Kindred Spirit Editorial Policies
Our Purpose
“Teaching the truths of God’s Word” remains our mission at Kindred Spirit. We publish articles applying biblical truth to life as a ministry to friends of Dallas Seminary. Our articles are based on conservative exposition of Scripture.
Our Readers
Be sure to consider our audience as you choose a topic and approach.
• We write primarily for evangelical lay people.
• Although the magazine goes to more than 11,000 alumni, most of our approximately 35,000 readers are married women in their childbearing years. And most are actively involved in church. Kindred Spirit is not a forum for theological debate or exegetical controversy, but a popular-market magazine through which we teach God’s Word.
• Articles targeted specifically at alumni should be forwarded to Dallas Connection, which is published by our alumni department staff. Dallas Connection especially welcomes news for and about our alumni. We are unable to pay author fees for Dallas Connection.
Authorship
Kindred Spirit is a Dallas Seminary ministry. We give first priority to articles written by seminary alumni, faculty, staff, board members and their families. In each issue we try to run a 1,000-word profile of a Dallas Seminary graduate that may be written by a friend of the Seminary.
Tips for Successful Articles
Hints from the Scholars:
As the title implies, these articles are usually authored by DTS faculty or similarly qualified individuals. They are heavy on exposition, usually revealing truth about a scriptural passage or theological doctrine. Do not forget to include points of application—answering the question, “So what?” Remember your audience when communicating theological truths and use non-technical language.
Front Lines:
These articles communicate truths the author has learned through personal experience. Typically, they are written in the first person, with one or more stories illustrating a scriptural point. Always include one or more Scripture verses. The article should be encouraging to the average Christian living his or her faith in the world. Please include some exposition that ends with application of truth.
Profile:
Do you know a DTS graduate who is making an impact in his or her community? Is there something unique about the ministry God has given him or her? This is the place where our readers can learn about the kind of people DTS produces—someone who has used personal gifts well, someone whose passion has inspired others, someone who is plugging away faithfully in an obscure position of service. Make the story live through real-life examples and direct quotes from your subject as well as his or her friends and colleagues who can support your premise. A well-done profile should include at least three sources. This is not a chronology of someone’s life. Avoid listing dates and places. Find a theme in the graduate’s life and work the information around that topic. You are revealing faith in action.
Article Specifications
Length: 1,100-word maximum (please do not submit articles that exceed this limit and suggest that we edit them down to size).
Style:
- Kindred Spirit conforms to the style set forth in the Chicago Manual of Style.
- Manuscripts should be double-spaced with margins of one inch or more at the top, bottom, and sides.
- All articles are subject to editorial revision
- We use Scripture references from the NIV Bible. Authors may cite other Bible versions where they prefer different renderings. In such cases include the abbreviation of the version in parentheses after each reference (e.g., NKJV). Where the original text has used gender-inclusive language, we prefer a translation that reflects the biblical text.
- Please include a cover letter with submitted articles warranting that the writing is your original work. We do not accept work that has been crafted by a ghostwriter. Be sure to credit properly any material you quote from another’s work.
- Please do not quote verses from popular hymns or end the article with poetry.
How to Submit Material
Before you submit an article, be sure to study several recent issues of Kindred Spirit. Look at the types of articles we publish, common writing styles, and the way our writers approach their topics.
Queries
It is best to submit a query letter and outline of your proposed article to the editor before writing or sending your manuscript. Keep in mind that we assemble most issues at least six months before distribution; therefore, submit Christmas articles by May or June. Because of this “lead” time, it is virtually impossible to run articles directly related to specific news events (e.g., Columbine shootings, Oklahoma City bombing, terrorist strikes). We want articles that explore timeless truths.
Please include mailing address, email address (if applicable), daytime phone number, your relationship to DTS, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) for reply. An accepted query does not guarantee purchase of the manuscript; all submissions are received on speculation.
Requested articles
When submitting an article that we’ve requested, please include a current color photograph of yourself and a two-sentence author description. Articles should be typed, double-spaced with social security number and word count in the upper right corner of the first page of the manuscript. If your article has already appeared elsewhere, please say so. Submissions should be emailed to sglahn@dts.edu with an attachment in MS Word. Hard copies may also be sent as follows:
Editor
Kindred Spirit—Communications Dept.
3909 Swiss Avenue
Dallas, TX 75204
Please allow six to eight weeks for response.
Payment for Articles
Print magazine: Currently we pay $150 for reprints from other periodicals and up to $350 for first rights to well-edited, original articles. When we excerpt material from books, payment is negotiated with the publisher.
Online magazine: Currently we do not pay for material that appears in our online magazine.
KS reserves the right to edit any submissions and their titles.
