How to submit to online publications…

Although it is one of the most effective ways to minister online, I’ve been told over and over about the fear that grips women when it comes to submitting their work to online publications. This shouldn’t be. Many of you have some great stories and lessons to share and we should be able to read them!

Yes, you could post those great pieces on your blog but the problem is only a small fraction of people will get to glean from it. By submitting to an online publication you can accomplish several things:

1. You can minister to thousands versus hundreds.
2. You can leave links so that people who may not have found your blog otherwise will have a chance to visit you.
3. You get to fellowship with a whole new community of women.
4. You gain credentials.

Now since each publication has its own set of guidelines be sure to read them thoroughly prior to submitting but I will give you a basic outline of what you should do.

First, read over the site’s current published articles or devotions. Get a feel for their style of content. Is it devotionals based on daily life? Articles about God in the everyday? Does it go by themes? In depth issues pertaining to women? Moms of young children? What is published on any given site has a lot to do with the editor’s vision. You want to be sure to capture their attention. Once you have a feel for their style find out what word count they look for. If they don’t specify one then try to keep it within 400 – 700 words.

When referencing scripture be sure to include the book, chapter, and verse and also the version it was taken from. Be sure that you are using that scripture in context. If you are unsure then use tools like Blue Letter Bible or Lifeway Bible so that you have access to the original text. You can have access to these tools at the click of a mouse by downloading our new Christian Women Toolbar.

If you send photos along with the written piece then you must have all rights to use it. If it is your personal photo then make the editor aware of that. If you purchased it from a stock company then include a copy or screenshot of the purchase ticket to send along with the photo. It is considered piracy to use copyrighted photos that were click-lifted from other sites without permission. It is also illegal to use text from another site. Once it is written on a person’s blog or website then it is considered to be copyrighted. Be sure that your work is your own.

Once you have your submission written and ready to send in then you will want to send it using a word document, google document, or open office document. Prior to the article, place your name, web address, email, and word count at the top. In the body of the submission if there is any reference to websites you will want to be sure to lay it out like this: The other day I visited the A Woman Inspired (insert: http://www.awomaninspiredconference.org) and I was…. This way the editor has the URL within reach and does not have to jump through hoops to link to websites.

Finally, include a headshot and a short bio. You want your headshot to be as free as possible of any background imagery. It is best to take a photo using a hanging sheet or even a large posterboard. Make sure that you are wearing sleeves in whatever shirt you choose. I have no issues with tank tops. I am wearing one as I type but it is not professional to use a headshot of a woman wearing a tank top.

For the short bio include any major accomplishments and consistent writing assignments, speaking engagements, or appearances. Give a few specifics about your personal life and what your goals are… all in four lines or less. If you need help then ask a friend. You want to give them a glimpse into who you are. Think of your short bio as a window not a door.

Here is a list of sites that take submissions. If you have any to add to the list then email me. I’d be happy to include them.

A Woman Inspired
Internet Cafe Devotions
Heart of the Matter Online
Exemplify Online
Titus 2 At the Well
Comfort Cafe
5 Minutes for Faith
Next Step of Faith
Blissfully Domestic