Contributor Guidelines

Information for Authors and Illustrators

Writer's Guidelines

Young Disciple magazine is a weekly publication dedicated to the preparation of young people for heaven. The target age group is roughly grades 5-8. We recognize that these youth are at an age where many important decisions will be made, and we want to point them to Christ and to His eternal principles. Our goal is to glorify God, and our guides are the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. In view of this, we encourage all prospective writers to study the book, Counsels to Writers and Editors, by Ellen White.

Of course, no matter how spiritual the story or excellent the lesson, it will do no good if no one reads it. To help your story or article capture the attention of the reader, here are some principles to keep in mind:

1. Know who and what you are writing for. Young Disciple magazine is a publication for young people. Long, involved articles filled with Spirit of Prophecy quotes may be excellent, but they will be over the heads of most 10- to 16-year-olds. On the other hand, a preachy, patronizing tone may offend or insult. Our most successful stories and articles are written from the viewpoint of a young person. We suggest you read several back issues of Young Disciple magazine to get a better idea of the types of stories and articles we are looking for.
2. Show, don't tell. We all prefer seeing something to being told about it. Keep this in mind as you write. Don't say someone was crippled; show him leaning on his cane, trying to cross the busy street. Use specific rather than general words (usually "apple" is better than "fruit"). Use emotion, action, and dialogue to add interest and help the reader identify with your story.
3. Keep your writing clear and concise. Avoid the passive tense and the use of "had." Use words and expressions your reader is likely to be familiar with. Before you begin, know where your story is headed, and omit anything that does not contribute to the goal. Remember that every story must have a conflict.
4. Choose topics of interest and relevance. Young people today face many obstacles and issues. Our goal is to help them find satisfactory solutions for the dilemmas in their lives. Topics of particular relevance include peer pressure, family problems, repentance, self-denial, prayer, conflict, conversion, and many other aspects of victorious Christian living. Please present our readers with a Christ-centered, positive solution to their problems.
5. Do not send "tear sheets." A tear sheet is a copy of your story or article which has been taken from the pages of another magazine. We are happy to consider reprints, but we ask that you send your own manuscript, rather than a previously-published version. If the article is a reprint, please make us aware of this.
6. Expect to be edited. Nearly every story and article we receive must be edited in some way, if only to shorten in order to fit the available space. Professional writers expect and appreciate the editing process.
7. Select a content area compatible with the aims of the magazine. These include the following:
   • Feature Stories: Stories should portray positive Christian values and be character-building. We are particularly looking for narratives showing God's working in the lives of young people, especially as they encounter difficult situations and find victory through the power of God. All stories must be true, although details may be modified in order to protect privacy. Please avoid overused, predictable story lines. LENGTH: 600-1200 words, although longer stories will be considered.
   • Nature Object Lessons should show the beauty of God's creation and how God's eternal principles can be understood by the things He has made. Try to weave your object lesson throughout the narrative rather than tacking it onto the end of the article. Pictures or drawings are always appreciated. LENGTH: 400-700 words.
   • Health: Our young readers must understand the importance of a fit and pure body temple. Articles on any subject pertaining to health can be used, but must adhere to the principles in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. Illustrations are a plus. LENGTH: 400-700 words.
   • Witnessing Articles: Suggestions for suitable outreach/witnessing activities are much appreciated by our readers. Most welcome are narrations of what has actually taken place, with suggestions on ways to make it practical, as well as a short testimony from a young person involved in the activity and pictures, if at all possible. Keep in mind that witnessing activities run a large spectrum, from such things as door-to-door witnessing and colporteur work to blood pressure checks, soup kitchens, helping elderly people with yards and house cleaning, and teaching at VBS or in Sabbath School. LENGTH: 400-700 words.
   • Victorious Christian Living: We occasionally publish short, fast-paced articles dealing with difficult situations or circumstances the young person is likely to meet, along with God's solutions, using personal examples, wherever practical. Possible topics: Peer pressure; loneliness; keeping the Sabbath; Christian social relations; music; living with health reform; difficult people; those in error; school pressures; etc. LENGTH: 400-700 words.
   • Sabbath Activities: Whatever the Sabbath afternoon activity, it should not be simply an entertainment but also a vehicle for learning more about God or a springboard for ministry to others. LENGTH: 100-200 words.
   • Special Features: From time to time, a series of articles on a particular subject is published. In the past, subjects have included colporteur evangelism, baptism, natural remedies, methods of Bible study, and youth mission service. Authors with such a series in mind are encouraged to submit query letters including a sample article and outline of intended subject matter.

