As a children's writer trying to break into nonfiction, I used to cringe when submission guidelines said, "Please send clips with your query." How does an unpublished writer or one who has penned only fiction get nonfiction clips? The answer may be closer to home than you think.

One way to collect nonfiction clips is by writing for regional and local publications. These run the gambit from daily newspapers to full color magazines. Most local publications are written for adults, but don't let that discourage you. The same techniques and skills you learned about writing nonfiction for children can be used for adult articles. After all, adults are just kids who grew up!

How can clips from smaller, local publications further your writing career?

First, clips from regional adult magazines can be your ticket to a "yes" when you query a children's magazine editor. This worked for me! I wrote an article about breastfeeding for the annual "Maternity and Baby Guide" published by Central Penn Parent, a regional parenting magazine. I interviewed a lactation consultant, a La Leche League leader and a breastfeeding mother of six children and turned their answers into a guide for "breastfeeding on the go."

I sent that article as a writing sample with a query to Odyssey, one of the Cobblestone magazines for kids. Even though the breastfeeding article was written for adults, it showed that I could interview experts and organize the information in an interesting manner. This was my first query to Odyssey and it was accepted! The resulting article, entitled "Your Skeleton is Not Dead Bones!" was published in the September 2007 issue.

Second, clips from regional magazines can also help you break into other regional publications. Recently a friend told me about a new bimonthly magazine starting up in our county. I got a sample of the first issue and was impressed by the overall quality and professionalism. I e-mailed the editor to see if she needed any freelancers. She asked me to send clips so I mailed the breastfeeding article. When she phoned to discuss my writing, she said the breastfeeding clip was "just what we're looking for." That was three months ago. I'm currently working on my eighth assigned article for this local magazine.

As a result of using one nonfiction clip from a regional parenting magazine, I have received nine other nonfiction assignments. That's a lot of mileage (and paychecks) from one clip!

Third, by writing for regional magazines, you can build a clip collection on a variety of topics. My stash of clips now includes how-to articles on packing a healthy lunch, building a homemade scarecrow, and starting your own cooking co-op. Two others are family-related topics including fun board games to play with your family and volunteering as a family around the holidays.

Fourth, even though it hasn't happened for me yet, I am confident that clips from regional magazines can help writers break into high-paying national magazines. Several months ago I sent that same breastfeeding article with a query to a national family magazine, and am waiting for a response. I also sent it to a book publisher who wants authors for work-for-hire projects. That "Breastfeeding on the Go" article sure has been "on the go."

Are you ready to build your clip collection? The first step is to choose a newspaper or local magazine:

Tips for newspapers:

Check the newspaper website for a list of editors and e-mail one of them. Sometimes the night metro editors need correspondents to attend local meetings and write short articles (300-350 words) about what happened. Offer to cover a local school board meeting or borough council meeting. To "cover" a meeting means to attend, take notes, and write something up for the newspaper. Since newspapers have tight deadlines, you will be required to submit your final copy quickly, probably the very next day.

You could also phone the editor or send a letter via snail mail. Whichever route you choose, remember to use newspaper terminology - they call their articles "stories." A very short story is called a "brief." Sidebars are called "breakouts." Familiarity with the Associated Press Manual of Style is helpful, but not critical, as newspaper editors will do their thing and edit any mistakes you make. The manual gives guidelines on punctuation, grammar, and spelling of various words and phrases.

Tips for regional or local magazines:

1. Check your local library. Look on the magazine racks for titles that have the name of your state. For instance, my small local library carries Pennsylvania Life and Penn Lines. Ask the librarian if she knows of any regional publications that might not be on display.
2. Get a copy of Magazine Markets for Children's Writers from the Institute of Children's Literature. It is loaded with listings for regional magazines.
3. Look around at the doctor or dentist office. I first spotted a copy of Central Penn Parent at the allergist office.
4. Do a search using the name of your state and the word "magazine." Using this technique, I came up with links to Pennsylvania Magazine and Central PA Magazine.
5. For a long list of regional parenting magazines check out the Parenting Publications of America website at http://www.parentingpublications.org. Click on "About PPA," then "Member Websites" for a long list of links to regional parenting magazines' websites. Choose any in your area and look for submission guidelines.

Many local magazines run articles about nearby landmarks, historical sites, or unique geographical areas. Editors often like local writers who are familiar with the circulation area for this reason. Others may have cooking articles, parenting topics, or information about hobbies. If you have an area of expertise, like making pottery or gardening, choose a magazine that does how-to articles.

When you find one that interests you, send the editor a brief e-mail asking if she has a need for freelance writers. If you have published any fiction, crafts, or poems, list those credits. If you have any areas of expertise, include those. Let the editor know you have read the magazine and offer to take an assignment on speculation. Find another local publication and repeat the process.

Being published in local or regional publications builds your confidence as well as your clip collection. The next time submission guidelines call for clips, you can clap instead of cringe. Just think - a clip from a local magazine just might be the stepping stone to a "yes" from a children's editor!