Mature Living, a Christian-oriented, leisure-reading magazine designed for 55+ adults, has a lead-time of approximately 10 months. We are interested in unique, creative manuscripts that are characterized by human interest, Christian warmth, and humor. Manuscripts should be written with simplicity and clarity. Writers should provide documentation and verification of quotations, titles, facts, figures, or other information taken from other sources.
Mature Living only purchases all rights. Writers who want to continue to sell a manuscript three months after publication in Mature Living can receive a non-exclusive perpetual license to publish the work in whole or in part, allow others to publish the work in whole or in part, and receive payment from other publishers. However, Mature Living retains all rights to the manuscript in these situations.
Mature Living claims the privilege of editing, abridging, and condensing purchased manuscripts. Purchase of a manuscript is an intent, but not necessarily a commitment, to publish. The magazine staff retains the right to illustrate manuscripts as deemed appropriate.
QUERIES
Do not send queries (letters, e-mail, or telephone) about submitting a manuscript or regarding the status of previously submitted manuscripts. Allow at least 2 months for a reply from the editors.
GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING MANUSCRIPTS
• Manuscripts submitted via postal mail must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Writers who submit manuscripts without a self-addressed, stamped envelope will not receive a response. A return envelope is NOT required for “Grandparents’ Brag Board” and “Cracker Barrel” manuscripts, since they are not returned.
• Photos submitted by the writer and selected for publication require the writer to grant to Lifeway Christian Resources a non-exclusive perpetual license to publish and distribute the copyrighted photos. A model release for each person appearing in the photos is also required. While Mature Living does not accept responsibility for photos and slides that may be lost or damaged, all reasonable care is taken to ensure their safe return. Professional reproductions of old and rare photos should be submitted in lieu of the original prints.
• Mature Living does not accept previously published manuscripts or simultaneous submissions.
• Keep a duplicate copy of the manuscript for your files.
• Do not write or call to inquire about which issue your accepted article will appear. Articles may be moved to another issue and, on rare occasions, discarded.
• Send manuscripts via e-mail to [email protected] or by postal mail to the address listed below. Writers who submit via postal mail and whose articles are accepted for publication will be contacted to send an electronic copy via e-mail.
Mature Living
One Lifeway Plaza
Nashville, TN 37234-0175
SPECIFICATIONS
Include word count, your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address on the top of the first page and your name on every page. If you use a pen name, please indicate that clearly on the first page. Correct all spelling, document unique material, and conform to preferred lengths.
TYPES OF ARTICLES DESIRED
General: Articles may deal with a variety of subjects related to 55+ adult life, such as current issues, problems, and life adjustments; humor; or seasonal emphases. Preferred length is
600 to 1,000 words.
Nostalgia: Articles of 600 to 1,000 words about personal memories or historically based.
Travel: Articles should have general appeal to 55+ adults that includes descriptive information. Preferred length is 800 to 1,200 words with 4 to 8 color slides or photographs.
Fiction: High-quality fiction, relating to 55+ adults, should have a strong story line, underscore a biblical truth, and provide enjoyable leisure reading. Preferred length is 800 to 1,200 words.
Cartoons: Cartoons should relate to 55+ adults and their interests.
DEPARTMENT FEATURES
Cracker Barrel: Brief, humorous, original quips and verses. Payment: $15 upon acceptance.
Crafts: A craft of interest to 55+ adults, describing step-by-step procedures. Quality color photographs or slides are desired. Depending on size, writers may submit a sample of the craft. Payment: $45 upon acceptance.
Food: Recipes of special interest to 55+ adults. Include an introduction and 4 to 6 recipes. Payment: $55 upon acceptance.
Game Page: Crossword or hidden word puzzles. Include solution. Payment: $45 upon acceptance.
Grandparents’ Brag Board: Humorous or insightful accounts of something said or done by grandchildren should be brief, accurate, and original. Payment: $15 upon acceptance.
Inspirational: Devotional articles (325 words or less) and poetry (12 lines or less) for “Communing with God” section. Submissions should be Bible-based, insightful, unique, and slanted to 55+ adults. Payment: $40 upon acceptance.
Over the Garden Fence: Articles of 300 to 350 words about vegetable or flower gardening on a year-round basis. Payment: $50 upon acceptance.
Poetry: Brief (12 lines or less), quality poetry that has a direct relationship to 55+ adults. Payment: $40 upon acceptance.
PAYMENT
Except for Department Features (see above), the payment rate for all rights ranges from $85 to $115 per manuscript accepted. Payments are made upon acceptance. You are required to include your Social Security number on the writer’s contract in order to receive payment.
Payment for each original photograph or slide published is $25. Photos will be returned. Please include your name and address on the back of every photograph submitted.
Writers will receive 3 complimentary copies of the issue in which their manuscripts are published. Extra copies can be purchased from Lifeway Church Resources Customer Service Center, One Lifeway Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113; or call 1-800-458-2772.
NOTE: MATURE LIVING WRITER’S GUIDELINES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. ALL PREVIOUS ISSUES OF THESE GUIDELINES SHOULD BE DISCARDED. November 2008