ASK® Submission Guidelines
ASK® is a nonfiction magazine for children 7–10 years old who are curious about science and the world they live in. Each edition of ASK is built around a central theme or question.
ASK introduces kids to the joys of thinking and questioning scientifically, and presumes them to be active members of the international community of knowledge-seekers. The ideal ASK article is an engaging nonfiction story (or cartoon) that is concrete, specific, and appealing to newly independent readers (grades 3–5), but that an adult reader might also find interesting. Above all, it should tell a good story, with an emphasis on ideas and problem-solving rather than just facts. ASK encourages humor, and believes that no topic is beyond the grasp of an intelligent young person if explained well in lively terms.
ASK encourages writers to stretch the boundaries of topic themes and look for interesting perspectives and unexpected connections. We also love science cartoons.
Cricket Media, Inc. is committed to a diverse literary culture, and we welcome works by writers from underrepresented groups (people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQAI+ folks, and other marginalized peoples).
All articles in ASK are commissioned; ASK welcomes queries for articles for upcoming themes (see table below). Queries should give an overview of the proposed article, including scope and treatment, resources, and a draft opening paragraph. For cartoons, please provide a rough script, sketches for the first few panels, and one finished panel or a link to your finished work. Writers new to ASK should also provide a resume and two writing samples, including at least 200 words of unedited copy on any nonfiction topic.
Authors are expected to ensure that all content is scientifically correct in both conception and detail, and drafts should include a full list of references and sources consulted. Authors wishing to write for ASK should consult any past copy to get a sense of the tone, style, and range of articles. (Sample copies are available for viewing at the Cricket Store, where you can also purchase a current issue.) Issues are also available at many local libraries.
- Feature Articles (400–1200 words, with sidebars)
- Photo Essays (400–800 words)
- Humor Pieces (200–400 words)
- Profiles/Interviews of Scientists, Inventors, Engineers, Artists (200–1000 words)
- Theme-appropriate experiments
- Science panel cartoons (2-6 pages)
Story pitches should be submitted at Submittable, or emailed to firstname.lastname@example.org. We do not accept hard-copy submissions or queries. Submittable accepts international submissions.
- Articles previously unpublished: Rights vary, with option for authors to retain copyright.
- Articles previously published: ASK purchases second publication rights.
Queries and Questions
Queries and questions should be submitted through our Submittable page. Pitches can also be directed to email@example.com. Authors are also encouraged to check the ASK Authors’ Page for current edition status, needs, and updates from the editor.
See our submission guidelines for artists.
2024 Issue Theme Chart
JANUARY: Crazy Colors
General direction: Where do colors come from? Can we find more?
Possible stories: Interview with pigment scientist, cartoon colorist, or other color-involved profession; designing better LEDs; how color-changing lights work; inventing a new color; tour of paint or crayon factory; other fun color stories?
Queries by: April 30, 2023
FEBRUARY: Wolf in the House
General direction: How did people become friends with dogs?
Possible stories: Domestication experiments; canid family tree; breed vs. species; making dog food; jobs for dogs; return of the wolves; what about the coyotes; how to speak dog
General direction: May 15, 2023
General direction: Coming April 8 to a continent near you! What are eclipses, and how can you see one?
Possible stories: Interview with solar physicist; past eclipse stories; how did ancient civilizations predict eclipses?; puzzle of the solar corona; safe eclipse viewing; solar telescopes
Queries by: June 15, 2023
APRIL: Fancy Feet
General direction: How much joy can your feet give you?
Possible stories: Interview with a dancer of any style; interview with shoe engineer/designer; shoes for different jobs; anthropology of running; psychology/sociology of dance; animal dancing; other stories about dancing and feet?
Queries by: July 15, 2023
MAY/JUNE: Wild in the City
General direction: Can wild animals make a home in the big city?
Possible stories: Profile of a species adapting in a city; parks as refuges; cities and bird migration; why do some species do better in cities; problem species; and let’s not forget plants and invertebrates!
Queries by: August 15, 2023