inSpirit Guidelines For Writers

Purpose
All submissions should seek to “unify and strengthen, broaden and enlighten, build and inspire all of us in our walk of faith” (Covenant Women Magazine, Vol. 1, No. 1, Sept. 1977, p.3). [inSpirit was formerly called Covenant Women Magazine.]

This broad purpose permits a variety of material to be considered for publication. Primarily, articles that inspire faith, describe Christian positions on current affairs or issues and support women in their personal faith journeys, home and family lives, local churches, work places, communities and service opportunities are requested

In addition, inSpirit is a communication link between the denominational office of Women Ministries and local groups. Articles that report on the work, nature and vision of local groups are also encouraged.

Approach
All articles must have a Christian perspective, and must be of general interest to Christian women, particularly to women of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Writers may write from personal experience, professional or vocational expertise.

Personal experience stories should have a single focus and a clear point. All information in the story should directly relate to the experience being related. Submissions will be evaluated on how well the author communicates the power, intensity, meaning or ramifications of the experience.

Reports, instructive articles and issue-oriented articles should be well organized, accurate and concise. Authors should give credit to other sources using text notes. Direct quotes should include the speaker’s full name and title. Authors of issue-oriented articles should present convincing arguments to make their case, with more emphasis on informing than persuading an audience.

Presentation

1. Audience considerations. All material should be written for an audience of Christian women.
2. Style. inSpirit uses the University of Chicago Style Manual. We accept AP and MLA styles as well. Submissions should use a consistent style. Original manuscripts must be typed, double-spaced. Women cited should be referred to by their full names and all references to them should be consistent.
3. Previously published articles. Previously published articles will be considered for publication.
4. SASE and photos. All articles should be submitted with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Manuscripts cannot be returned. Photographs are welcome, should be clearly identified and labeled with a name and a return address on the back. Original photographs are much preferred to digital graphics, unless scanned at a minimum of at least 300 dpi. Photographs will be returned.
5. Length. Feature articles should not be longer than 1,000 words. Topical articles should not exceed 750 words in length. All manuscripts are subject to editing at the editorial team’s discretion.

Compensation

1) Upon publication, authors will receive two copies of the issue in which the submission was published.
2) Upon publication, authors will receive a nominal remuneration as an expression of gratitude.

Format

Articles can be submitted to inSpirit, Women Ministries, 5101 N Francisco Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625, phone: 773-907-3332, email: wmc@covchurch.org