WRITING GUIDELINES

1.1-Lessons must be of adequate standard and authors are required to have them edited for language and contents before submission.

1.2- Lessons can vary in length; typically they range from 4 to 5 double-spaced pages. Lesson should be accompanied by author’s name, contact address, church and other organization affiliation, educational background, credentials, publications, etc (see appendix-A). The entire lesson, including overview, references, tabular material, figures and work assignments/evaluation questions must be double-spaced. The lessons must be typed on one side of paper with at least one-inch margins on all four sides.

1.3- Each lesson should be accompanied by a declaration that the material is original, has not been published elsewhere and that it has not been submitted for publication in any other book or magazines or newsletters. The lessons accepted for publication will be edited and if the author wishes to see the edited copy s/he should make this request at the time of submission. All indication of authorship should appear on a detachable cover page or first page only.

1.4- Suggestions and feedback from biblical scholars and other Christian professionals will be sought in the editing process.  All final decisions on the lessons format, contents, etc would be to the final approval of SSNAK board members. All materials submitted will be the property of SSNAK and could be used without prior permission as needed.   A rejection of lesson may not mean that your material lacks merit; it simply may not fit the current needs of the publisher. Communications and all lessons should be addressed to SSNAK, curriculum@ssnak.org.

2.0-Lesson Format For Each Lessons  (see sample lesson)

Notes: List of referred books or materials

Name of author: Your name (complete author profile sheet)

3.0 Tips for Writing Sunday School Lessons

3.1 - Imagine that the lessons are intended for teaching to a 15 year old child. Lessons need to be interactive.  Communicate the truth the simplest way you can. For each lesson include topics for discussion, objective questions, assignments, scriptural verses, etc.  When appropriate, communicate with your students, the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Challenge students and teachers to study God’s Word and put what’s learned into practice. Motivate both the teacher and student to search out and live the Spirit-filled life. What you’re doing can have a lasting, even eternal, effect on the reader.
 

3.2 - Teaching begins with knowledge, but simply stating dry facts isn’t enough to motivate the reader to action. Share knowledge and ideas in a personal way. In other words, write with feeling. Help motivate others to put knowledge into practice by applying practical aspects of life and ministry. Always remember to take time to properly prepare each assignment with prayer and study. SSNAK has a reputation for producing -Bible based and culture specific Sunday School lessons.

3.3 - First read the sample lesson. Become familiar with its content and editorial style. If you don’t have a copy, most publications have samples available for download from SSNAK web site. Know the age level, interests, and needs of the students and prepare the material accordingly. Please verify your own work. Check the spelling of proper names. Be sure quotations are accurate and give the source. If Scripture passages are quoted from a version other than the New International Version, identify the version. If you quote extensively (more than 50 words) from published material, especially copyrighted material, enclose a letter from the publisher giving reprint permission. Pray about your writing. Writing for Sunday School is a spiritual ministry that must be saturated with prayer. Ask God to anoint and guide both you and the editor so the message may be quickened to those who read it.

4.0 Developing a lesson

4.1 - Organize and Outline: Make a preliminary selection of the content. Determine your purpose and scope. Choose a working title. Make a preliminary outline (whether or not it appears in the finished lesson). Conduct necessary research.  Use personal experiences. Get information through interviews and conferences. Study published and written materials.

4.2 - Write the First Draft. Interest the reader with a strong beginning. Make the writing flow smoothly. Use good transitions between thoughts. Write clear and concise paragraphs. Introduce new ideas with topic sentences. Mark ends of thoughts with summary sentences..

4.3 - Make the writing colorful. Use illustrations. Include dialogue. Integrate illustrative material in the text. Leave the reader with a strong conclusion.

4.4 - Check Your Writing Style.  Does the article move? Give as much background as is interesting and needful, but don’t bore the reader. Is it understandable? Use words familiar to the reader. Avoid undefined, technical jargon. Is it lively? Use concrete words. Choose active verbs. Don’t overwork adjectives. Is it readable? Watch grammar and spelling.

4.5 - Rework Your Lesson.  Appraise it for content and approach. Does it say what you want?
4.6 - Edit your own material.  Check spelling, grammar, and Scripture references (don’t trust your memory).

.5.0-Format of Notes/References

5.1 - All reference to monographs, articles and statistical sources are to be included in the references/notes. List all items alphabetically by author and by year of publication. Use no abbreviations. For typing format, see the following examples:

Malcolm Muggeridge, Jesus Rediscovered  (Garden City, NY. Doubleday, 1969), p. 77.

Wendy Zoba, Separated and Equal, Christianity Today. Vol. 40, No. 2, Feb. 5, 1996: pp. 14-24

Sam Mathew, The Church of Corinth, Goodnews (Malayalam edition) Vo. 18 No. 43, Oct. 23, 1993: p. 8.

6.0-Tables and Figures - All tables and figures should be numbered separately using Arabic numerals, and grouped together at the end of the lesson. Clearly visible notes within the text should indicate their approximate placement. Figures must be camera-ready; photocopies, blue ink, or pencil are not acceptable. Use black India ink, and type figure legends double-spaced on a separate sheet of paper. Write article title and figure number lightly in pencil on the back of each.

7.0 Personal Computers - Email or floppy submissions of articles will be encouraged instead of typed lessons of the lessons. The article should be entered in Microsoft Word/Word Perfect/Lotus WordPro/ AmiPro. The floppy should be sent in a floppy container to protect it from likely damage.

8.0 Note to Authors - Please fill the attached form with a brief outline (1 page) of your selected topic and send before October 21, 2003 to: curriculum@ssnak.org  Completed lessons should be submitted latest by December 20,  2003.