Jan is Jan Fields, moderator of this interview with Becky Ances, and Web Editor of the ICL Web Site.

Green shows names or usernames of people and the questions they asked Becky Ances.

Jan: Hi, and welcome to tonights special event -- a chat with guest speaker, Becky Ances. I'm your host/moderator, Jan Fields -- and tonight we're going to learn more about one of my favorite nonfiction magazines: MOO COW FAN CLUB, from it's editor and creator, Becky Ances. If you want to ask a question and be sure Becky gets a chance to see it... you'll need to use either the "ask a question" button on the bar across the middle of your screen. OR type /ask...then space once and type your question. That passes the question to me and I can post it for Becky so that she can answer it for you and in the transcript. Now, let's get going.

Jan: Becky Ances is founding editor and head writer of Moo-Cow Fan Club magazine, which has won several awards including Parents' Choice. The main character of Moo-Cow is actually based on a stuffed animal Becky got in college. She's always had a love for children's literature and entertainment.

Jan: Welcome, Becky! I'm delighted to have you here tonight.

Becky: Thanks for having me.

Jan: So, how many issues have you put out of Moo Cow Fan Club so far?

Becky: We are on issue 31, but we only sell about 12 back issues. The older ones aren't up to snuff quality wise.

Jan: Wow, 31...since you're a quarterly, you've been going for a while.

Becky: Yeah, I actually started it in college almost 10 years ago.

Jan: Someone emailed me recently to say she wanted to start a kid's magazine in S. Africa. What tips would you give someone just starting out?

Becky: I say go for it. Its not for the faint of heart though. You just have to be passionate about it to succeed because publishing is not easy. It takes a lot longer to put together then you think. Each of our issues takes the full three months to complete.

Jan: Wow...three months. Whew. Okay, I'm impressed.

Becky: Yeah, three months including weekends and 2 a.m. nights.

Jan: Ow. Sounds like having a baby.

Becky: Less painful in some way, more in others I would say:)

Jan: Okay...now on to bombarding you with questions...

Becky: Our motto is "the kid's magazine both funny and smart" which says it all. Nothing dry...We like to see unique angles on the topic.

Jan: And mostly you work from assignments, right?

Becky: Yeah, since each issue focuses ENTIRELY (even the crafts, games and recipes) on one subject/theme we need to assign articles to make sure we cover everything and dont overlap ideas.

Becky: Our upcoming topics are Pioneers (going out west for the first time), Australia, and Geology. We also have a summer topic in there, but we haven't decided what we want to cover yet.

Jan: Hey, cool...Geology. Now that's a topic I don't see that often.

Becky: Yeah, we try to pick topics they study in school so the mag can compliment it. Rocks can be fun.

Becky: Yeah, definately. Of course I do like to look at places you have been previously published, as it gives me an idea of your style and where you have been successful, but no, as long as your sample is good, that's all we really need.

Jan: I know a lot of folks would find that good news...magazines that ask for resumes and samples scare a lot of newer writers. But it really doesn't mean you're closed to new voices.

Becky: No, but I would always need to see a sample, even if it hasn't been published.

Becky: We have guidelines available, I can e-mail them to anyone that wants them. Just drop me a line at editor(at)moocowfanclub(dot)com. Research skills are always a plus.

Jan: Okay, here's a run, all on the same topic...

Becky: No-we don't have any photos in our magazine. This brings up a good point...Get to know the magazine before you submit to them, otherwise you are wasting yours and the editors time. This is a really important point that I want to stress. We get a lot of educational, and fun nonfiction pieces submitted, but if it doesn't fit with our topics, dontbother sending it because we can't print it.

Becky: It's on newsstands in barnes and nobles and borders, as well as many indy bookshops. Or, you can get them on our site www.moocowfanclub.com. Just look in the store.

Becky: If you mean Canadian writers, then yes. If you mean articles about Canada, no, only if we did an issue on Canada,, which I'm sure we will someday.

Jan: Yeah ...hey, our kids in the US don't know enough about Canada.

Becky: True..and my Canadian friend would love it.

Becky: Yes, as long as they realize what we are about. Actually, because of a glitch in our store, we don't add additional posting to Canada when we ship the back issues, so it actually doesn't cost anymore then US (we just lose more )

Jan: Okay, I have a question that was cut off by the question box...so I'm going to tag something on the end, because I wanna know.

Becky: No, I don't think we ever have. Not to say that it wouldn't happen if the sample was about one of our future topics.

Jan: Ah, eggamy's real question was about whether it's okay to use a puzzle as a sample.

