Writer's Guidelines
Who writes for Outreach?
Having a passion for outreach is a good start, but that’s not enough. Freelance writers must be experienced professionals who understand our mission and editorial philosophy. Please don’t query us until you’ve studied at least one issue of Outreach.
Outreach magazine is always on the lookout for ideas and stories, as well as experienced writers and interviewers. The magazine is divided into sections that often convey diverse tones (inspirational, practical, academic, etc.). Below is a rundown of each section and what kinds of stories we’re looking for in each one.
Outreach magazine sections
Features
Outreach magazine’s features run the gamut from profiles to trend pieces to how-to’s. All of our features answer the question: “What does this mean for me and my local church and the Church at large?” In large features, this question is answered through the collective use of stories, ideas, statistics and interviews with experts. Since stories inspire people to action, we rely heavily on storytelling and anecdotes. Most features in Outreach magazine require numerous interview sources. Be prepared to do several interviews to tell all sides of the story—from the pastor to the volunteer to the family helped by the church.
Some of the subjects we’ve covered in features: church growth in America, mass evangelism’s effectiveness, community transformation, cultivating and growing a single adults ministry, reaching Muslims, using e-mail to advance your church’s outreach efforts, etc.
Pulse
This is the “grazing” section at the front of the magazine. The stories in Pulse are usually no more than 200 words and are designed to help readers keep their “pulse” on what’s happening in the Church—from a story about a 50-member church feeding hungry children in its community to a parachurch organization that travels to college campuses, educating students about the dangers of pornography. This is “tight and bright” writing that tells an inspiring story and communicates a wealth of information in an extremely concise format. The tone is practical and inspirational. We are always on the lookout for Pulse stories.
Idea Bank
This section is very practical and offers innovative, transferable ideas and how-to’s that all churches can implement. In this section, we give readers step-by-step instructions for organizing and executing an outreach event or idea Some examples: a gas buydown in your community that offers gas at a lower price to motorists; an after-school tutoring program and job care center; a Thanksgiving dinner for internationals.
Writing style
Whether your article is a 200-word Pulse piece or a 2,500-word cover story, please follow these interviewing and writing guidelines:
- Interview thoroughly
- For “as-told-to” stories, tape a thorough interview with your subject. During the conversation, probe for details that will add life and color to your story.
- Show, don't tell
- It’s all about the story. Appeal to the five senses through strong descriptive writing that offers examples, anecdotes and specific stories.
- Focus on the best scenes
- Don't try to tell it all. Pick scenes that are relevant and develop those to the fullest.
- Verb usage
- Pay attention to your verb usage. Use active verbs and refrain from repeatedly using being verbs (are, there, am, is). Refrain from starting sentences with “There are… .”
- Active voice
- Stay away from using the passive voice in your sentences (instead of “The story was presented” write “The pastor presented the story”).
- Quote usage
- Do not write with running quotes. A quote should be short and colorful, and should not include information you could paraphrase or convey in some other way.
Submissions
We are primarily an “on assignment” magazine, meaning that editors first develop story ideas and then locate writers whose expertise and interests fit the articles. However, we do accept unsolicited manuscripts. If you have a story idea, please send a query letter along with your resume and clips. If your query or manuscript is seasonal or event-related, keep in mind that we’re on a three-month lead time (i.e. we’ll start assigning for our Jan/Feb ’07 issue in September ’06). Allow about six to eight weeks for a response to any submissions.
Below are guidelines for any submissions. Please note all submissions should be in hard copy and mailed to Outreach Inc., Attn: Lindy Lowry.
Query letter
Submit a cover letter explaining your idea and how the article will be organized, resume, published writing samples (preferably feature articles) and a SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope).
Unsolicited manuscript
Submit your cover letter, resume, typed manuscript, SASE and (if published previously) information showing where and when it appeared.
Writing queries
If you’re interested in writing for us on assignment, submit a cover letter, published writing samples, resume and a list of topics you specialize in or are interested in covering. We keep these on file and do not respond to all writing queries or return writing samples.
Mail submissions to:
Outreach magazine
Attn: Lindy Lowry
2230 Oak Ridge Way
Vista, CA 92081
Write “Query” or “Writing samples” on your envelope.
