Guidelines for Article Submissions

Members of the Church interested in writing an article for the Ensign often ask about editorial areas open for article submissions. The following descriptions are intended to be helpful to potential contributors.

Marriage and parenthood: Articles showing how an individual, couple, or family has applied gospel truths in a marriage or in parent-child relationships (motherhood or fatherhood). Approach should be warm, practical, and scripture based, with anecdotes illustrating key points; 750 to 2,000 words.

Mormon Journal department: Short, first-person accounts of inspirational and moving experiences showing faith, the power of prayer, or application of a gospel teaching; 400 to 1,200 words.

Longer, impactful accounts of the gospel in action: Many gospel-related experiences cover a long period of time, involve many details, are somewhat complex, and thus require more space for their telling than Mormon Journal features. This may be the case for accounts of (1) members applying gospel principles to issues they face as they live in the world but are not of it, showing how gospel teachings intersect with society’s outlooks; or (2) individuals—including single members, single parents, elderly members, members in the military, and persons with disabilities—applying gospel teachings they have found to be particularly helpful in their conversion, activation, or lives in general; or (3) members applying gospel teachings to build unity among members of different backgrounds; 1,200 to 2,000 words.

Articles on the story of the Church in a specific area: An overview history of the Church in an area, from its beginnings to the present, with focus on the growth of the Church in the twentieth century; 2,000 to 3,000 words.

Random Sampler department: Short how-to pieces on family home evening, teaching, personal and family preparedness, managing time and finances, fitness, and career development; 200 to 500 words.

Of Good Report department: Short pieces on community service by Church units; 250 to 500 words.

Portraits department: Short pieces that let us meet another member who has done or is doing praiseworthy things; 75 to 150 words.

Photographs of artwork relating to scriptural events or teachings, LDS church history, or the lifestyle of Latter-day Saints are also welcome for submission.

Queries about possible articles in which much personal effort may be required are appropriate. Presently, fiction is not printed and poetry is printed infrequently. Submissions from outside the United States are encouraged. Submissions should be typewritten and double-spaced if possible. Type your name, address, and telephone number (if applicable) on the first page. If your manuscript is declined and you want it returned to you, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your submission. A response may take up to eight weeks.

Send all submissions and queries to: Ensign, 23d Floor, 50 East North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150.