Becky: Not really. Unless there is a lot of writing, it doesn't really give a good sense of the writers ability to write a fun nonfiction article....I like to incorporate puzzles and activites into the article, but I would be hesitant to hire someone on the basis of just a puzzle.

Becky: The themes are listed in our guidelines [available through email]. As for how we pick them: Spring we cover Country, Summer is activity, Fall is science and winter is history. Within those guidelines,we go on the state standards for curriculum of 3-6 grade. Then we just pick what sounds most fun to us!

Becky: 3000. Were pretty small because were an independant company with no ads in our magazine.

Becky: Well, first off, we don't ever let other writers write the character articles. Of course there is always an exception to the rule, we recently hired someone to do Professor Kiweenies class, but we did it in a Q&A Format,with Kiweenie asking questions and the writer answering them, so that's how we got away with it without breaking the rules. As for how detailed....We like a different take on ideas. For instance in our latest issue on insects we did one about flea circuses, But if I was to assign that article, I would just say "something about flea circuses, and leave it at that. We like to give the writer some freedom within the article idea.

Jan: I just want to mention that the writer who did Professor Kiwinis class was our own much loved Dragonlady...yea, go girl.

Becky: That's right!

Becky: No, we look at all the state standards to come up with our topics. In general they are the same. Such as US history from the ice age to the signing of the constitution for 5th grade, and things like that, But that's how we at the magazine come up with the general theme for the entire issue, we don't expect the writers to know about that kind of stuff. Actually, within the issue we like to cover topics that aren't taught in school, so we can offer something different then in text books.

Jan: Becky, I know the writing sample doesn't have to be published; it's not a clip. Do you also like to see clips? So, a writer could send a sample article and a clip of a published puzzle?

Becky: I do like to see clips. The finished article always does look different. But it's not a deal breaker. I guess I should say that I'm a bit more relaxed then other editors. I actually like to see different colored envelopes and stickers, which I know is usually a no-no and smacks of unprofessionalism. But I think it's fun. We pretty much make up our own rules here, in Moo-Cow land. :)

Jan: So if a writer had a sample that was a fun, unique article and a clip that was a puzzle...would you want to see both? I'm asking on behalf of an audience member :-)

Becky: Yeah, I would say that would be okay with me.

Becky: We give a by line, but when I write the articles (which is 98%) I don't put my name on it. By the way, we only put "By writers name" and not more information past that.

Becky: Sure, I try to edit it quickly (which doesn't always work), and then send it back if there is any additional questions or big changes. I say I try to do it quickly because we have to send it off to an illustrator. But once the first pass is done, it usually takes me a little longer to finalize it. I would say overall it's relatively painless, but can take a number of weeks because of my busy schedule. (and I'm the only editor).

Becky: This summer issue is not only closed, but on the newsstands (as of this week). We are currently working on the winter 06-07 issue.

Jan: So...are you still open to stuff for that issue or looking toward lining folks up for spring?

Becky: Actually, spring is Australia, and we have had a lot of interest in that, so that one is actually closed, but winter (the pioneers) is still open.

Jan: So since Australia is closed...how many articles in that one were written by outside writers?

Becky: Two. We actually only pay 2 writers per issue because of our scant budget.

Becky: We buy all rights. I know..writers don't like that, but it's really important to us for any future projects we have.

Becky: Oh-who knows what the future might bring, but books most likely. Compile all the past issue into common theme volumnes.

Jan: Like once you do ALL the countries...you can make a book -- MOO COW SEES THE WORLD

Becky: Yeah, exactly. Or a science book with all our past science themes. Or even an acttivity book.

Becky: Are you trying to get me in trouble?:) Well, who knows, but contractually, we aren't obliged.

Becky: That's okay! The writer in me is always arguing with the business manager in me.

Jan: Well, folks do wonder...you know, if the money were available...slipping some to the writers is ALWAYS appreciated. Highlights does....Of course...they have that BIG OL Highlights Foundation behind them.

Becky: Yeah, I know highlights throws a party every year for all the contributors, and I really want to do that in the future.

Jan: That would be a fun party.

Becky: Yeah, we do like to fit in at least one myth, or folktale. Especially in the country themes.

Becky: American pioneers going on the oregon trail.

Becky: Yeah, of course. It would have to be different enough, but it could be the same topic.

Becky: No, really just on the actual voyage of the pioneers. The painful..painful voyage.

Becky: No, we want to cover the whole experince, not just the kids. Those are intresting two facts.

Jan: So, as a pioneer-a-phile, Lulu should swifty send her resume and sample to Moo Cow...

Becky: There you go. Easy as that!

Becky: Of course. Research is always a really important.

