If you’ve overcome a challenge and found strength through faith, hope, or perseverance, your story could inspire others.
Guideposts is one of the most trusted names in inspirational media, and they pay $250 for accepted stories.
They’re looking for true accounts of transformation, faith, and personal growth — stories that leave readers with hope they can carry into their own lives.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what Guideposts is all about, what they’re seeking, and how you can submit your own story.
Let’s get started.
What is Guideposts?
Guideposts is a U.S.-based inspirational magazine that publishes true, faith-centered stories meant to offer hope and encouragement.
Founded in 1945 by Norman Vincent Peale and his wife, Ruth Stafford Peale, it has grown into one of the most widely read magazines of its kind, reaching millions of readers each year.
Its mission is to inspire through real-life stories of faith in action.
Alongside its flagship magazine, Guideposts also publishes titles like Mysterious Ways, which focuses on life’s unexplained moments, and Angels on Earth, which shares stories of heavenly and earthly angels.
They openly welcome contributors from all walks of life to share their own experiences.
Whether it’s a small but profound moment or a life-changing event, Guideposts encourages writers to step forward with stories that can touch and uplift others.
What kind of content do they accept?
Guideposts is looking for:
- True, first-person narratives
- A single, focused event rather than a full life story
- A clear transformation or lesson rooted in faith
- Scene-based storytelling that immerses the reader
- A spiritual takeaway the audience can apply in their own lives
The scope is wide.
Stories may cover everyday struggles like family conflict, moments of divine intervention, surviving an accident, adapting to a major life change, or receiving unexpected kindness.
They accept:
- Full-length stories (1,200–1,500 words)
- Shorter features (300–600 words)
- Department pieces for Mysterious Ways or What Prayer Can Do
They do not accept fiction, poetry, sermons, general essays, or book-length manuscripts.
What are their writing guidelines?
The most important rule: tell the story from the perspective of the person most changed by the experience.
You’ll need to:
- Include all relevant facts so readers clearly understand what happened
- Build your story around vivid scenes that make the reader feel present
- Show the transformation as it unfolds, leading to a clear spiritual insight
For Angels on Earth, keep the same approach but focus on encounters or acts of kindness that felt divinely inspired — whether in dreams, mysterious meetings, or everyday moments.
Who can write for them?
Guideposts welcomes submissions from anyone with a true, inspirational story to share.
You don’t have to be a professional writer — many published pieces are by everyday people who simply have a powerful story.
International submissions are welcome, though the publication’s audience is primarily American.
How much do they pay?
While their current guidelines don’t list exact rates, past contributors have reported $250 for full-length stories.
Shorter contributions and departmental features may be paid at different rates.
Guideposts pays writers when their story is accepted.
Note:
You do not get paid just for submitting.
You get paid if your piece is accepted and published.
Why should I write for them?
Writing for Guideposts is more than just getting published — it’s about impact. Your story could give someone the hope they need during a difficult season.
You’ll connect with a large, faith-driven audience and join a long tradition of storytelling that uplifts and inspires.
The act of reflecting on and writing your experience can be deeply rewarding in itself, offering fresh perspective and spiritual growth.
And while the pay is modest, it’s a meaningful bonus for work that can change lives.
There’s also the chance to become part of a respected network of contributors whose words have touched countless readers over the years.
Being published in Guideposts can add credibility to your writing and open doors to future opportunities.
Most importantly, you never know whose life you might change with your story.
A single sentence, lesson, or moment you share could be the encouragement that helps someone else hold on and keep moving forward.
How do I get started?
- Read recent issues to understand the tone and style
- Choose one life event where faith played a clear role
- Write your story in first person, using vivid, scene-based details
- Highlight the transformation and spiritual insight at the end
- Email your story to
submissions@guideposts.org - For Angels on Earth, send it to
submissions@angelsonearth.org - Allow up to two months for a response — if you don’t hear back, you’re free to submit elsewhere
Ready to submit your story?
Head over to their website to get started.
Final thoughts
Guideposts has been a trusted voice for hope and faith for generations.
If you have a story that could bring light to someone else’s life, take the leap and share it.
Whether it’s a moment of divine intervention, a challenge that shaped you, or an act of kindness that restored your faith, your words could be the lifeline someone needs.
And with $250 for accepted stories, it’s an opportunity to inspire others while being rewarded for your work.
Submitting to Guideposts also gives you the chance to see your story alongside others that have touched millions over the years.
Being part of that tradition can be an incredible honor and a powerful affirmation of your journey.
Even if your submission isn’t accepted right away, the process of writing and sharing your experience can be transformative — reminding you of the strength you’ve shown and the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
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START A BLOG ➤Looking for more sites that pay you to write?
Here’s a curated list of sites that pay writers.
You’ll find magazines, websites, and platforms in all kinds of niches, from poetry, fiction, and greeting cards to travel, lifestyle, parenting, and more.
Each site includes everything you need to know — from the type of content they’re looking for, to how much they pay, to how to submit your work — so you can confidently land your next paid writing gig.
SEE THE FULL LIST ➤
