Writers Guidelines

MESSAGE is one of the oldest and most respected religious journals addressing ethnic issues in the United States. We're happy that you want to be part of this powerful ministry. Here is how you can participate in writing for MESSAGE.

GETTING TO KNOW MESSAGE

• Published: bimonthly, in a 32-page format by the Review and Herald Publishing Association. Sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

• Circulation: throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Africa, and Canada.

• Audience: predominantly Black, though increasingly multicultural. MESSAGE is a missionary journal.

• Lead time: When submitting seasonal material, remember our production schedule requires us to work four to six months ahead.

• Payments: MESSAGE pays upon publication.

• Rights: MESSAGE requires first North American publishing rights to all submissions. This also includes first electronic publishing rights. Each article published first in MESSAGE should carry a line attributing credit to MESSAGE magazine.

WHAT TO WRITE

• MESSAGE publishes: informational, devotional, inspirational, doctrinal, profile, interview, and self- help articles that have wide appeal to people of many backgrounds.

• MESSAGE does not accept: sermons, outlines, poetry, reprints, or anything that is not in an article format.

• Topic of Interest: biblical exposition, humanitarian profiles with distinctive ministry perspectives, family, health, education, worship, current events, religious freedom, and racial reconciliation. Feel free to query us by phone or email Washington Johnson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it about article ideas.

• The Mission of MESSAGE Magazine
MESSAGE magazine presents the Bible-based gospel of Jesus Christ to effect positive life-change and virtuous living for today and eternity.

HOW TO GET PUBLISHED

Here are 10 ways to WOO our editors:

• Make sure your article is biblically sound and offers a spiritual perspective and insight.

• Support your material with facts, statistics, and quotes from experts.

• Invite the reader to read your whole story by writing an interesting lead.

• Sharpen your focus. Sometimes writing a title, subtitles, and subheadings helps.

• Look for interesting, fresh, and insightful twists on old topics. Say something new.

• Write on human-interest topics.

• Answer the underlying, heartfelt questions a reader may have about your topic.

• Include anecdotes or illustrations to make your writing come alive.

• Keep your article length between 800 and 1,200 words.

• Request a thematic schedule.

MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION

• Submit only typewritten, double-spaced articles no longer than 1,200 words, unless otherwise specified.

• Enclose your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

• Enclose a one-sentence bio at the end of your article. Example: "Jane Doe is . . ."

• We prefer manuscripts on CD-R (MS Word for MAC or PC) or e-mail (MS Word for MAC or PC) to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , along with a typewritten, double-spaced copy.

Send your copy to:

MESSAGE Magazine
55 West Oak Ridge Drive
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Telephone: 301-393-4099
Fax: 301-393-4103
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web site: Messagemagazine.org