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Overview

• JourneyForth is currently acquiring both fiction and nonfiction for grades 1–12. Genres we publish include action & adventure, biblical, contemporary, non-magical fantasy, folktales, historical, mystery, westerns, biography, Bible study, and Christian living.
• Our content is wholesome and faith-based.
• We strive to maintain a solid biblical worldview and are committed to publishing books that parents and teachers can trust.
• JourneyForth has chosen not to publish stories that combine real world settings and/or characters with fantasy elements such as talking animals, mythological creatures, portal worlds, etc. Works by Tim Davis and Dawn L. Watkins are excellent examples of the types of fantasy stories we do publish.
• We do not accept manuscripts that include elements such as profanity, minced oaths, crass or vulgar language, magic, witchcraft, time travel, and characters who engage in unbiblical activities without consequences.
• Because JourneyForth is the trade book imprint of BJU Press, we do not accept curricula for schools or churches. All curricula for BJU Press is written by in-house authors.
• JourneyForth does not publish content generated using AI.
• Currently, JourneyForth is not accepting submissions for:
  • Picture books
  • Short stories
  • Poetry
  • Personal narratives/memoir
  • Fiction for adults
  • Devotional books
  • Gift books

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First Chapter Books

JourneyForth publishes well-written, engaging first chapter books for early readers in grades 1–3. These books are designed for young readers who are gaining confidence in their reading skills and are ready for more complex narratives and longer, more text-heavy stories.

What to Submit: Manuscript Requirements

JourneyForth is seeking stories that have an exciting plot, a simple storyline, and vivid characters.

• Query first about nonfiction ideas.
• Word count should be 8,000 to 10,000 words.
• Chapters should have interesting titles and be less than 1,000 words each.
• Paragraphs may be very short.
• Use short, simple sentences. A few compound sentences are acceptable but avoid compound-complex or complex sentences and using introductory dependent clauses.
• Most words should be six letters or shorter; avoid using those that are longer than nine letters. Focus on strong nouns and verbs and minimize the use of modifiers.
• Check readability in MS Word. First chapter books should have a Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of 1 to 3 and a Flesch Reading Ease score of 75 to 100.
• Stories should not be didactic. Instead, weave the theme throughout the action and through the characters of the story.

How to Submit

Follow the instructions below to submit your manuscript.

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Fiction & Biography for Children and Teens

JourneyForth publishes resources for readers of varying reading abilities and interests—books with a biblical worldview and excellence in every facet of their presentation.

What to Submit: Manuscript Requirements

JourneyForth is seeking fiction and biography for readers in grades 4–12.

• Stories should reflect ideas, perspectives, and actions consistent with a biblical worldview.
• Themes should be strong enough to support a book-length manuscript.
• Plot should be unique and engaging to the target reader and build to a natural, effective climax with plenty of action.
• Main characters should have clearly defined, achievable goals.
• All facts should be carefully researched and documented.
• The language should be appropriate for the age/reading skills of the intended reader. JourneyForth utilizes Lexile Framework for reading skill analysis. Learn more about Lexile Measurements.

Word Counts:

• Ages 9–12: 30,000 to 50,000 words
• Ages 13 and up: 40,000 to 75,000 words

How to Submit

Follow the instructions below to submit your manuscript.

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Bible Studies & Christian Living for Teens

JourneyForth publishes resources with a conservative, biblical worldview. Our desire is to encourage believers to become more Christlike in their thinking, to grow in their service to God, and to represent Christ well.

What to Submit: Manuscript Requirements

JourneyForth is seeking Bible studies and Christian living manuscripts for teens in grades 7–12 that will help them to engage thoughtfully with Scripture and focus on applying spiritual truths in practical ways.

• Manuscript should demonstrate careful handling of the Word of God.
• Manuscript should provide direction for Christian living.
• Manuscript should provide timeless content in a timely presentation.
• Manuscript should have broad appeal with intended readers.
• Manuscripts that differ philosophically from a conservative, biblical worldview are outside our publishing plan and will not be considered.
• JourneyForth does not publish Sunday school or homeschool curricula. All curricula for BJU Press is written by in-house authors.

Word Counts:

• Christian living: 40,000 to 75,000 words
• Bible studies: 25,000 to 45,000 words

How to Submit

Follow the instructions below to submit your manuscript.

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Bible Studies, Commentaries, and Christian Living for Adults

JourneyForth is not currently acquiring titles for adult readers.

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How to Submit

What to Include in Your Submission

Manuscript submissions should follow the genre- and age-specific guidelines above and include the additional information listed below.

Cover Letter:

• Describe your work and your target audience.
• Compare your work with other books in the market.
• Include a short biography of yourself: background, platform, motivation, other works published, etc.


Manuscript:

• Give a short overview/summary.
• Include a list of chapter titles and a sentence description of each.
• Attach the full text of the first 5 chapters.