Unity Library

Literary Journal

In keeping with Unity’s vision of providing opportunities for spiritual deepening, intentionally widening access to shared ministry, celebrating our rich literary tradition, and proclaiming the transforming power of our faith, the Library Team publishes a semi-annual literary journal.

The purpose of the journal is to further Unity’s mission for meaningful liberal religious involvement, through the sharing of hope, beauty and inspiration of that experience in writing and art.

Unity Church is an intergenerational and welcoming congregation of around 1500 adults and children; the Literary Journal Committee invites you to submit your work in the hopes that the rich diversity of our congregation is well represented. You do not need to be a professional writer or artist; all writing and art is respected and valued.

Publishing Calendar

Fall 2009 Vol.1, #1

Deadline for submissions: October 12, 2009

Themes: “Vocation” and “Pilgrimage” -- All themes and topics are accepted, new works on the fall worship themes encouraged.

Pub Date: November TBA, 2009

Spring 2010 Vol. 1, #2

Deadline for submissions: TBA

Themes: “Brokenness,” “Transformation,” and “Hope” --  All themes and topics are accepted, new works on the spring worship themes encouraged

Pub Date: TBA

Fall and Spring 2010: TBA

Journal Submission Guidelines

Who May Submit

Unity members, pledging friends, staff, and children and youth in RE, Tower Club, or of members and pledging friends, and current participants.

What You Should Submit 

Original poetry, prose, art by the submitter. Reprints, simultaneous submissions, and previously unpublished work welcome. No queries, please.

• Poetry: up to 90 lines.
• Prose, short fiction, memoir, reflections, essays or articles on Unity or UU history: 2000 word maximum.
• Color art for cover and/or black and white art for inside the journal.
• Limit: Individuals, please submit no more than six poems, two works of prose, four works of color art, and six black and white works.

How to Submit Text

1. Format text: Please type or word process your writing, using 11pt. Verdana font, double-spaced, numbered, and include your name and title on each page.
2. Complete a Unity Journal Submission Form – online here.
3. Attached your completed submission form and text document to an e-mail.
4. Send to: literaryjournal@unityunitarian.org

How to Submit Art

1. Format art: JPG, BMP, GIF, or PDF. No originals, please.
2. 300 dpi
3. Suitable for viewing in 4.75” by 8” maximum size.
4. Complete a Unity Journal Submission Form – online here.
5. Attach graphic file and submission form to an e-mail.
6. Send to: literaryjournal@unityunitarian.org

What Happens Next

1. The journal editorial board recognizes that each submission is a personal, meaningful contribution. Selections will be made on the basis of appropriateness and consistency with mission and values, and the journal issue as a whole.
2. Submissions will be edited for clarity and length.
3. You will be notified about your submission in about three weeks after the deadline. If accepted, we will ask you to sign a publishing agreement.

Compensation

Payment is in the form of:

• The joy of contributing to the literary ministry of Unity Church.
• A contributor profile which may include mention of your other work, business, web site, and contact information, published in the journal.

For more information, contact us at literaryjournal@unityunitarian.org, or contact Committee Chair, Shelley Butler.