Could you use your writing skills to help preserve the past?


Are you a writer or researcher with an interest in history and new ideas for communicating with the general public?

Do you have some time to volunteer to write a new guide that will be read for years to come?

Would you like to help preserve a part of Britain's heritage?


If so read our FAQ below and follow the link to register:

  1. Register with us
  2. We'll put you in touch with a church looking for a writer
  3. Talk to your church about what they're looking for
  4. Read our guide and think about using personal stories
  5. Contact a mentor if you need help
  6. Write it up and send it for editing
  7. See if there are ways of using new media, YouTube, podcasts or websites, to help those who want to know more

FAQs

  • Who can be a church guide writer?
Writing a church guide is fun, challenging and fascinating. Anyone can do it provided they have an interest in churches, some experience as a writer and a few hours they don't mind donating. It's an ideal job for students, recent graduates, historians, journalists, archaeologists, architects, writers or anyone with a good turn of phrase and an interest in history. We want church guides to use new approaches to show visitors from all backgrounds what makes churches fascinating.
  • Why be a church guide writer?

There are lots of reasons to volunteer as a church guide writer. Above all its fun, stimulating and interesting. You can use it demonstrate your experience and skill as a freelance writer and academic researcher. You will probably be conducting original research, writing about churches that have rarely been written about before, and your guide will help generations of visitors to understand their surroundings.

  • How do you write a church guide?

There's no one way to write a church guide. Our online guide is a great place to start but familiarise yourself with other examples too. If you have experience in writing or carrying out research, draw on it!

  • Do I need to be near the church to write its guide?

You will need to visit the church and possibly to meet interested members of the congregation. You may also need to travel to the county record office (usually in the main city of the county) for research purposes. Otherwise it is entirely possible to write a guide from a distance provided you have access to a library and a computer. The only thing stopping you might be the cost of transport.

  • Is writing a church guide hard?

It can be. You will often be conducting original research and writing about churches that are barely known outside academic circles. However, if you have experience writing essays, articles or working on other research projects you will enjoy the challenge. We encourage writers to find new ways of communicating history, using personal stories, clear language and new technology to do so.

  • Do I have to be a Christian?

No. This website does exist to link Britain's historic churches with writers but it has no religious agenda. We believe religious communities can be dynamic living organisations and also appreciate the historic and artistic value of their buildings at the same time.

  • What help do I get?

We have a team of experienced mentors you can contact at any time during the process to ask for help with writing your church guide. All have studied parish church architectural history at advanced levels and have much experience in writing guides.

  • How quickly do I have to write my guide?

That's for you and your church to agree between you. Churches are very grateful for volunteers and there shouldn't be any time pressure. Writing a church guide can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months.

  • Will I get paid?
No. All writers are volunteers, but they will get a publication credits, the gratitude of a parish church and the knowledge that their words will be read for generations to come.

 

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