FAQs about Publishing your Work

Who writes for Teen Voices?

All of our writers are teen women just like you who send in their stories, poems, essays, letters, reviews and art work."  We hope you will be one of our contributors, too.

How old do I have to be to submit my work?

Teen girls between 13 and 19 years old are welcome to submit their work to us."  If you are not yet 18 years old, make sure a parent or guardian reads our Submission Policy and has given you permission to have your work published.

What if I'm not a great writer?

We publish the voices of"  teen writers of all writing abilities." "  Teen Voices believes that whatever you have to say is important."  Our teen editors will help you with your spelling and grammar."  If you're still worried about spelling, grammar or content, have someone you trust and respect review your work before you send it to us.

What should I write about?

Write about what bothers you, what makes you happy, what inspires you, how you coped during a tough time in your life."  Give advice you want to share with teens everywhere."  Review movies, books, music, web sites, magazines."  Any and all subjects are OK - friendship, racism, teen motherhood, family, sexual identity, birth control, AIDS, careers, drugs, alcohol, love, your hopes, dreams, and fears.

I want to write a review - how do I get started?

If you've read a book, or seen a movie or TV show, found new music or a new group, read a magazine, gotten into a web site and want to share your thoughts and recommendations - you've come to the right place." "  Here are some tips to help you get started...

• How did you first find out about it?"  Did you stumble across it, or was it recommended?
• Describe what YOU think it's trying to say.
• Why would other teens like it?"  Not like it?
• If you loved it, what was your favorite thing about it?"  If you weren't impressed, why?
• What would you tell your best friend about it?
• Compare it to other similar books, movies, etc.
• What is significant about it? It is about a current or controversial topic?"  Is it entirely new?
• If you're reviewing a web site, how easy was it to use and could you find what you were looking for?

What if I want to send in artwork or photography?

Just read our Submission Policy and fill out our form."  Don't forget to attach all your artwork and photos.

How do I submit my writing for publication?

Click here! And be sure to read our Submission Policy carefully.

What else should I send?

Be sure to complete the section called 'Please Describe Yourself' on the submission form, so that we can publish your bio along with your work.

Here are some questions to help you figure out how to describe yourself...

• What are your hobbies?
• How do you demonstrate your activism?
• Do you have a favorite cause?
• Why do you read Teen Voices?
• What are your career goals?
• Why do you like to write? To paint? To draw? To take photographs?
• What or who inspires you?

What if I want my work published, but don't want my name to be published?

We understand that sometimes you want your voice heard, but don't want your name to be known.

Your work can certainly be published anonymously."  Just let us know, when you submit your work, that you don't want your name to be disclosed. "  Unless you tell us that you want your work to remain anonymous, we publish the author's full name, age and hometown.

We ask for your name, address, age, telephone number and email so that we can contact you if we have questions, and to let you know your submission was received."  However, we do not share that information with others.

What is your address?"  How do I get in touch with Teen Voices?

We are located in downtown Boston, where our teen editors and our staff do their work.

Our mailing address:

Teen Voices

PO Box 120027

Boston, MA"  02112-0027

Our street address:

80 Summer Street

Boston, MA"  02110

Our telephone: (617) 426-5505

Our email: teenvoices@teenvoices.com