Writer’s Guidelines
Presbyterians Today published by the Presbyterian Mission Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is a national magazine about Presbyterian mission and ministry. It is published 11 times a year, with a combined January/February issue. Most readers are loyal, long-time subscribers. While they vary in age, gender and geographic location, most readers are married, active in their church and community, affluent and well-educated. About a quarter of PT readers are active clergy; the balance are laypersons.
Presbyterians Today seeks to
- Report in a fair, accurate and uplifting way the activities of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and of its members, leaders and mission partners, usually with a special emphasis on the mission and ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
- Uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Illuminate the faith and heritage that bind Presbyterians together.
- Express the rich diversity within the denomination.
- Challenge readers to grow in their commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord.
- Provide a Christian perspective on contemporary issues.
- Be a source of inspiration, spiritual direction, and practical tools for life and ministry.
- Reflect the denomination's priorities: evangelism and witness; justice and compassion; spirituality and discipleship; and leadership and vocation.
Feature Articles
Presbyterians Today welcomes contributions from freelance writers. Preferred maximum length is approximately 1,500 words.
Appropriate subjects are:
- profiles of interesting Presbyterians and of unique activities or mission projects of Presbyterian individuals or congregations
- issues of current concern to the church
- ways in which individuals and families express their Christian faith in significant ways, or relate their faith to the problems of society
Most articles have some direct relevance to a Presbyterian audience, however, Presbyterians Today also seeks well-informed articles that can help individuals and families cope with the stresses of daily living from a Christian perspective.
Fiction, poetry and reprints are rarely used.
Writers should send a query by mail or email to the editors before sending a manuscript. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned unless a stamped, self-addressed envelope is enclosed.
Authors are asked to submit only one article at a time. Manuscripts sent after editors approve the subject proposed in a query are read by at least two editors and a reply given normally within 60 days after receipt.
Presbyterians Today pays for articles upon acceptance of the manuscript. Contracts specify purchase of all rights, including publication on the Internet.
With the author’s permission, the magazine may hold a manuscript for future consideration (which does not preclude the author from submitting the article elsewhere) and payment will be offered at the time the article is scheduled for publication — if publication rights are available to Presbyterians Today at that time.
Authors receive two complimentary copies of issues in which their articles appear.
Short features
Presbyterians Today also accepts short features (250–500 words) about interesting people, programs, events and congregations related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), for the “Spotlight” department. Payment varies.
How to send submissions
Preferable form is Word file document sent as attachment to an email. Typed manuscript should be double-spaced, on 8½" x 11" paper. The author’s name and address, including zip code, should be on the manuscript as well as the cover letter. Postage or a self-addressed, stamped envelope should be enclosed for the return of a manuscript.
Photos accompanying a manuscript should be of high quality for reproduction. You may send low-resolution (72 dpi) jpg files for initial review, but we will need high-resolution (300 dpi) files for publication. Black-and-white or color prints are also acceptable. Photos should be identified as to content and credit line.
Presbyterians Today normally uses the New Revised Standard Version for Biblical quotations; if another version is used, this should be indicated.
If copyrighted material is quoted, the author should secure permission in writing from the copyright holder and cite the work, author, publisher and date of copyright.
Reporting is preferred to reflection. Your chances of having an article accepted for publication increase to the extent that you write in the third person, not the first person.
Contact Information
Presbyterians Today
100 Witherspoon Street
Louisville, KY 40202-1396
Email
Phone: (800) 728-7228
Fax: (502) 569-8887
