Writer’s Guidelines for Penned from the Heart – for 2014/2015
Penned from the Heart is a non-denominational, Christian book of inspiration and teaching consisting of 366 devotions which can be used in any year. It is published around Thanksgiving by Son-Rise Publications, New Wilmington, PA. Cut-off date for receiving submissions is August 15.
Part of the charm of Penned is the variety of style. Submissions from novice and professional writers are welcomed. Devotions should be 225 words or less. Poems (verse or free-verse) should be no more than 20 lines, counting spaces between stanzas. Devotions should be more than a Bible study or personal experience. Readers should find a Take-Away, something to apply to their own lives.
Insights, prayers, and anecdotes that proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ or build the body of Christ through encouragement, inspiration, or teaching are encouraged. Formal format of opening scripture and closing prayer is not required, but scripture should be included in each submission. Please include a title. When quoting scripture, please be accurate and indicate the version in this way: NIV, KJV, NASB, MSG (The Message), etc. Do not rely on your memory—please verify accuracy. Include a brief bio. It will be helpful to submit in your devotion in Arial 10 (Arial 9 bold & italic for scripture passages).
Son-Rise Publications asks for one-time rights for the volume in which your work appears. Previously published devotions, as well as original works, are accepted if you own the copyright. Reprint rights are given when supplied by the author. Payment for the inclusion of your work in Penned from the Heart is a free copy of the volume in which your work appears, and the opportunity to buy other copies at a discounted rate. Penned gives authors an opportunity to see their work in print. Most importantly, it is intended to bring glory to Jesus and encouragement to readers, as writers share His love and sacrifice with a lost world. Son-Rise is a small publishing house, so distribution for this book is done primarily by its contributors in their home churches, work places, and to friends and family. The books make wonderful (Christmas) gifts and witnessing tools.
For an example of a devotion visit writers’ guidelines at www.marilynnutter.com
Penned from the Heart is compiled/edited by Marilyn Nutter. Electronic submissions (only) may be sent to nutter4penned@gmail.com in the body of your email, with the title of your devotion in the subject line. Include your brief bio, website, name (as you want it to appear in a published devotion), email, phone number and mailing address with each submission. Indicate if your email can be included in publication, as readers may want to contact you. Only one submission per email. Indicate if this is a simultaneous submission. Do not include your Social Security number.
Thank you,
Marilyn Nutter
Editor, Penned from the Heart
nutter4penned@gmail.com
