As part of the submission process, authors are required to check off their submission's compliance with all of the following items, and submissions may be returned to authors that do not adhere to these guidelines.
The submission has not been previously published, nor is it before another journal for consideration (or an explanation has been provided in Comments to the Editor).
The submission file is in OpenOffice, Microsoft Word, or RTF document file format.
Where available, URLs for the references have been provided.
The text is single-spaced; uses a 12-point font; employs italics, rather than underlining (except with URL addresses); and all illustrations, figures, and tables are placed within the text at the appropriate points, rather than at the end.
The text adheres to the stylistic and bibliographic requirements outlined in the Author Guidelines.
Author Guidelines
Journal of the West is a journal dedicated to the study of the history, culture, society, and intellectual life of the western regions, broadly defined. The journal welcomes original research that advances historical understanding through critical analysis, archival research, and interdisciplinary perspectives grounded in historical inquiry.
The journal is indexed in Web of Science (AHCI) and Scopus, and publishes high-quality scholarship for an international academic audience.
Scope of the Journal The journal invites submissions in, but not limited to, the following areas: Western history (regional, national, transnational, and comparative) Social, political, cultural, and intellectual history Indigenous histories and perspectives Borderlands and frontier studies Environmental history Migration, settlement, and community formation Historical memory, identity, and representation Interdisciplinary studies with a clear historical foundation
Types of Contributions The journal accepts the following categories of manuscripts: Research Articles: Original scholarly research Review Essays: Critical engagement with multiple works or historiographical debates Book Reviews: By invitation or prior approval of the editors Archival Notes / Research Notes: Shorter contributions based on primary sources
Manuscript Length Research Articles: 6,000–9,000 words (including notes, excluding bibliography where applicable) Review Essays: 3,000–5,000 words Book Reviews: 800–1,200 words Research Notes: 2,000–4,000 words
Manuscript Preparation Authors should ensure that manuscripts are prepared carefully before submission.
Formatting File format: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) Font: Times New Roman, 12-point Line spacing: Double-spaced throughout, including notes Margins: 1 inch on all sides Page numbers: Bottom right
Language Manuscripts must be written in clear, formal academic English British or American spelling may be used, but consistency must be maintained
Title Page A separate title page must include: Title of the manuscript Full name(s) of author(s) Institutional affiliation(s) ORCID iD (if available) Corresponding author’s email address A brief author biography (50–70 words)
Abstract and Keywords Abstract length: 150–250 words Keywords: 4–6 relevant terms The abstract should clearly state the research problem, methodology, sources, and key findings.
Citation and Referencing Style The journal follows the Chicago Manual of Style (Notes and Bibliography system). Footnotes or endnotes must be used for citations Bibliographies should be complete and accurate Archival sources must be cited with sufficient detail for verification Authors are responsible for ensuring citation accuracy and consistency.
Figures, Tables, and Illustrations Figures and tables must be numbered sequentially Each figure or table should include a clear title and source Images must be high resolution and submitted as separate files Authors are responsible for obtaining permission for any copyrighted material
Ethical Standards Authors must adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity. Submissions must be original and not under consideration elsewhere All sources must be properly acknowledged Plagiarism, data fabrication, or misrepresentation will result in rejection Any potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed
Peer Review Process All research articles undergo blind peer review. Initial editorial screening for scope and quality Review by independent expert reviewers Authors may be asked to revise and resubmit Final decisions rest with the editorial board
Copyright and Licensing Authors retain full copyright of their work. All accepted articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license, allowing reuse with proper attribution to the author(s) and the journal.
Author Responsibilities Authors are responsible for: Accuracy of content and citations Securing permissions for third-party materials Ensuring compliance with journal guidelines Responding to reviewer comments in a timely and professional manner
Submission Process Manuscripts should be submitted through the journal’s official submission system or via the email address provided on the journal website. Authors will receive an acknowledgment upon successful submission.
Contact For submission inquiries or editorial correspondence, authors should contact the editorial office through the journal’s official communication channels.