Guideposts Editorial Guidelines
Written by people from all walks of life, Guideposts articles present tested methods for developing courage, strength and positive attitudes. They help readers achieve their maximum personal and spiritual potential.
A typical Guideposts story is a first-person narrative written in simple, dramatic, anecdotal style . The story may be the writer's own or one written in the first person for someone else. Even our short features use this format.
Here are some important tips when writing a story:
- Don't try to tell an entire life story. Focus on one specific happening in a person's life. The emphasis should be on one individual. Bring in as few people as possible so that the reader's interest stays with the dominant character.
- Don't leave unanswered questions. Give enough facts so that the reader will know what happened. Use description and dialogue to let the reader feel as if he were there, seeing the characters, hearing them talk. Dramatize the situation, conflicts and struggle, and then tell how the person was changed for the better or the problem was solved.
- Most important: Study the magazine and website.
Payments:
- Full-length manuscripts (750-1500 words): $250 - $500, occasionally higher.
- Shorter manuscripts (250- 750 words): $100 - $250.
- Short features and fillers (under 250 words): $25 - $100.
We do not use fiction, essays or sermons, and we rarely present stories about deceased or professional religious people. We do not evaluate book-length material.
To submit a manuscript online, use our form.
Manuscripts sent by mail must be typed, double-spaced and accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Please include your email and a telephone number where you can be reached.
Please mail your submissions to:
The Editor
Guideposts
16 East 34th Street
21st Floor
New York, NY 10016.
We receive thousands of unsolicited manuscripts each month, so allow two months for a reply.