If we find that a piece isn't quite right for us, we have been known to make editorial suggestions to make it so. You are free to take these suggestions or not. If you choose to edit, you are invited to re-submit. If we have time and if it warrants consideration. We have paid on acceptance when all the elements of submission have been just right.
Word counts are firm usually because of limited space.
For Kids' Highway, we need to stay under 500 for nonfiction articles. We are more flexible with fiction and poetry. We try to get back to our writers in 6-8 weeks. But please wait for an extra two weeks before you inquire. BUT if you don't include a SASE or email address, we won't be able to reply to you at all.