The following writer’s guidelines are for SHINE brightly Magazine—a magazine for girls ages 9 to 14 that is published by GEMS Girls’ Clubs—an international, club-based ministry for girls. The mission of GEMS is to help bring girls into a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ.

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SHINE brightly Mission

We believe when young girls are equipped, motivated, and passionately engaged in living out their faith in Jesus Christ they have the potential to be world changers.

Christ was an activist. He did not neglect the needs of others as He brought His message. We strive to encourage girls to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world—as they see how God works through individual personalities, situations, and talents.

Included in SHINE brightly:

We are looking for stories, articles, interviews, quizzes, games, puzzles, and crafts that are fresh, that present a realistic look at Christian life, and that cause young readers to see how their faith can play out in their daily lives.

We accept articles that relate to girls ages 9-14 and the experiences they connect with. Most of their time is spent at school, in sports, involved in afterschool activities, with friends, dealing with peer problems/pressure, with family, in church groups, and learning to reach out beyond their immediate world.

Manuscript topics should build girls up in Christian character, but they should not be preachy. Pollyanna endings, where everything turns out perfectly, are not always realistic and our readers want realistic stories. Our readers have a great sense of humor, so your manuscripts should be fun as well as educational and inspirational. Stretch our readers by challenging them to new vision, new experiences, and setting new goals.

Each season SHINE brightly dedicates its pages to the exploration of issues girls deal with each day as well as an Annual Theme. The theme this season is In His Steps (see below).

Annual Theme: In His Steps

Theme Verse

Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6

Theme Aims

• To see Jesus—His character, life, and ways—with as much clarity as possible.
• To learn how to live by listening to Jesus and acting on what He says.
• To walk so close to Jesus we live as He did.

Criteria for Selection of Manuscripts:

Submissions to SHINE brightly are selected based upon the following criteria:

1. The manuscript must fit with the SHINE brightly
2. The submission applies Scripture to everyday life.
3. The ability to incorporate cultural issues while still holding to Biblical truths.
4. The ability to relate to the reader and encourage her to apply concepts, life lessons, skills, and experiences to her own life.

Preparing Your Manuscript

1. At the top put your name, address, phone number, word count, the issue and topic you are submitting, as well as the rights offered.
2. Indicate fiction or nonfiction.
3. Include desired byline.
4. Give sources for all statistical information or quoted material.

Basis for Rejection of Material

1. Does not show girls how God is at work in their lives and the world around them.
2. Too young or too old for readers 9 to 14.
3. Simplistic, unrealistic, too predictable, or the theological perspective differs too greatly from our own.
4. Does not fit our themes.
5. Duplication of material already published or submitted.
6. Editorial needs filled.
7. Limited need for poetry.
8. Inept writing—poor opening, transitions, grammar. Lacks the drama or crisis that appeals to our readers.