Writer's Guidelines for the Newman Book Project

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Writer's Guidelines for the Newman Book Project

Theme

The aim is to produce a collection of essays, by converts, about how Cardinal Newman's life and writings have influenced them: not so much a scholars' analysis of theology or literature (though, of course, in the book as a whole this aspect would be necessary and important); rather, more of a converts' testimony to power and grace.

Such a collection would be, then, not only a testimonial to Newman, but also an exposition of the effect he is still having in our time--in individuals' lives and in the life of the Church. It would also be a recognition, and demonstration, of the number and nature of the converts whom he has influenced--whether before, during, or after their conversion.

Length

Between 1,000 and 6,000 words long. Shorter or longer essays with special merit--e.g., atypical approach to the subject, discussion of topics omitted by others, extraordinary or especially moving story to tell, exceptional literary style--would still be considered.

Correspondence

Feel free to communicate to the editor whatever comments, suggestions, questions, or concerns you might have. When corresponding by postal mail, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Submission

Submission may be in any of the following forms:

Paper: a typewritten manuscript or computer printout is much preferred, but a handwritten submission will be considered; the manuscript may be mailed to the postal address below.

Diskette: 3-inch and 5-inch IBM-compatible diskettes (any density except quad [2.88 MB] 3-inch diskettes) are acceptable. Format: output from any version of WordPerfect or Microsoft Word is preferred, or plain ASCII text; if output is from some other word processor, also send hardcopy--which might be helpful in any case--and/or plain ASCII text version.

Electronic: e-mail may be sent to the address below; any attachment should be in WP or WinWord format, or plain ASCII text.

Submission (whether paper or diskette) will be returned only if the means to do so (envelope or mailer, and postage) is provided.

Compensation

Author's copies. Proceeds, if any, after the editor's expenses have been recovered, would be donated to Newman's cause. (But any arrangements would, of course, be contingent upon the publisher's policies and practices.)

God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another. I have my mission--I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good, I shall do His work; I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it, if I do but keep His commandments and serve Him in my calling. Therefore, I will trust Him. Whatever, wherever I am. I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends, He may throw me among strangers, He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me--still He knows what He is about. JHN

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(Created October 29, 1995; revised June 16, 1996)