Network Operations Manual            

1.

LEA accepts only electronic manuscripts. The standard is Microsoft Word, but other word processors may be used. If you use something other than MS Word, save and send your work in RTF (rich text format). That option usually appears as part of the Save As menu. Electronic manuscripts may be delivered by disk or as an attachment to e-mail. In some cases, you may format your document in the way you would like it to look; however, always check with the Director of Publications and Communications before placing your document in publish-ready format.

2.

Integrate the faith and Scripture into every manuscript. Use the term Lutheran at least once.

3.

Bible quotations are normally from The New International Version (NIV). Writers may use other versions, but please indicate the name of the version. (Don’t quote Scripture from memory. Please look up the passage.)

4.

Keep the manuscript simple. Avoid "creative" fonts and format. A 12-point font in the Roman family works well. Use left alignment or left justification.

5.

Never use all upper case. Use bold for emphasis.

6.

Use a single space between terminal punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation) and the next sentence. If it’s hard to break old habits, set your word processor’s Autocorrect for one space between sentences.

7.

Use double line space between paragraphs and don’t indent.

8.

Use a two-inch right margin for text that will be printed on LEA letterhead.

9.

Read and revise your manuscript at least once before sending it to the editor. A good way to do this is by applying the spelling and grammar check, which is part of your word processing package. (Tip: Reading your manuscript aloud will help you identify rough spots.)

10.

Use only short quotes from other sources unless you obtain written permission from the original publisher/author. Short quotes may be acceptable with proper citation. In most cases, paraphrasing is preferred, again with proper citation.

11.

For purposes of copyediting, the Gregg Reference Manual is applied. (This contains much of the Chicago style plus practical conventions. It's also easy to use.) You do not need to have this manual. Your practical copy editing usually adequate.

12.

Manuscripts should be sent to ed.grube@lea.org.