Guidelines on submitting to Fertile Field

Fertile Field, the online inspirational, motivational magazine is always taking submissions. Articles, essays, poetry and artwork are qualitatively evaluated by the Fertile Field editorial team. The set themes for issues are suggestions for the types of submissions we are interested in recieving--we will accept articles (and poetry, artwork, etc.) on all topics for every issue, regardless of theme. Each time we make a formal "call for entries," we will post the details on this website, so check back regularly for more details!

Regarding subject matter in submissions, Fertile Field adheres to high standards of excellence in the character of its published works. We are not looking for perfection or the "ideal" message; rather we are looking for submissions with a "real" quality to them. We encourage you to write about your experiences and what you learn from them, and we are very open to your ideas. Please email Lacey, lgraves [at] usbnc.org if you have any questions, and we will be happy to discuss your ideas with you!

Here are some helpful guidelines if you are interested in contributing:

Deadlines

The next issue of Fertile Field will be in the fall of 2004. Please check back here for updates.

Submission types and guidelines

Poetry: any length is acceptable, and we encourage these submissions to be thoughtful, well-articulated and above all, creative.

Articles and essays can be any length, but we would like to encourage contributors to consider 500 words a minimum for sumissions. Exceptions are, of course, made.

Fine Art and Photography is accepted and encouraged in Fertile Field! While we understand the beauty in art that is in the human form, we discourage nudity and/or profanity in artistic submissions.

Fiction: because creative works are so highly prized by Fertile Field, we are excited to encourage young writers to submit short stories and/or serial pieces of fiction/nonfiction. We are open to suggestions in the fiction department, so feel free to email us (youth [at] usbnc.org or lgraves [at] usbnc.org) with your questions, concerns, and/or creative ideas.

Who can contribute?

Even though Fertile Field is sponsored by the Baha'i Faith, you do not have to be a member of the Baha'i Faith to contribute. In general, we strive to publish uplifting--spiritual and otherwise--contributions, be they poetry, artwork, essay, etc. We encourage young people of all faiths and backgrounds to contribute to Fertile Field.

Documenting your sources

All resources, on the web or otherwise, must be authenticated with weblinks and/or source documentation. Please remember to cite your sources (if applicable) and provide a list of them at the end of your submission.

Don't forget to include...

Your name, age, and location

If published, would you like us to include your email address along with your submission?

(All content Copyright National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, 2000-2003, do not use without permission)