Bible Advocate; Now What? (e-zine)

Denver, Colorado

represented by Sherri Langton , associate editor

Publication Descriptions, Editorial Needs

(see also listing on page 342 of the 2008 Christian Writers' Market Guide)

 The Bible Advocate is one of the oldest religious magazines in America, founded in 1863. It is published by the Bible Advocate Press, the publication agency of the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day).

Now What? has been on the Internet since late 1996 (www.cog7.org/BA/NowWhat/ ). It is a monthly e-zine aimed at the unchurched that addresses the “felt needs” of people. Each issue centers around a personal experience, with articles related to the topic. Stories show an individual's struggle that either led him to faith in Christ or deepened his walk with God.

Now What? has covered a wide variety of subjects: homosexuality, grief, depression, mental illness, infertility, eating disorders, and a host of others. We're always open to hearing new ideas and even new approaches to previously posted subjects.

Overworked topics: dealing with personal illness and deaths.

Focus on the Family Magazine

Colorado Springs, Colorado

 represented by Michael Ridgeway, senior associate editor

Publication Description, Editorial Needs

(see also listing on page 372 of the 2008 Christian Writers' Market Guide)

Focus on the Family magazine is interested in nonfiction interview, profile, inspirational, how-to, and humorous articles on matters concerning family, marriage, parenting, single-parenting, and midlife.

We do not publish fiction, poetry, or devotionals.

We are open to new voices and new writers, but the competition is tough. We have a pool of about 50 writers on whom we rely for assignments. We receive 30 to 50 unsolicited manuscripts a month. We have high standards and expect articles to grab our attention within two paragraphs.

Focus on Your Child newsletter

Colorado Springs, Colorado

represented by Andrea Gutierrez, associate editor ( Friday appointments )

                       Pam Woody, editorial assistant    ( Saturday appointments )

Publication Description, Editorial Needs

(see also listing on page 372 of the 2008 Christian Writers' Market Guide )

Focus on Your Child (FOYC) newsletters aim to provide parents with hands-on information about raising children from a Christian perspective.

The newsletters are interested in nonfiction, personal experience, humorous articles (approximately 350 words) on parenting that focus on the child and not the parent.

The newsletters do not publish personal testimonies, poetry, fiction, book reviews, or devotional articles.

Every article must be geared to a specific age group:

Early Stage (parents of 0- to 3-year-old children)

Discovery Years (parents of 4- to 7-year-old children)

Tween Ages (parents of 8- to 12-year-old children)

Teen Phases (parents of 13- to 18-year-old children)

In Touch

Atlanta, Georgia

 represented by Linda Canup, assistant editor

Publication Description, Editorial Needs

In Touch magazine strives to inspire, encourage, educate, and change lives by communicating God's Truth, and connecting people to God's work through In Touch Ministries. We are a publication of the ministry of Dr. Charles Stanley and circulate to 1,000,000 worldwide.

Effective writing for In Touch magazine presents biblical truth in a practical and approachable manner. We desire to publish articles with take-away value — helpful hints, available resources, or principles our readers can integrate into their lives. Except in rare cases, articles are written in first or third person.

Since In Touch is a ministry-affiliated magazine, our readers expect articles to adhere to sound biblical theology and agree with the teachings of Dr. Charles Stanley.

Second Story (1,600 words) A feature article with a Christian principle. A wide range of topics is permissible.

Mighty In Spirit (1200 words) An exegetical treatment of a Bible character who demonstrates faith in or dependence on God. Application to today should be clearly made.

By Faith (800 – 1,200 words) An article that showcases inspirational stories of Christians demonstrating God's influence in their lives.

 Solving Problems God's Way (800 – 1,200 words) These articles identify problems or situations to which most of our readership can relate. Solutions should be both practical and biblically sound.

Family Room (800 – 1,200 words) This category deals with issues affecting children from infancy through college. Parenting and other family issues are appropriate topics. Scriptural principles should be included.

 We do not publish news, poetry, or external source sermons.

