include titles and complete URLs.

Tip: Ask a receptive teacher, librarian, adult friend, or parent to check your article before you submit it--and consider their advice. Use Notes from the Teenage Underground as a heading, then give your piece a descriptive title. Include your full name, address, zip code, area code and telephone number, and e-mail address. If you want your manuscript returned, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope. If your submission is accepted, the Editor will contact you. She might need further information such as illustrations or clarification of some of your points. She will ask for a parental permission slip and an electronic file of your submission. After publication, you will receive a check for $50 and three copies of the magazine.

It could take a few months to find out if your article is accepted. An adult sponsor is recommended, but not required. Send manuscripts to:
Stacy Creel, Editor, VOYA
4501 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200
Lanham, MD 20706.
For more information, e-mail editors@voya.com or phone toll-free (888) 4 VOYA 97.

top

How to Become a VOYA Reviewer

Do you have what it takes to be a VOYA reviewer?

• Are you a librarian, library or teacher educator, English teacher, or other youth-serving professional?
• Do you have abiding interest and expertise in literature or media for young adults?
• Are you able to assess fairly a variety of fiction and nonfiction for its appeal to teen readers?
• Do you have strong writing skills?
• Can you meet six or more strict deadlines a year?
• Are you attracted by the rewards our reviewers reap?

What are the rewards of being a VOYA reviewer?

• Recognition and appreciation of your colleagues who read your signed reviews
• Your own copy of each book you review
• A discounted personal subscription to VOYA
• Valuable membership in the VOYA community

What are the qualifications for becoming a VOYA reviewer?

1. Three to five years' experience working directly with teens in a library, school, or other professional setting. (Experience as a library or teacher educator can be substituted.)
2. Ability to write clearly and grammatically.
3. Ability to follow VOYA guidelines precisely.
4. An almost obsessive attention to deadlines and details.
5. Ability to produce at least 8 to 12 reviews per year.
6. Willingness to review widely in both nonfiction and several fiction genres.

To apply, contact the Review Editor to request a reviewer kit and application.

top