Not long ago, someone told me she would like to see the story of a single article from idea to publication. This one required a fair bit of research so should be helpful in showing the process.

I like butterflies and I got bored one day in 2002 and began poking around the Internet looking for pretty photos of butterflies. I probably had some idea of doing a butterfly craft and was seeking inspiration but that was just an excuse. Mostly I was procrastinating. Then I ran across an interesting website that contained this quote: “With their short proboscis (tongue) the adults of Harvester butterflies can actually pierce the bodies of woolly aphids and drink their fluids--this would be the only bugs that adult butterflies eat.” That image of a little butterfly vampire immediately grabbed my attention. Kids would love that! Thus, began my research on the Harvester butterfly.

I began my research online, looking for specific experts to answer my questions about this unusual little butterfly. I didn’t know what it looked like or how bit it was or where it lived. But I loved the idea of a butterfly vampire so I began my research online. It didn’t take too long to discover the Harvester butterfly doesn’t really pierce the bodies of aphids and suck out their body fluids. Darn. In fact, they lick the honeydew off the sides of trees where it drips from aphid colonies. No vampires involved. But, I found out the little baby Harvesters do things kids would find fascinating and thus my real research began.

I interviewed a graduate student who had been researching this particular butterfly for a long time – so I could count on him to give me the straight story and to be my expert reviewer. Many magazines like knowing an expert went over your manuscript before you send it. He graciously agreed to do so and was a huge help. He even suggested some books where I might do more reading on the Harvester.

So, I chased the story of these wonderful little butterflies and grew more and more fascinated with them. Finally, I wrote the piece and sent the manuscript and cover to Cricket. Although I had sold fiction to Ladybug, I had never sold the group any nonfiction so I knew my manuscript would go to a first reader. As a result, I didn’t even bother coming up with an editor. But I hate the generic “Dear Editor.” I know that’s acceptable but I hate it so I don’t do it. Here’s my cover for the article:

Greetings,

“Carnivorous Butterflies” – the idea sounds like something from a bad 50s horror movie; but one small North American butterfly really is a hungry predator. The harvester butterfly caterpillar preys upon wooly aphids using a unique disguise. He becomes a wolf in sheep’s clothing by cloaking himself in the drained bodies of his victims. I believe your readership will enjoy reading about this unique creature.

My writing credits have included such varied magazines as Ladybug, Highlights, and Boy’s Quest. I am enclosing an SASE for your convenience of reply – it would not be necessary to return my manuscript. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

One thing both queries and covers are for me is short. I received a letter of interest in reply. Cricket was interested in my article but wanted more of a twist to the ending. Something funny or something unusual. They wanted the article to end with a big of a bang. No problem. I spent some time thinking about it and sent back the twist and they liked it. This was followed by a couple exchanges concerning sources. Cricket is very concerned with accurate sources and having only one source for some information (even if he was a researcher who had spent more time with the butterflies than anyone else) made them nervous so I had to drop some bits that I really liked but through the process I found other things that were just as interesting to replace them. They also wanted me to add some things that I had left out intentionally because I knew kids in the Cricket age group have really done metamorphosis to death in school – but no matter how many times you hear it, I suppose the idea of the butterfly ripping his way from the cocoon and drying his wrinkled wings to fly is always interesting.

My little article wasn’t the most important think on the Cricket editor’s plate and it was far from the most important thing to the magazine in general. Because of that, long periods – days or weeks – sometimes passed between communications as we worked to bring my article up to what they wanted. Many times, the changes were small but Cricket is serious about not making changes without letting you know so the back-and-forth editing process can seem endless. Thankfully, this was just a small thing on my plate too. I cannot imagine how excruciating it must be if this is your first article and you’re counting the days to acceptance.

Finally the changes were all acceptable and I was told a contract would be forthcoming. No quickly forthcoming, mind you, but forthcoming. Eventually, it forth came. In June of 2004, I signed the contract sealing the deal for publication of the article I had begun in 2002. To date, it hasn’t been published. Eventually it will and I believe children will enjoy the piece. I know I will enjoy the $200+ the contract assures me awaits upon publication. Cricket allows only one of two rights options – all rights and non-exclusive rights. The second is much like all rights because it allows Cricket to do anything it likes with the manuscript but it also allows me to do something with the manuscript as well – as long as I let them do it first.

So, that was the process for me. The article ran in the June 2007 issue. In the very few school visits I’ve done, the children had LOVED it. What more could I ask?