Guidelines for Submissions
We invite original essays on a range of topics related to Caribbean literature. Specifically, we welcome articles in English that are the result of scholarly research in literary textuality (fiction, poetry, drama, film, theory and criticism) of the Anglophone Caribbean and in translation from other parts of the archipelago. We also invite interviews, book reviews, and reviews of film and theatre productions.
Length
Submissions should be between 6,000 and 8,000 words, not including Works Cited lists and endnotes. Reviews of literary texts should be no longer than 1,000 words and reviews of critical, biographical and theoretical studies no longer than 1,500 words. We also ask you to include an abstract and keywords and a short bio (50 words) with your name, institutional affiliation and areas of research. The abstract (100-150 words) and bio should not precede your essay, but be entered in the relevant form fields below. If you are submitting only an abstract for consideration for a Call for Papers, you will upload the abstract instead of a full article. We will inform you if your abstract is accepted and let you know when to return to this page to upload the full paper.
Formatting
Please submit attachments only as Microsoft Word files. No PDF files can be accepted. Scholarly articles, book reviews, and interviews should conform to the style rules of the MLA Handbook, 9th Edition. Please also see JWIL’s “House Style” guidelines for additional instructions.
SUBMISSION PREPARATION CHECKLIST
- The submission has not been previously published, nor is it before another journal for consideration (or, if so, an explanation has been provided to the Editors).
- The submission file is in Microsoft Word format.
- The text is double-spaced; uses Baskerville 12-point font; uses italics for book titles, rather than underlining; and all illustrations, figures, and tables are placed within the text at the appropriate points, rather than at the end. Please ensure endnotes (titled as Notes) precede any Works Cited lists.
- For images, which you are encouraged to include in your article, please use the best resolution you can but at minimum 150 dpi JPEG or TIFF files.
- The text adheres to JWIL‘s stylistic and bibliographic requirements.
- A reminder: we use endnotes rather than footnotes. All citation details should be incorporated in the body of the text, where possible, in parenthetical citations. In your notes, avoid lengthy discussions that divert the reader’s attention from the primary text.
- Ensure your name and all identifying features are deleted from the submission, but make sure the title of your article is at the head of the document.
Thank you for your interest in contributing to the Journal of West Indian Literature. Queries may be directed to the Editors at editorial@jwilonline.org