Becky: I actually like life resume with detailed writers section. Sometimes someones background is really important and enhances the article. Such as someone living near historical pioneer musems:)

Becky: Well, we always try to incorporate activites that get kids outside (and away from the TV) but I don't think we'll be doing a fitness issue any time soon, so I'm not sure that kind of expertise would be necessary.

Becky: It's not bad form on my end, but you may want to check with your other editor first, just as a courtesy.

Jan: You've already done an issue on games, right?

Becky: Yeah, we already did a games issue a few summers ago....Of course if there were games that the pioneers played in specific, maybe we would be open to that. I do say maybe because it is already a tight issue with all we have to cover. What I mean is...Sometimes a game could fit into another topic, but it would have to relate to that topic specifically.

Becky: About a month. Our deadlines are in the guidelines as well [which are available by email.]

Jan: A good amount of deadline...I've had deadlines months and months away...which always seems to inspire me to procrastinate. A month...feels like you should jump on it, but doesn't scare ya to death.

Becky: yeah, we run a tight ship here:) BUT like we have already assigned Australian articles, and they arent due for months and months...so I guess it depends where we are in the process. But the shortest is a month.

Becky: Australia for the spring [but the isslue is already closed], and the summer topic of 2007 is undecided [but maybe inventions...maybe], then geology fall of 07.

Jan: And for any who've missed it...You can find out the themes by asking for guidelines via the editor email on the Moo Cow site. The themes themselves are NOT posted on the site. Nor are guidelines...you have to email editor(at)moocowfanclub(dot)com.

Becky: I know, someday themes and guidelines will be on the site.

Jan: Now, once a writer works with you a couple times, would she be updated on themes and such automatically or would she still need to email?

Becky: I'm afraid I don't have that sophisticated a system, they would need to e-mail and ask. We do have about a year themes ahead, so it would be awhile before I updated them.

Jan: So, a writer could ask about once a year and be okay?

Becky: Yeah, sometimes we change our minds (such as recently we changed civil war to the pioneers) but yearly is safe.

Becky: Hmm, I don't really know because people query for all the different topics regularly, so I'm not sure each one. The odds are pretty good though. And I'll let you in on a secret: sometimes, I will go with someone who is a decent writer over an excellent writer because the decent writer had a really good idea. Unique ideas count for a lot with me.

Becky: I think I prefer e-mail. I usually work on the writers stuff on the weekend so don't be surpirised if you get a reponse on a sunday. And also, don;t be mad if it takes me awhile to respond.

Jan: Well, stickers help, I hear...

Becky: First, and most importantly, read the guidelines, and look at the magazine so you know the feel. Then, send of samples, and a resume, and any article ideas you might have for one of the topics. And stickers of course.

Jan: All in a pretty envelope...unless you're emailing -- no pretty email.

Becky: Yeah, plain ol e-mail is the best.

Becky: e-mailed. By the way, when you e-mail me samples, add it right to the body of the e-mail, and not as an attachment. But the manuscript can be sent as an attachment, using Word, I'm a PC user.

Becky: Yes, very important to have.

Jan: What's your feeling on Internet sources...can folks use some from highly reputable sites like museums?

Becky: I definately prefer book sources over internet, but some reliable sites like PBS, BBC ect are okay. They have to be really reputable though.

Becky: like the query to mention the sources that are going to be used, but of course you don't have to stick with them, or limit yourself just to what you told me. You can send the updated biblo with the manuscript.

Becky: Yep, you got that right. I have a list of ideas for each issue, but if you have your own idea, I'm always open to hear it (and usually end up kicking myself I didn't think of it already)

Becky: We already have an article of ox versus horses (to pull the wagons) but that will be the only one for that issue I think.

Becky: We also have word perfect, and I think maybe works, but I mean Microsoft Word . We have XP, but I think older versions work fine. Also, if you are worried about format, just paste it into the body of the e-mail, and I'll transfer it.

Becky: No, you don't have to resubmit, but it might be a good idea to query with topic ideas if you have them, or jsut a "Hey, I'm interested in this future topic, just so you know" e-mail reminder.

Becky: I don't think I've evr used a cold submission. It's probably not a good idea because our topics are so specific, you would do a lot of work with no guarantee. As for numbers, I'd guess maybe 20 a week. I think I might have a lot more in my inbox tomorrow though!

Becky: Of course. Sample copies cost $6 (shippings included) and I send along the guidelines and theme list with dates with it.You can ask for a specific back issue, or I just send along whatever one I feel like at the moment.

Jan: And that runs us to the end of the second hour...what a wonderful chat guest you've been, Becky.

Becky: Over already? Thanks everyone for asking such great questions!