| Writer's Guidelines |
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  For Forward Day by Day:
Selection of authors: We welcome new authors to the pages our daily devotional guide Forward Day by Day. To be considered as a Forward Day by Day author, send three sample meditations to us, in care of the Editor (address below). Choose three of the following four biblical verses on which to base your meditations: Psalm 139:21 (139:20 in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer Psalter); Mark 8:31; Acts 4:12; and Revelation 1:10. The Editor issues invitations to write for Forward Day by Day between two and three years in advance.
Length: Space is limited. Each meditation, including the scripture passage, contains approximately 215 words. This does not include the date at the top of the page or the lectionary citations and Anglican Communion prayer request at the bottom of the page. Please follow the Forward Day by Day format in what you submit (use all caps for day of week, italics for Bible quotation but not quotation marks, etc.). Biblical text: Weekday meditations should be based on a verse or sentence of scripture drawn from the Daily Office Lectionary of the Episcopal Church USA, found on pages 933 to 1001 of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. We use the Revised Common Lectionary for Sundays and holy days, Holy Week, and Easter Week. Observe major feasts and holy days; we do not observe lesser feasts and fasts. Your heading, below the date, should quote your biblical text, generally taken from the New Revised Standard Version; in select instances, when a particular wording is required, you may also use the Revised Standard Version, Authorized (King James) Version, Today’s English Version (Good News Bible), New English Bible, Jerusalem Bible, or New International Version if you identify for us what translation you are using. All Psalm texts, however, must be taken from the Psalter in the Prayer Book. Remember that Forward Day by Day is intended to be read without a Bible or Prayer Book at hand. Techniques: Use concrete images, illustrations, analogies, and parables when possible. First person stories are very effective. Do not assume your readers are Episcopalians or Anglicans. Be sensitive to readers from other churches, non-Christian readers, and readers with limited education. Use inclusive language when possible. Many writers find it helpful to write a day at a time a full year in advance so that they live through the same season of the church year they write about. Controversial topics: Forward Day by Day is not the place to score points on controversial topics. Occasionally, when the scripture passage pertains to it, an author chooses to say something about such a topic. If you write about a hot-button issue, do so with humility and make certain your comment shows respect for persons who hold a different view. Computers: Most authors prepare their work on a personal computer. We are able to receive manuscripts in MS Word in MAC or PC format. You may call us to ask about specific file formats or for suggestions on the best way to save your files. Send your completed work as an electronic copy via email attachment. Tell us the software program version you have used. We prefer submission via email attachment, but you may send the meditations on disk if necessary. Editing: All Forward Day by Day meditations are subject to editing for length, grammar, spelling, clarity, theology, and style. That is one reason authors are not identified by name. Due date: Completed meditations are due in our office one year in advance of the day of your first meditation. Earlier than this date is acceptable; later is not. Send submissions to:
The Editor, Forward Movement,
300 West Fourth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202-2666
OR send by email to:-
Questions? Call us at 800-543-1813
For other publications:
Topics: Forward Movement is an official agency of the Episcopal Church. In addition to Forward Day by Day, our daily devotional guide, we publish other books and tracts related to the life and concerns of the Christian church, especially within the Anglican Communion. These typically include material introducing the Episcopal Church, meditations and spiritual readings, prayers, liturgical resources, biblical reflections, and material on stewardship, church history, issues before the church, and Christian healing.
Number and length of publications: Approximately thirty new titles are published each year. Some are booklets of up to sixty-four pages; most are tracts of under twenty-four pages. There is a special need for tracts of under eight pages. (A page usually runs about 200 words.) On rare occasions, we publish a full-length book. Submitting a manuscript: To have a manuscript reviewed, send a letter and a quality, double-spaced manuscript on paper to the address above, or submit your letter by email and your manuscript as an attachment to the email. Send only completed manuscripts, not sample chapters or proposals. Previously published material is accepted, but always indicate when and by whom it was previously published. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your manuscript returned. Publication schedule: Response is usually within one month to say whether we are interested in pursuing publication. Actual publication date always remains tentative. The publication schedule is set several months ahead of publication date and is subject to last minute changes. If not scheduled promptly, authors are free to pursue publication elsewhere upon notification to us. Copyright and honorarium: Usually titles are printed under Forward Movement’s copyright, with the rights and remaining copies reverting to the author when the publication goes out of print. A new work remains in print a minimum of three years. No royalties are paid, but a modest, one-time honorarium based on the length of the work is paid upon publication. The author is sent several free copies and receives a 50 percent discount on additional copies purchased. Catalog: For a catalog of our current publications and a sample tract, send five 44¢ stamps. Do not send a stamped envelope. You can also browse our online catalog through this website. Following these rules will help you write real good:
(Guidelines revised October 2009)
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