Launch Pad

Yesterday I received an email from the editor of Launch Pad, an on-line magazine. I am so happy he emailed me because this website is phenomenal. Here is a snippet from their “About” page.

Launch Pad: Where Young Authors and Illustrators Take Off! is an online publishing venue that selectively publishes the works of young authors and illustrators between the ages of 6 and 14. Written works accepted for publication are assigned to young artists to illustrate, resulting in highly unique and creative publications. Launch Pad welcomes submissions of original stories, poems, and book reviews that have not previously been published. Young artists are encouraged to submit samples of artwork to be considered as illustrators. Launch Pad retains the copyrights for works that are accepted and published. Launch Pad is an open access publication, and does not charge any submission or publication fees. Launch Pad has been publishing the works of talented young authors and artists, from the United States and internationally, since 2007. (Source: About Launch Pad)

This is just fabulous. I know of so many children that would love to see their artwork and stories on a website. Launch Pad only accepts submissions from children ages 6 to 14. They do not accept submissions that are based on TV or video games and they will not accept violent or crude work. The site is very family friendly.

Also on the website are Writing Tips and Art Tips for children. If you have a child that is interested in writing or art I would recommend sitting down and reading through the FAQ’s of Launch Pad and the tips they have to offer. Then mention it to your child to see if they would want to submit. Launch Pad does retain copyrights for the submitted work for various reasons.

There are writing tips and art tips that I find helpful as a writer that is currently attempting illustrating a book. Both categories are given equal attention as they should be. There is also a page of authors and illustrators currently published on Launch Pad so that children can learn about kids like them that are interested in the same things they are.

You may be hearing more about Launch Pad as time goes on. I would love to feature some of their stories on a regular basis. In the meantime, I urge you to visit Launch Pad and tell me what you think. A website like this can only have a positive impact on children. I wish something like this had been around when I was a kid!