Light and Life

Indianapolis, Indiana

represented by Cynthia Schnereger, managing editor

Publication Description, Editorial Needs

(see also listing on page 385 of the 2008 Christian Writers' Market Guide)

Light and Life is a bimonthly periodical that exists to promote thoughtful Christian discipleship from a Wesleyan-Arminian perspective. While it originates in the context of ministry through the Free Methodist Church of North America, it is not published to serve only the Free Methodist denomination. Nor is it written exclusively by — or for — Free Methodists.

Our goal is to offer the evangelical Christian community an energetic magazine that encourages honest, biblical reflection on contemporary topics and Christian living. We want to help develop thinking Christians who enjoy a victorious Christian life and to provide well-written, thought-provoking content that is readable, desirable, and usable — articles and pull-out materials that will equip and excite maturing Christians seeking to live holy lives.

We are looking for submissions from authors who write using current information, provide clear application, and employ contemporary style and illustrations.

 MOMSense Magazine, FullFill Magazine

Denver, Colorado

represented by Rachel Ryan, online editor

Publication Description, Editorial Needs

(see also listing on page 490 of the 2008 Christian Writers' Market Guide)

Magazines

MomSense is a bimonthly magazine that connects and encourages mothers of preschoolers from a Christian perspective with articles that both inform and inspire on issues relating to motherhood and womanhood. As a potential MomSense writer, you should study the magazine's tone and style. You'll find the magazine online at www.MOMSense.com . All submissions should be written from a biblical, but not doctrinal, perspective. We are looking for ideas that will challenge and help women regardless where they are in their spiritual journey. MomSense does not accept devotions. Please avoid Christian jargon and use biblical quotes sparingly.

FullFill magazine is designed to equip women to recognize, utilize, and maximize their influence in all the spheres of their lives. The ministry of MOPS International continues throughout the seasons of a woman's life as we encourage, equip, and develop her as a woman, mother, and leader. The tone of articles for FullFill magazine should be engaging and thought-provoking. FullFill seeks to engage our audience as women on a journey, open to questions, and not afraid to address difficult issues. Part of the magazine is thematic, and part consists of regular features and articles addressing leadership and spiritual growth topics for women.

Web Content

Our website publishes articles that inform and inspire on issues relating to motherhood and womanhood in nine columns: HELP, Leadership for Life, Mentor Mom, MOPS annual theme, Mom Moments, Military Moms, Teen Moms, Terrific Tips, and Working Moms. To study the site's tone and style, see www.MOPS.org . Submissions should be 450 to 600 words (except for Terrific Tips, which should be under 300).

Books

MOPS International publishes books dealing with the needs and interests of mothers with young children, who may or may not be Christians. Four to five new titles are published each year. MOPS brand books are marketed to Christian retail stores and the general market by the publisher, and to the MOPS audience by MOPS International. Interested authors should review existing titles in the brand to avoid duplication ( www.MOPShop.org ). A book proposal template is available at www.MOPS.org/write .

The Upper Room

Nashville, Tennessee

represented by Susan King, assistant editor

Publication Descriptions, Editorial Needs

(see also listings on page 447 of the 2008 Christian Writers' Market Guide )

The Upper Room magazine is the world's largest daily devotional guide. Our purpose is to encourage Christians in their personal lives of prayer and discipleship. We seek to build on what unites us as believers and to link believers together in prayer around the world.

Literally millions of people use the magazine each day. Each day's meditation is freelance written and appears in the regular, large print, online, email, and cassette editions.

It will be sent around the world, to be translated into more than 40 languages and printed in more than 60 editions. Those who read the day's meditation and pray the prayer join with others in more than 100 countries around the world, reading the same passage of scripture and bringing the same concerns before God.

Each day's meditation includes:

• a title
• a suggested Bible reading
• a scripture text
• a personal witness or reflection on scripture
• a prayer
• a “thought for the day” (a pithy, summarizing statement)
• a suggested subject for prayer during the day (usually tied to the content of the story).

Including all of these elements, the meditation should be about 250 words long. Indicate what version of the Bible is quoted in the text, and give references for any scripture passages mentioned.