Hurray God!

HURRAY GOD! stories are true, real life experiences of ordinary people sharing answers to prayer. They are heartwarming, inspirational, encouraging and unforgettable. The believer’s faith will be bolstered, and the nonbeliever’s interest piqued.

Stories transcend every culture and cross barriers of age, race, and gender. They are universal and timeless. Stories weave their way into the hardest of hearts. Jesus knew the power of story.

Submission Requirements:

• Story length 480 – 1500 words.
• Use our online Submission Form only.
• Write in first-person (preferred) or third person point of view.
• Use a narrative simple, dramatic, and anecdotal style.
• The story must be original, and one you hold rights to.
• English only.
• We do not publish fiction, profiles, sermons, letters, confessionals, expository essays, diatribes, academic papers, testimonials, or eulogies.
• You may submit multiple stories, but only one story per submission form.
• Your first and last name, address, e-mail address, and phone number must be included with each Submission Form.
• Stories whose content contains inappropriate or degrading language will not be accepted.
• Use 12-point, Times New Roman font.
• At the top of your manuscript, please list the word count.
• We do not respond to queries or provide editorial feedback.
• Include a short paragraph about yourself at the end of the story.
• Writers whose stories are selected for HURRAY GOD! will be notified by e-mail.
• Submission deadline is December 1, 2009.

Elements of Powerful Storytelling:

• Use description and dialogue to draw the reader into the story.
• Paint word pictures. Help the reader experience the joy, sadness, danger, and see the characters, and hear their dialogue.
• Write from your heart; make your story live on in the heart of the reader.
• Hook the reader at the beginning by writing a strong lead that grabs their attention and keeps him reading right up to the end.
• Capitalize deity nouns and pronouns.
• Use one space after a period or other punctuation at the end of a sentence before beginning the next sentence.
• Identify the scripture passage and the Bible version used.
• Read and reread your manuscript before submission. Use the Spell-Check function, but don’t rely on it alone.
• Read your story out loud and eliminate words that don’t move the story forward.
• Write your story so that it flows smoothly.
• Read the stories posted online to get a feel for our need.
• Use strong verbs. Eliminate as many “ing” and “was” words as possible.
• Stories must have a clear, strong “take away” value and point to the workings of our Almighty God.
• Include a short paragraph about yourself at the end of the story.
• After the book is published, writers whose stories are accepted will receive a copy of the book in which it is published and a check for $50.