Discovering the Freedom of Format

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Discovering the Freedom of Format

Let’s face it. Most writers don’t eagerly embrace format. The rigidity of writing by guidelines is seen as an impediment to creativity. Problem is, every style of writing has a format, and every editor or publisher has a format you must follow—even for something as seemingly free-flowing as inspirational devotionals. Yet the best writers are those who learn to merge adherence to format with their creative voice to produce content that is not only imminently readable and compelling but also ready to sell in the marketplace.

When I started working with writer and U.S. Army veteran and mom Becky Juett Miller through my Cup of Coffee Coaching service, she sent me a batch of the devotionals she’d written for her blog, God’s Lemonade Stand. They brought out strong insights from the Bible and certainly supported her desire to help readers to not be weighed down by life’s struggles. But they lacked a format to help the reader seamlessly journey through each piece without being confused or interrupted by tangents in the flow. So we worked together over the next six months to revise and refine over one hundred of her pieces for a book she wanted to self-publish under the same name as her blog.

Here is the format I gave her to follow—the same one used for the devotionals my WriteWorks writing team members have been producing for The Presidential Prayer Team the past six years.

Format
Your devotionals are to be inspirational, practical and, most of all, applicable. Your pieces are also have a warm, pastoral tone that is positive and uplifting. You’ll want to engage the reader immediately, refer to Scripture, expand on the Scripture, and then apply it. As you write, make sure each piece follows the formula of Hook, Book, Look and Took:

“Hook” the reader through an illustration, question or quote.
Take the reader to the “Book” by referring to the Scripture.
Get the reader to “Look” at the Scripture in reference to his/her life.
Then bring practical application so it will have “Took” hold in their lives.

Every piece must end with a strong application that the reader can take action on today. If the devotional simply does not lend itself to application, there must be a strong note of inspiration. Understand that readers will finish your devotional and ask, “So what?” Your job is to give them a “what” to apply or ponder.

This format also included specifications for titles, length, and the version of the Bible to be used. In Becky’s case, we took this format and modified it to fit her writing style and goals for the pieces. As she embraced the format, it challenged her and, at times, even tested her patience. But it provided the structural touch vital to make her devotionals engaging and easy for the reader to apply. The result? She is scheduled to publish in April and her blog is going strong with a new devotional posted every day. She was a tremendous student and is an excellent communicator of God’s Word.

Three more tips on inspirational devotional writing are:

1. Don’t be a “prima donna” writer. I tell my team writers, “I understand that a part of who you are will be wrapped up in your pieces. That’s the case for any writer, and I will do everything I can to protect that originality. But please do not be surprised or offended if the final pieces that appear in the devotional are different, even radically so, from what you’ve turned in for publication. This is not to be looked upon as a negative reflection on your writing abilities.” My writers are given the luxury of an editorial review. In most cases, you will not. You will use the format provided, write your devotional, and submit it. The editor will then alter your work however needed, and that’s the way it’ll be published.

2. Consider carefully who you quote. There are some very catchy quotes to be found in various resource books and on the Internet, but quotes used in your devotionals should be from reputable personalities. Any quote reference must include the person who said it, and you should keep documentation of where you found the quote. The publisher may need to know that during the editing process or should a reader question your quote.

3. Do not assume your reader is biblically literate. Avoid preachy writing and loaded personal opinion. Devotionals are not an editorial.

To ultimately be published as a devotional writer, investigate and pursue submission possibilities, have realistic expectations on being published and how much you’ll get paid, submit regularly (create a schedule and write often; this also hones your craft), and don’t get discouraged. If you want to learn about devotional writing, I’d love to be your coach. Just contact me.

I want to hear from you!
How have you overcome your challenges to conforming your writing to format?


1 Comment

Cindi Perla

August 24, 2023at 7:58 am

Hello,
I am very interested in discussing a few ideas that I have for a writing project. What is the best way to schedule a consultation?
Thank you,
Cindi Perla

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