5 questions for Clementine Macmillan-Scott

1. What is Scoop!?
Scoop! is a monthly print magazine for 8–12s with poetry, stories, current affairs and book reviews. We will publish the best writers and illustrators, as well as articles from children, who will have space to review books. In the first issue, which is out in September, we have reviews from [children’s books journalist] Amanda Craig, [children’s writer] Philip Womack and five children.

2. Why did you decide to launch the magazine?
I was looking at old copies of The Children’s Newspaper [which ran in the early part of the 20th century] and wondered if there was anything like that now. There are some great magazines out there, but none for exclusive content from leading writers and illustrators. There are so many ways into stories, so I wanted to cover as many types of children’s publishing as possible!

3. Which writers and illustrators are involved?
In the first issue (September) we have Neil Gaiman, Laura Dockrill, Abi Elphinstone, John Agard, Tom Whipple and Catherine Johnson, and we are commissioning lots of illustrators. Everyone is paid; we wanted to give authors and illustrators a platform in print, although there will be a digital platform for children later on.

4. Who runs the magazine? And how is it funded?
I’m the publisher, Sarah Odedina [editor-at-large at Pushkin Press] is the editor and Joanne Owen is our marketing person. We also have two sub-editors and designers. We are funded by seven private investors, so we have shareholders.

5. Where will you sell the magazine?
We are offering subscription packages to schools (£160 a year) and families (£40 a year). We will also sell it in independent bookshops, starting with five in London.