Thank you for your interest in writing for Holy Joys.
Article
- If possible, please submit your article as a Google Doc with permissions set to “Anyone with the link can Edit.”
- 1200–2100 words in length is ideal. We publish longer articles on a case-by-case basis.
- Strive for a balanced tone. Avoid an overly formal or overlay casual tone.
- Write with clarity and concision. For writers who are eager to hone their craft, we recommend The Elements of Style (fourth edition) by Strunk and White.
- Add section headings every two to five paragraphs to break down the article.
- Do not indent paragraphs.
- One empty line between paragraphs.
- Short paragraphs are highly recommended.
- When italics are used inside quotations, please designate “emphasis added” or “emphasis original.” Do not italicize entire Bible verses or quotations.
- No footnotes. When citing published works, simply hyperlink a URL to an online bookstore that provides publishing information. E.g., “John wrote, ‘This is an example.'”
- Use in-text citation for Scripture references (John 3:16). Do not hyperlink to the Scripture text; we have a plugin that does that automatically.
Headshot and Bio
- If it is your first time writing for HJ, include a high-resolution headshot photo with your submission.
- Include a short, professional bio at the end of your article (75 words or less). For example, “Rev. John Doe (MA, Example University) is Senior Pastor at Example Church in Chicago, IL, where he lives with his wife Jane and three boys.”
Editing and Publication
- We retain the right to edit and retitle your submission. The revised article will be sent to you for approval before publication.
- After revision, your article will be assigned a header image, published on holyjoys.org, and shared on social media.
- By submitting content to Holy Joys, you represent and warrant that the content is your original work, you hold all copyright in it, and it does not violate any right or law.
- We ask that you do not republish your content on other sites for two weeks following its initial publication on holyjoys.org. After two weeks, you are free to republish the content elsewhere, with the request that you note that it was first published at holyjoys.org (hyperlinked). All rights related to the content are retained by you.
