Writing for Faith-based Markets - 3 Important Tips

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

“12 Markets for Faith-based Writers.”

The title of the article drew me in. I am always looking for new markets to write for, particularly magazine markets.

I quickly followed the link, which took me to a site that, indeed, listed markets for faith-based writers. But it didn’t take me long to find that I was unqualified to write for any of them. Why?

Looking down the list I discovered opportunities to write for five different faiths. The problem was none of them were my faith.

I had done what most of us do. When we see the words “faith-based.” We assume the publications are Christian publications. I have to admit in the beginning I was a bit shocked. In my little sheltered corner of the writing world, I spend a lot of time writing faith-based material. Because my faith is Christian, that means sharing Jesus through my writing and approaching life from a Christian worldview.

Our writing will come from the point of our deepest belief no matter what our faith. But I can only speak as a Christian writer. Several factors must be considered if we are Christian faith-based writers.

1. Know where you stand. When writing from a perspective of your faith, you cannot be wishy-washy. Know the tenets of your faith. Christian writers should be well-versed in the Bible and put God’s principles into practice daily. Writing from the overflow of your faith puts passion into your words.
2. Stand firm. Christians must be firmly committed and not waiver in a time when criticism and opposition abounds. Your words may be challenged by those who don’t believe as you do. Knowing exactly what you believe is essential to standing on Truth.
3. Stand proud. It is a privilege and honor to be a Christian writer. Don’t take that lightly. Your readers are looking to you for wisdom and encouragement. Share the hope that is part of the Christian faith.

Many of you reading this are passionate about sharing your faith through your writing. You are a light to a dark world. Even if a writing opportunity is not called faith-based, it will be written from a biblical worldview. Stand for what you believe in everything you write and make the most of every opportunity to share your faith.

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Linda Gilden is an award-winning writer, speaker, editor, certified writing and speaking coach, and personality consultant. Linda is the author of 19 books and over 1000 magazine articles. She enjoys every meeting with editors and knowing we are all part of the same team. Linda’s favorite activity (other than eating folded potato chips) is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing grandchildren—a great source of writing material! www.lindagilden.com