Writing on a Theme
by Lisa A. Crayton

Late last year, I received the theme list for BGC WORLD, a publication that I've written feature articles for in the past. I browsed the list, looking specifically for topics I like to write about, or those I may want to write about. In the end, I didn't submit anything to the editor, but having that valuable information at my fingertips inspired me to think of possible writing topics for 2008—and beyond. And, it made me think of this article, which I've sold several times, on "writing on a theme."

Timely Submissions

Basically, a theme list is just that—a list of themes, or topics, that a magazine will cover in a specific time. Generally, a theme list covers the upcoming year, but some magazines publish theme lists that cover two to three years.

Having access to a magazine's theme list enables you to submit queries or submissions on topics you know the editor needs.
 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 notes that, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." (NIV). If you want to know a publication's seasonal focus, as I did when reviewing BGC World’s, check its theme list.

Many publications publish their theme lists and seek freelancers adept at writing on specific topics. Some of these same publications often print an entire issue on a single theme. In other cases, publications provide a list of themes or topics that they would like to receive on an ongoing basis.

In the continual search for ideas, theme lists provide instant inspiration. There are many advantages to writing on theme.

First, it gives your queries and submissions focus. A theme indicates an editorial need. Pitch a timely theme-related idea, or submit a piece of writing on spec, and you'll likely attract an editor's attention. Ensure that your query or submission also fulfills the stated writing guidelines, and you will step closer to an acceptance.

Second, writing on theme helps you to sidestep writer's block. With a theme in hand, you don't have to find an idea. It's already given to you.

Third, writing on a publication's "hot topic" may usher you into doors within a publication that are closed to other submissions.

Fourth, writing on theme helps you to build clips in a subject area that may also become a niche for you. Or vice versa. If you have expertise in an upcoming theme, a publication may be more willing to give you an assignment because you are well-versed in that area.
 

Online Theme Lists:

Christian Home & School

Devo'Zine

Youthworker Journal

Woman's Touch

Bible Advocate

The Lookout

Alive Now

Homeschooling Today

Hopscotch for Girls,
Boys' Quest, and
Fun for Kidz

In the Know

1. Check out a publication's website. Many publications post their theme lists online. While there, check out the archives. This will better help you to shape your queries or submissions by avoiding subjects recently published. (See sidebar for sites that post themes online.) 
    
   
As mentioned, BGC World also uses theme lists, as does The Lookout, a great take-home paper.
   
2. If themes are not provided online, request lists via email or snail mail, based on a publisher's preference as requested in its writer's guidelines. For email, remember to provide an appropriate subject line. For regular mail, include an SASE. Also, ask if you can remain on the list for subsequent years. This will eliminate the need to request the list each year. For example, because I am on such lists for regional parenting publications, each year I receive a few theme lists via email and regular mail. At times I also get “urgent requests” emails from editors who need specific theme-related articles on topics that writers did not pitch or submit. Such emails give me an additional opportunity to increase clips and sales, while further strengthening my relationships with editors.
    
3. Once you have received the themes, pitch your ideas/queries or submit your pieces of writing. Keep in mind that most publications work at least two months ahead. So, in general, consider pitching ideas for issues beginning two months from the day you receive review any theme lists.
    
4. Offer reprints that fit into specific themes. By doing so, you get mileage out of material that may be sitting around collecting dust in your hard drive.
    
5. Use the theme lists you have to query other publications. This works in two ways. First, if a publication notes they don’t need any more topics on your theme, then send it to another publication that might. Second, if you like a topic (i.e., Easter celebrations) but want to write it for a specific audience (i.e., teen boys), then pitch a query or submission to a magazine that reaches your audience.