Standards: In keeping with the goals of Young Disciple magazine, our policy is to publish no stories or articles glorifying competition, unhealthful lifestyles, immodest dress, film, sports, rock stars, or worldly entertainment. Vivid depictions of sinful lifestyles and disrespectful, sarcastic conversations cannot be used. Writers should also avoid slang expressions.

We will return your manuscript if you so request and include an envelope with correct postage.

Remuneration varies according to quality, need, length, and other considerations.

Rights: We prefer first magazine rights.

Submissions should be sent to:

Email us

Submissions should contain the author's name, address, and the approximate number of words in the article. Articles are best if typed and double spaced, or they may be submitted electronically in an attached Word file to [email protected].

Query letters are welcome.

Illustrator's Guidelines

Most illustrations used in Young Disciple magazine are assigned in advance. If you would like to illustrate a story or article for the magazine, please contact the editor with your qualifications and several samples of your work, particularly drawings of people.

In illustrating for Young Disciple magazine, please keep the following in mind:

Presentation: Drawings that have a good contrast between the subject and the background work best. Busy, blurred, complicated drawings are usually less desirable. The artist should keep in mind a definite light source, to give the illustration a more true-to-life touch.

Medium: Color is preferred, whether pencils, water colors, pastels, acrylics, oils, or other media. Paper should be able to accept the chosen medium without wrinkling or buckling.

Paper size: 8 1/2 x 11" works well. In most situations, it is better for the artist to fade out the edges of the picture, rather than cropping it (ending it with an abrupt edge). This gives more options for the designer. A cropped drawing severely limits us on how it can be used, and occasionally we have had to reject an otherwise good drawing because of this.

Subject matter: All our illustrations should be true to life. Cartoon-type illustrations are not acceptable. Young Disciple magazine endeavors to hold up the highest Christian standards. We believe this should be reflected in our illustrations. Girls should be dressed modestly in skirts or dresses, with no sleeveless blouses or low necklines. Boys should not be portrayed in tank tops or faddish attire. Neither sex should be depicted with trendy fashions, jewelry, extreme hairstyles, etc.

Remuneration will be according to quality, need, detail, skill, timeliness, and other considerations.

Submissions should be sent to:

Email us

Query letters are welcome.

Photographer's Guidelines

Most photographs used in Young Disciple magazine are assigned in advance. If you would like to do photography for the magazine, please contact the editor with your qualifications and several samples of your work, particularly photographs of people.

On a freelance basis, Young Disciple magazine occasionally buys photographs of young people in a variety of settings, activities, and poses. We want to portray "young disciples" in wholesome activities of life. The subject matter we might consider would include the following:

Studying; camping;  hiking; visiting friends; visiting sick or elderly; reading the Bible; witnessing activities; gardening; caring for younger children, sewing; knitting, doing needlework; working with wood/tools/cars, etc.; cooking/baking/ironing/cleaning; playing an instrument; singing; playing in snow; arranging flowers; with parents, pets, or hobbies.

Because we desire to portray only the highest standards of Christian deportment and appearance, each photo published must be in harmony with several basic principles:

1. Clothing should be modest and in harmony with the following:
   • Boys: Shirts with sleeves. No faddish attire.
   • Girls: Should be wearing a dress, skirt, or split skirt. No sleeveless blouses, please. Obvious make-up is never appropriate.
2. We do not wish to publish photos of young people involved in competitive sports.
3. We wish to emphasize the joyous Christian walk.

Each photo used must clearly show the subject without a distracting background. Your photo will be returned to you upon request. Query letters are welcome. Payment upon usage, quality, appropriateness, and other considerations.

Submissions should be sent to:

Email us

Query letters are welcome.

We advise that you communicate in advance regarding scanning parameters.