Writing for Waymarks

Waymarks issues include both academic articles and shorter think pieces explicitly connecting past to present.

Articles (5,000 to 7,000 words): historical investigations of the Presbyterian and Reformed experience since the Reformation--both in the United States and elsewhere in the world--will be considered. While grounded in solid scholarship, articles should be written to appeal to a broad audience of Presbyterians and the general public as well as to professional historians. Authors should avoid the technical jargon of academic specialties in favor of crisp, lively prose. Authors should also remember that the majority of Waymarks readers are from the United States--a fact that authors should take into consideration as they set the context for their articles. Article submissions should include endnote citations, and authors are encouraged to append a brief list of secondary sources under the heading “For Further Reading.” By submitting an article to Waymarks, you are claiming it is an original work. The paper should not be under consideration for publication in another journal.

Think pieces and commentaries (1,000 to 2,000 words): short essays that explicitly connect Presbyterian and Reformed history to the present will be considered. Essays should have academic credibility but be accessible to thoughtful, educated, non-expert readers. Only direct quotations need to be cited. The editors also welcome proposals for several think pieces around a relevant topic, with recommendations for the authors of each piece.
 

Manuscript Style and Format

We generally follow The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th edition. References should be formatted as endnotes, not footnotes. Please submit manuscripts in Word or PDF format to [email protected]. Number pages consecutively and format quotations of more than 60 words as block quotes. Include a short, descriptive title. For article submissions, include an abstract of approximately 100 words summarizing the content.

Process

Upon receipt, the senior editors will determine if your submission should enter the peer review process. If the article or think piece is peer-reviewed, the reviewer(s) will submit reports to the editors, who will decide on acceptance, revision, or rejection. The process normally takes several months.

Illustrations/Copy Editing

If your submission is accepted, you may be asked to provide appropriate illustrations to accompany your article or think piece. You will receive an edited copy of your manuscript to review before publication.

Copyright

If your submission is accepted, you will be asked to sign a standard form transferring copyright to the Presbyterian Historical Society.

Complimentary Copies

Authors of articles will receive one complimentary print copy of the issue in which the article appears plus a copy of the electronic version of the issue. Authors of shorter pieces will receive the electronic version of the issue. Additional print copies are available for purchase.

Distribution

We send Waymarks to individual and institutional subscribers as well as donors to the Presbyterian Historical Society. Learn how to subscribe here.

Additional Questions?

Please contact our Editorial Assistant.