Butterfly Briefs

Opportunity for Inspirational Writers
Wednesday, July 25, 2018 by Leona Choy

Most writers in the inspirational genre would like to be published in the well-known classic Christian magazine GUIDEPOSTS. It is one of the most difficult markets to get a foot in the door. The following is an opportunity, if your story and style is a fit and you meticulously follow their specific guidelines.

A story volume is currently being compiled for GUIDEPOSTS by Jim Bell who has experience in editing other story collections. The compilation's title is MIRACLES DO HAPPEN.

They are looking for original, unpublished stories from 900 to 1,500 words with a creative title, an attention-grabbing introduction, main body with a conflict or challenge, and a clear, satisfying resolution. Stories need to be descriptive, rooted in time and place, with a realistic portrayal of the characters involved.

They also need to be substantive stories rather than mere testimonies or teachings, and the focus should not be just on the supernatural realm alone, but rather the spiritual leson learned. Please include a personal biography of 30 words or less at the end of your manuscript.

Story Guidelines:

First person experience of a miraculous encounter or event

Amazing and miraculous, as opposed to a gentle, inner nudge

Must express a Christian connection and worldview; no preaching

Experience should be grounded in a real-life situation: physical setting, time, place, context of the person’s life

Must not have been previously published

 
Miscellaneous Considerations:

The wonder of a miracle is that its cause is hidden.

Against all odds

Soul-stirring accounts that reassure the reader that God is watching over them.

Give reader hope that a miracle can happen to him or her

Help the reader to look beyond what she or he experiences with the five senses to realize that God is holding him or her up.

Ordinary people experiencing extraordinary events

Protection from danger; sending in His angels

Interceding when reader’s faith needs to be strengthened

Cried out to God and received an answer

Bolster and encourage faith

Everyday people just like the reader experiencing miracles

Includes biblical references and useful prayers

 

The above guidelines can well be applied to inspirational and devotional writing when submitting to other periodicals.

There are other specific guidelines which you should be aware of. Please direct all inquiries and manuscript submissions to Jeanette Littleton at [email protected]


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