Writer's Guidelines for Just Between Us

Writer's Guidelines

We are so excited that you wish to share your writing talents with Just Between Us! Please read through our writer's guidelines for article submissions.

Just Between Us (JBU) is a quarterly print magazine designed to encourage and equip Christian women around the world for a life of faith. It’s for women who want to go deeper in their love and service to Christ—women who are moms, working women, Bible study leaders, Sunday school teachers, missionary wives, seminary students, and any woman—married or single—who is looking for practical, biblical encouragement and inspiration.

The publication is uniquely reader-written by women who candidly and honestly inspire, encourage, and support one another through their deep love for Christ and hearts to help others. They are real and relevant, and point to biblical truth and solutions. 

JBU readers are a diverse group of women. Our reader’s top areas of interest are: 

  • Balancing life 
  • Closer walk with Christ  
  • Friendship
  • Handling conflict 
  • Handling emotional issues and stress 
  • Dealing with expectations and roles    

OUR STAFF

Internationally known author and speaker, Jill Briscoe is the Founder, Shelly Esser is Editor, Mary Perso is General Manager, Suzan Braun is Assistant Editor & Circulation Manager, Rebecca Loesche is Renewals Manager & Software Support, Mary Ann Prasser is Director of Digital Media, Ashley Schmidt is Director of Mission Advancement & Social Media, Sharon Vaught is Advertising & Accounts Manager, and Julie Krinke is Creative Director.

GUIDELINES FOR WRITTEN ARTICLES

Types of Articles

1.  Feature Article

A topic of interest that deals with it in a practical and engaging manner. 

Word Count: 1,000 to 1,200.

2.  My Story Article 

A short testimonial about how God has worked specifically in your life or ministry.

Word Count: 450. 

Format and General Guidelines

  • Personal in tone, full of real-life anecdotes and stories. 
  • Quotes/advice from Scripture, noted Christian professionals, and biblically-based.
  • Written in a casual, conversation style so women feel like they are talking to a friend.
  • Practical, not preachy, striving to apply the truths of Scripture to everyday life.
  • Scripture should use the NIV translation. Otherwise, note other versions used.
  • Poetry, fiction, or book reviews are not accepted.
  • Follow the JBU article format guidelines 
  • Double-spaced
  • All paragraphs indented three spaces, not tabbed
  • Font: Times Roman, 12 point
  • One space between sentences
  • Title page: article title, author’s name, email address, and word count

Topic Ideas  

Any topic area that will be helpful to women desiring to grow in their faith and service. Topics suggestions include but aren’t limited to:      

  • Intimacy with Christ/Faith
  • Handling criticism
  • Church life, including church wounds
  • Prayer
  • Evangelism
  • Spirit-filled living
  • Friendship
  • Dealing with conflict or change
  • Marriage
  • Finances 
  • Forgiveness
  • Being a Christian in the workplace
  • Grief, pain, or loss
  • Parenting 
  • Work-life balance

   SUBMISSION CRITERIA

  • Send your manuscripts via e-mail in a Word document to: submissions@justbetweenus.org.
  • Include a brief autobiographical paragraph (2-4 sentences), including your current place of ministry/service, job/career, family, special educational experience, etc.
  • JBU is unable to provide financial remuneration, but will provide five complimentary copies of the issue in which your article appears. 
  • A request to review your manuscript doesn’t guarantee JBU will accept or print your article.
  • The editors of JBU reserve the right to edit your manuscript for clarity and space, and to reject any article at any stage of our editing/production process.
  • All articles not following the JBU format will be returned for reformatting. 
  • Due to our small staff and the high volume of submissions we receive, we are only able to respond to your article, if you have been accepted for publication. If you have not heard from us in 6 to 8 weeks, please feel free to submit your article elsewhere. 
  • Sample issues are available at a cost of $6 each. Unless you request otherwise, the most recent issue will be sent. Send your check, payable to Just Between Us to:  Just Between Us, 777 S. Barker Road, Brookfield, WI  53045. 

MAGAZINE DEADLINES

  • Summer 2024: January 5, 2024
  • Fall 2024:   April 7, 2024   
  • Winter 2024:   July 8, 2024
  • Spring 2024:    October 13, 2024

WHERE YOU'LL FIND US

12/1/22