About
Writer Guidelines
Mission
Alive Now is a devotional magazine that nurtures the spiritual lives of individuals hungry for God. The magazine invites readers to enter an ever-deepening relationship with God, helps them to open and unclutter their hearts, encourages them to reflect on contemporary issues from a faith perspective.
General Guidelines
Each issue of this bimonthly, 48-page magazine focuses on a contemporary topic that impacts the faith life. Readers are drawn into the theme and invited to deepen their relationship with God and others. The magazine may be used by individuals or in small groups. The magazines contain scripture, prayers, meditations, stories, poetry, reflection aids, photographs, and art. Each issue identifies a prayer practice related to that issue’s theme. Seasonal material, both theological and liturgical, is appropriate.
Readership
Alive Now is ecumenical, including both lay persons and church professionals. Our readers are primarily adults — from young adults to older adults — and include persons of many cultures and ethnic backgrounds.
Style and Format
Your submissions should invite readers to seek God in the midst of daily life by exploring how contemporary issues impact their faith lives. We do not pretend to have the final answer to life’s dilemmas. But we hope that the magazine will provide a glimpse of the life of faith to which we all are called.
Submit for a Theme
We make selections based on a list of upcoming themes. Manuscripts that do not fit a theme will not be considered. To receive theme descriptions and due dates by mail, please send your request to us with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We place manuscripts on long-term hold for specific issues. Authors are free to request that their manuscripts be returned to them at any time during the long-term hold.
Meditations and stories should be less than 250 to 400 words. With the J/F 2011 issue, we have redesigned the magazine and are printing mostly shorter pieces: prayers, poetry, short stories. Send your best work. Use language that is inclusive. Material that contains sexist language and imagery is difficult to use.
Manuscript Preparation
We prefer submissions typed into email or attached as Microsoft® Word documents but also accept mailed submissions. Mailed contributions should be typed, double-spaced, on 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper and should be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return. If you are submitting material for more than one theme, send an SASE for each theme represented. On each page you submit, include your name, address, and the theme for which the piece is being sent.
Notification and Payment
Photography
Freelance photographs are not accepted. If you are a photographer who would like to have your work considered, send an email with a link to your website to alivenow@upperroom.org.
Sending Manuscripts
Mail manuscripts to:
Beth A. Richardson, Editor
Alive Now
1908 Grand Avenue
P.O. Box 340004
Nashville, TN 37203-0004
Email electronic manuscripts to:
alivenow@upperroom.org
Our Themes
January/February 2012 • Due 05/02/11
Our Earth
We are all connected -- humanity, creatures, and the earth -- on this blue marble suspended in space. We live in this holy place connected to and interdependent with our natural environment. We are stewards of God’s creation. In this issue, we celebrate this relationship, examine its challenges, and commit ourselves to be God’s partners in stewardship.
March/April 2012 • Due 07/01/11
Wilderness
We face so many challenges in our lives. The wildernesses of spiritual emptiness, burnout, the dark night of the soul are the topics for this Lent/Easter issue of Alive Now. We will share the stories, prayers, and poetry of those who have been in this difficult wilderness and have found again springs of Living Water.
May/June 2012 • Due 09/01/11
The Call
Jesus said, “Follow me.” How do we hear the call? Follow the call? How do we find meaning and purpose in our vocation? We will share stories, prayers, and poems reflecting both individual and corporate vocation and calling.
July/August 2012 • Due 11/01/11
Rest
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28, NRSV.) In this ordinary time issue of Alive Now, we’ll explore the concepts of rest and Sabbath. What keeps you from resting? How do you hear God’s call to rest? Where do you see rest around you?
September/October 2012 • Due 01/03/12
Transitions
This issue will address the topics of transitions and changes. Change is inevitable -- birth, moves, new schools, illness, retirement, health issues -- we all face them. What helps you deal with change; move gracefully through transitions? How does our faith inform our ever-changing journeys?
November/December 2012 • Due 03/01/12
Light
This Advent issue is a celebration of light, illumination, and incarnation. The light comes to us and we welcome it. Share prayers, stories, and poetry about light and darkness, God-with-us.
