Instructions for authors

We accept manuscripts for themed issues, or on a rolling basis. Authors can upload submissions to https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/ejopa/ at any time. Final manuscripts will be subject to copy-editing and proofing prior to publication.

Earlier submissions than the stated deadline are welcome and appreciated. All submissions must follow the format outlined in the information below.

The eJournal of Public Affairs is a peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary, open-access electronic journal published by Missouri State University in partnership with the American Democracy Project. We welcome submissions from various disciplines, points of view, and subject matter related to civic engagement.  

1. Draft content

Content should be written in a Word.doc file with 1-inch margins all around, Georgia typeface, double-spaced,

  • Original research should be limited to 6,000 words.
  • Book reviews should be limited to 1,500 words
  • Tables and figures should be cleanly placed in content according to APA style
  • Graphics and photographs are considered figures

2. Use APA style to guide formatting 

 Follow formatting guidelines of the current Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_style_introduction.html

APA should include:

  • Title page
  • Author note
  • Abstract
  • Main content
  • References
  • Appendices
  • Author bio

3. De-identify the manuscript document before submitting

Remove all identifying information from the manuscript’s metadata. In Microsoft Word: click on the Tools menu >Options > Security > Remove personal information from file properties on save.

4. Submit all documents to our internal review and editing website 

We use a Digital Commons page: https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/ejopa/ 

Notes:

  • Titles should be no more than 12 words in length (not counting articles like “a,” or “the”). Longer titles should be split into a main title and then a subtitle.
  • Abstracts follow the title page, 250 words max limit.
  • Define all measurement units and abbreviations in Appendix table notes
  • Any supplemental graphics and images that do not have a specific location in the text, should be placed in Appendix
  • For each author, write max 150 words. Authors may include a self-portrait photo – 150 (px wide) x 200 (px high), but it may or may not be used.
  • There is a section for cover letters in the online submission form. If you choose to write a cover letter, include your name, institution and program title, mailing address, and the category (is it an article, editorial, review, or resource) of your submission in the email or cover letter.

Submitting through our review and editing site

1. Register or log in at the URL: https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/ejopa/

2. Select “Submit Article” in the right sidebar

3. Review policies and disclaimers pages

4. Provide information about yourself

5. Add authors (Note: the first name will be the corresponding author)

6. Enter metadata: Includes – title, short title, keywords, disciplines, document type, abstract

7. Upload document (most likely, you will “Upload file from your computer”)

Authors receive an email verification after finishing the submission process. We will
contact you following this process about potential peer review or additional information.

Note that the publication website we build issues on is kept separate from the site we display our content for reading and viewing.

For questions: email ejournalpa@missouristate.edu

Information for guest editors

  1. Call for Submissions: Guest editors, with assistance from EJOPA editors, will develop a Call for Submissions, which should include estimated deadlines for submissions and publication.

  2. Guest editors will work with an EJOPA managing editor: Guest editors should be prepared to recruit articles and other materials for submission. It sometimes becomes necessary for guest editors to provide reviewers due to the to the nature of their special themed topic. All steps are overseen by the managing editor.

  3. Assign reviewers: Everyone will receive notifications of submissions. Guest editors will work with the managing editor to decide if the article is acceptable for review. Guest editors will provide recommendations to assign one reviewer and the Managing editor will assign one.

  4. Editorial decision: After both reviews are received, guest editors and a managing editor, will discuss and determine how to proceed with the article. In some cases, guest editors may be asked to contact the author(s) and discuss the editors’ decisions in collaboration with the managing editor.

  5. Copy editing: EJOPA staff is responsible for all copy edits.

  6. Opening Essay: Guest editors will write an opening essay/editorial that describes the special topic. e.g. “What does the scholarship say about the special topic? “How do institutions, government or educational, respond to the issue?” A brief outline of materials included in the issue will be provided. Guest editors will work with the managing editor, which should include a draft sent at least two weeks prior to publication.

  7. EJOPA will provide DOIs.

  8. All editorial decisions, content, and layout decisions are subject to approval from the EJOPA lead editor.

  9. Estimated timeline:
    • Call for Submissions: 3-6 months prior to submission deadline
    • Submission Deadline: Determined by all parties
    • Assigning Reviewers: Editors will strive to assign reviewers within a week of receiving a submission
    • Reviewer Acceptance: Reviewers will have 1 week to accept or decline the request to review, if no response or reviewer declines, editors will assign another reviewer
    • Review Deadline: After accepting, reviewers have 2 weeks to complete review. Editors should follow-up weekly to track and insure progress, contacting reviewers, editors, and authors as needed
    • Editorial Decision: Within 1 week after receiving both reviews, editors will consult and contact author(s)
    • Author Response to Editors’ Decision: To be determined by all parties
    • Copy Editing: 3 days per article
    • Opening Essay: 2 weeks prior to publication

Timeline checklist for guest editors

Item Time out from publication
Guest editor named 8-9 months
Decision on topic and title of issue 6-8 months

Guest editor solicits 5-7 manuscripts from their contacts

6 months out

Guest editor tracks commitments and declines

6 months out

Guest editor shares plan with Deputy Editor/Executive Board

5 months out

Guest editor consults with Deputy Editor/ Executive Board on additional outreach for manuscripts

4 months out

Guest editor checks in with confirmed authors

4 months out

Guest editor begins planning their summative editorial

4 months out

Guest editor solicits additional manuscripts (if authors express potential inability to deliver on time)

3 months out

Guest editor selects peer review pool with Deputy Editor/Executive Board 

3 months out

Guest editor assigns 2-3 reviewers to each submitted manuscript

3 months out

Initial manuscript submissions received

3 months out

Guest editor checks in with peer reviewers to ensure full manuscript review and feedback provided to authors

2 months out

Peer reviews delivered to authors

2 months out

Guest editor liaises with authors to address questions regarding peer review

2 months out

Authors submit revised manuscripts to journal

1 month out

Second round of peer review as needed

1 month out

Guest editor submits summative editorial

2 weeks out

Final submissions copy editing

1 week out

Final publication

Publication Date