The Journal Newspaper Policy for Staff and Writers

A Word about Consistency (New for 2026)

As we move forward, we’ve needed to take a closer look at the needs of our production schedule and the consistency required to meet deadlines. Because we often have had difficulty receiving submissions on time, we’ve must now implement a policy of only two reminders. After two personal reminders are sent, we will, unfortunately, find it necessary to ask you to re-evalute your commitment to The Journal for the remainder of the year. We certainly do not want to do this, but we find it necessary to keep the work flow in a fluid and positive direction. If you are asked to step-back from your commitment, any complimentary subscription will be voided.

Four Reminders for Each Issue

Two automated reminders are emailed to staff members, contributors and anyone else who has chosen to be on the Journal email list. If you are not on the list, please let Mrs. Katie know ASAP: ******@**********ys.com” data-type=”link” data-id=”mr******@**********ys.com” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>mr******@**********ys.com . We have also provided a printable Deadline Schedule. Additionally, the deadline schedule is printed in each issue of The Journal. Please remember that any time we must send reminders, this hinders the process and takes time. We are busy homemakers like everyone else and we appreciate your attention to the deadline schedule without the necessity of additional reminders. Thanks for understanding.

A Word about Authenticity (New for 2026)

Our readership appreciates authenticity and old-fashioned values. The Journal has grown into a trusted source of authenticity. As useful as AI may be in today’s world, it is not suitable for this unique publication. Please submit only authentic and real thoughts from your heart and head. No AI content is accepted.

Commitment

The Journal is written by homemakers, for homemakers. We know that your home and family come first, as they should. We also know that as a publication with paying subscribers, we need to fulfill the commitment we have made to our readers to put out a well written publication, on a set schedule. As such, we need contributors who are willing to make a commitment to consistently and diligently provide content on a set schedule. We understand that sometimes unexpected things happen and that, infrequently, other arrangements will need to be made. If a life event occurs that is unexpected, we are willing to work with you to be flexible with due dates or to make other arrangements to cover your column for that issue. However, we also request that you plan ahead to reduce the impact of things that could be foreseen. Weddings are rarely a last-minute decision, and babies usually give several months advance notice before they arrive.

Preparation

One way to plan ahead is to write your columns in advance. You are welcome to send in content as far ahead as you like! If you prefer to write your content closer to the publication date, perhaps you could write a backup article to keep in case of unexpected circumstances which could otherwise delay your Journal entry for that issue. You can keep your backup article yourself, or you can send it in, and we can keep it on hand in case of emergencies.

Deadlines

It can be difficult to remember when content is due. We are wives, moms, daughters, sisters, and friends too, and we have multiple things to keep track of. We have developed an automated reminder system that sends out 2 reminders for content before each issue’s due date. If you are not getting these reminder emails, please contact Mrs. Katie and she can get you on the list or help you troubleshoot where they are getting lost in transit. Please don’t ignore these emails. They are there to help you remember to turn in your content on time! When we must keep sending out personal contacts begging you for your content, it takes time away from the little time we have to get that content edited, proofread, entered in the layout, printed, and mailed. A PRINTABLE deadline schedule may be found at Heritage Ways website or by clicking HERE.

Compensation

We understand that writing for The Journal is a big commitment. You are making a promise to write (or manage) 6 columns for issues through the next year. We want to make it as easy as possible, but we do need you to be diligent and follow through with your commitment. Currently, we are all volunteers, and no one receives any monetary compensation to work on The Journal. While it would be lovely to be able to pay staff, it’s not feasible right now. (You can help grow our readership by sharing with your friends and family!) All subscription and advertising revenue goes towards publishing, printing, and mailing costs. One perk of taking on this responsibility, however, is a personal subscription to The Journal at no cost to you. Please notify Dani, Subscription Manager, of any mailing address changes. th************@**********ys.com

Staff Agreement

In the new year, we will be implementing a written policy for our staff. This follows the expectations that have been present all along, but we are putting them in writing so that everyone is on the same page and so that the assignment is clear when you agree to write for The Journal.

  • “Staff” is defined as someone who has committed to writing in each issue and manages a feature or column. She/he is responsible for the content of the column even if none is otherwise submitted. In some cases, she/he is the sole author of said column.
  • Recommended word count for each column will be provided. In most cases, the word count is 300-500 words. Columns need to be substantial enough to provide satisfying content for the reader, yet short enough to allow all columns to be included in the newspaper.
  • For those columns which are open for the readership’s submissions, a Heritage Ways email address will be linked to forward emails to the column manager’s personal email address. No personal email addresses are publicly shared by The Journal. If the column manager chooses to respond to the sender, then his/her private/personal address will likely show up and can be seen.
  • To submit content for printing, please open your email and start writing OR write it on Word and paste it into the email. You can also write on NotePad on your device and highlight, copy and paste it to email. All content should be submitted to th********@**********ys.com . The recipient is Amanda C., Editor and Layout Editor. Please do not submit content for The Journal to Mrs. Katie’s email addresses as this causes more action steps to be forwarded to the Editor, Amanda C. A printable submission deadline calendar may be found at this link. as well as mentioned in each issue of The Journal.
  • NEW: We will do our best to make a short response to you within a reasonable amount of time when you email your content, so that you know we have received it. This response will probably come from a personal email, so be sure to check your spam folder if you have not received it. If you have not heard from someone within 7 days, please contact us to make sure that we received your submission.
  • All staff will receive a subscription to The Journal at no cost for the duration of her/his active participation in the writing and publishing process. If you have a current paid subscription, it is your responsibility to stop any recurring payments already set up. No refunds, full or partial, can be made for Journal subscriptions that are not cancelled.
  • All staff are expected to maintain an email through which Journal editors may contact you. This should be an email that you check regularly. Please make sure that Journal correspondence is not being blocked by your email provider. If your method of contact changes, please notify editors as soon as possible.
  • It is highly recommended that you sign up for reminder emails so that you can be reminded of when content is due. You may contact Mrs. Katie to have your email address added to that exclusive email reminder list. mr******@***********ys.com
  • We understand that things happen, and content may be late occasionally. An extra reminder may be sent by the editors, at their discretion, however if you do not respond with content at that time, your complimentary subscription will be put on hold, and you may be removed from your position.
  • If you repeatedly need the extra reminders, it may be time to consider if writing for The Journal is the right pursuit for you at this time.
  • In every situation, communication is key. Please take the time to keep us updated if events occur that may take priority over your commitment to The Journal.

We appreciate you and count you among our greatest Journal blessings! If it were not for the staff, managers, writers, contributors of The Journal, it would absolutely not exist. You ARE The Journal newspaper. The paper has grown in volume and in patronage with subscribers in four countries so far! Spread the word and share this good news.

Mrs. Katie, Owner, Publisher, Asst Editor
Amanda, Editor and Layout Editor
Dani, Subscription Manager