Writing for the Print Edition

If you’re interested in writing for the website, here are the guidelines for submitting online articles.

Part of the main vision for The Catholic Magazine is that the magazine will be a print magazine with online content available but distinct from the print edition. A lot of the world is moving away from publishing printed magazines, but I have always preferred the written or tangible word to that which exists solely on a screen. The idea of holding something in my hand, feeling the weight of the paper, navigating the design and layout of a magazine… I’d much rather read from a printed page. So a major component of this magazine endeavor, though it may have online articles available, is intentionally designed to be physical. The magazine will be smaller in size than most typical magazines, more similar in size to Reader’s Digest than to some huge book, because in my view that smaller size makes magazines easier to carry around and to pick up to read during free time. The print edition is intended to be easy reading, something edifying and providing encouragement to regular, everyday Catholics who may not feel entirely connected to their parish young adult group (if they’re lucky enough even to have a young adult group!). So let’s get into some guidelines for article submissions for the print edition…

Topics and types of submissions:

– A variety in terms of topics and viewpoints would be great. Feel free to write about something which excites you, about something you like, or encouragement for others.

-Articles should lean toward practical reflections and stories, rather than deep theological reflections (though those are still good to submit!). Stories of how the Lord works in your everyday life are especially appropriate. Other good topic ideas: experiences with parenthood, reflections on single life, encouragement for married couples, conversion stories, etc. The print magazine especially is intended to be accessible and conversational.

– All articles submitted must not contradict the Magisterium and teachings of the Church.

– Not all submissions need to be typical magazine articles. Poetry, short stories, and other types of submissions are acceptable.

– All submitted materials must be original works by you, submitted exclusively to The Catholic Magazine. Materials submitted in physical form may not be returned to you.

Submission guidelines for the print edition:

-Articles may be of varied length. Each issue consists of a mix of short, mid-length, and longer articles. Please note that, because of limited space, articles may be edited for length, for clarity, and to ensure consistent grammar use (I’m looking at you, Oxford comma) throughout the magazine. Articles may be anywhere from a few hundred words to a thousand or so. It’s somewhat flexible, but there are space limitations.

-Use a conversational tone. The print edition should be accessible for anyone looking for encouragement and support in living out their faith. I love theological terms with precise, profound definitions as much as anyone else, but not everyone knows what these terms mean. If you use technical theological terms in your article, please include a definition or explanation, however brief.

-You may submit as many articles as you’d like, but please be aware that all submitted materials may not be accepted and published.

-Article submissions may be sent either to editor@thecatholicmag.com or:

The Catholic Magazine
P.O. Box 56198
Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Got any more questions about submissions? Comment below or send an email to editor@thecatholicmag.com! (I’ll add further clarifications and such to this article as we go forward.)

Thanks for reading!

-Jason
Editor