Anthology Author Guidelines

Each approved chapter submission should include the following:

• author’s full name the way you wish to have it in the book
• (approximately 50 words) overview of your chapter (separate from the chapter content)
  • Include purpose or significance of chapter
  • What the reader will get from the chapter
  • 1 key point of the chapter to whet their appetites
  • utilize the CAB Method as taught in the Head to Hand Writers Workshop (anthology writers)
• Word count: 900 – 1200 words (word count includes your letter)
  • You may include bullet points
  • If discussing a procedure, you may opt to use numbered steps
  • Consider using acronyms, anecdotes, steps, etc. to make your point clear
  • Focus on 1-3 main points for your chapter
    • Break each point into 3 sub points for ease of your writing organization
• Provide 3 short, one line, bullet point takeaways for the reader
  • Each chapter will close with this

​Your content
We are firm in the belief that when God gives you a message, you need to share what God gives you. As needed, we will clean up grammatical issues or anything that is potentially confusing to the reader. We will do minor rewrites (or more extensive ones if needed) for clarity and flow. Rest assured it is not our intent to change your message. Write what God gives you.
 

2022 Dates to remember… 

• Cost for Participation: $250 (nonrefundable) Due Wednesday, June 8, 2022        **ANTHOLOGY PAYMENT LINK**
• Signed Statement of Agreement via website due (on or before) Wednesday, June 8, 2022
• Dine Well (workshop) - June 17, 2022 - Friday, 6 pm
  • Part 1: Developing a lifestyle that leads to a healthier body, positive mindset, and a deeper walk with God.
  • Part 2: a one-of-a-kind vision board experience 
• Head to Hand Writer’s Workshop (Anthology) - June 18, 2022 - Saturday, 10 am.
• Informational Open Q & A via Zoom (TBD if needed)
• Chapter titles – June 22, 2022
• Ad cards/sales page and bios due - June 25, 2022
• Headshots / cover photo – June 30, 2022
• Submit completed chapter – July 9, 2022
• Approve edited chapters, bio, and sales page - TBD
• Complete copyright information – July 12, 2022

 
A few more things to remember:

• Do not exceed 1200 words. Less is better. It is NOT necessary to hit the 1200 word mark on the dot, just don’t go over it. If you can cover your topic and make your point in 900, go for it. Stay UNDER 1200. Your 1200 words (or less) do not include your chapter overview, scripture, title, or 3 closing bullets (key points). The 1200 words are for actual chapter content only. Your letter is included in the 1200 or less word count.

• All information is to be submitted via this website. Begin with the following link: 

          http://www.stmpub.net/getting-started.html

• The password and link will be provided if you are accepted.

Do not email any content for the book, unless Dell specifically requests it that way. Do not send Drop Box links, ZIP files, or anything else. Everything related to the anthology should be sent using the STMPub.net website under the Member Services tab.

• Remember to begin with one overall scripture for the chapter.
• End with 3 bullet points (3 key points you want the reader to remember) 
• Include your chapter overview – short paragraph
• Try to avoid “churchy” or Christian clichés in your chapter unless you explain exactly what you mean by the phrases. 
• Assume nothing. Be clear on what you want the reader to do, think, or feel. Explain exactly what you mean and how the person is to achieve this. For example, when my youngest son was about 10 or so, I was in a hurry to do something and I told him to sweep the kitchen floor. He grabbed the broom, stood in the middle of the floor and began to swing the broom back and forth. At first, I thought he was trying to be “smart,” but soon discovered; he had no idea how to sweep a floor. As many times as he had seen me sweep the floor, I assumed he knew. He was clueless! I had to explain how to hold the broom, where he needed to start, the direction he needed to sweep, etc. Every detail needed to be laid out. Otherwise, I would merely have the dirt rearranged in the middle of the floor. Oddly enough, when he was 12, his first job was sweeping the floor for a barber who was quite impressed with how well my son did the job. If you want your reader to “take authority,” or “stand firm,” then lay out the steps to doing that.
  • Be clear on how they are to achieve this task.
  • What does the phrase/request mean to you in your own words?
  • This is not an academic work. Share your heart. Use your own words.

 

• Stay on topic. Remind yourself of your title and purpose.

 

• This is about telling your story.

 

• Your words should demonstrate love, kindness, care, and concern for the reader. Try not to sound as though you are shouting at the reader. Don’t shove your ideas at the reader; but rather, gently offer them.

 

• Proof your work before you send it. Read what it actually says versus what you intended it to say.

 

• Multiple rounds of edits will be done on your total work. I plan to send each of you a PDF of your individual section after the third round of edits. You have powerful, God-inspired messages. Neither your ability to write nor your message is being questioned, simply expect changes. Portions may be rearranged, inserted, or removed, but the heart of your message will remain the same.

 
I can hardly wait to see what God has laid on the heart of each of you. I’m looking forward to the finished product.
 
Dell