Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have my way, I’d write ahead, leave plenty of time for changes and updates later, and try to keep a list of projects I can work on. And, it just so happens that Lutheran Witness 2018 themes have been announced! We can look them over now and see how we can lend a pen! As Lutheran writers we have a chance to . . . dare I say it . . . plan ahead! 🙂
The posted listing:
| Month | Theme | Deadline for queries |
| January | Technology, screens and the digital world | October 15 |
| February | Diversity and hospitality | November 15 |
| March | Prayer and piety | December 15 |
| April | Easter to the ends of the earth | January 15 |
| May | The gift of children | February 15 |
| June/July | Men at church | March 15 |
| August | Poverty, possessions and generosity | May 15 |
| September | Time and limitations | June 15 |
| October | Ministry and mental health | July 15 |
| November | State of the Synod* | – |
| December | Christmas, the Incarnation, and the body | September 15 |
I LOVE that they’ve posted this information. I LOVE that they included query deadlines! Love, love, love!
Adrian did a great job. Yay, for Rachel, too!!
More information for Lutheran Witness 2018 can be found here. Woo hoo!
To summarize the process, if you have an idea you can send an email to witness@lcms.org. (Letters also accepted.) That email (or letter) should specifically include the following:
- Subject line: LW query: [subject of proposed article]
- Story idea in brief
- Projected length
- Connection to issue theme, news event or holiday (if applicable)
- Sample paragraph (or links to one or more previously published articles)
- Short explanation of why this article would be a good fit for our audience
- Your credentials as an author (including social media links and the name and location of your LCMS congregation, if applicable)
The earlier you send a query the better!!!
The editor assigns things like deadline, word count, and any additional instructions. And, the editor has the freedom to post articles to either/and Lutheran Witness or the Lutheran Witness blog.
And, in all official speak:
All articles are edited for clarity, style and length; a doctrinal review board will also evaluate manuscripts for theological content. When possible and appropriate, we will send edited drafts to authors for review prior to publication. (Please note that we have the final say on editorial changes.)
Happy writing, folks! Get some in before the holidays!
