Writers' Guidelines for Lutheran Forum

1.    We begin with a preliminary observation on American public discourse. Americans, by and large, are not interested in content. They are interested in tone and style. The most logically exacting argument will be dismissed if it is presented harshly or clumsily; conversely, the most idiotic palaver will be acclaimed if presented warmly and attractively.
2.    Likewise, all theological discourse carries within it this danger: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (I Cor. 8:1).
3.    Therefore, the editorial approach of LF is to split the difference. We are interested in rational arguments, rationally made, properly nuanced, with generosity towards one’s opponent, taking into account the readership of LF and the broad demands of Christian charity. Writing this way is an act of faith. God will sort out our ideological motivations in the end. Our intellectual worship in the meanwhile is to humble ourselves before God and our neighbor alike.
4.    Accordingly, articles in LF will not contain: pot-shots, thinly veiled contempt, messy thinking, reductio ad absurdum attacks, ad hominem attacks, knock-down arguments, suggestions that one’s opponent is not Christian/Lutheran/human/ etc., or liberal use of the word “obviously.” All of these indicate poor thinking and greater delight in the defeat of one’s enemies than in the triumph of the truth.
5.    Positively put, LF is interested in what interests our authors. Prospective writers are encouraged to reflect on what moves them most, intellectually and spiritually, and then, armed with adequate research and forethought, put their ideas to paper.
6.    Departmental articles should be 2000 words in length. Shorter or longer articles will be considered on a case-by-case basis with the consent of the editor. Features will generally be longer.
7.    Prospective writers may submit either entire manuscripts or queries.
8.    In the case of manuscripts, please include full contact information and a word count, specify the department in which the article would be placed, and preface the piece with a 50-word synopsis. Authors are encouraged to submit by email. Articles submitted as hard copies by mail, if accepted, must be submitted electronically as well.
9.    The editor will confirm receiving the article immediately by email. Articles will be accepted or rejected within 3 months of receipt.
10.    In the case of queries, please include full contact information, specify the department in which the article would be placed (if any), and include a 100-word summary of the content of the article. Queries must be submitted by email.
11.    Approval of a query or solicitation of a manuscript does not guarantee publication.
12.    Solicited manuscripts and approved queries will be given two deadlines. The first will be for the article itself. The second will be for its revision. Authors should calculate revisions as part of their work on the article.
13.    Please respect the deadlines. It’s terribly embarrassing for editors to call up authors looking for late articles.