Keith Mack
Submitting a law review article to other publications is a complex process that many people don't fully understand. However, there are several tips that can improve your chances of publication. Firstly, it's important to be selective and create a targeted list of 3-5 top-choice law reviews based on your article's topic, niche, and your publication goals. You can then start looking for alternative options and use platforms like Scholastica to quickly sort law reviews by category. Timing is also crucial; submitting during peak periods can increase your chances, but quieter periods may result in less competition and more attention from operating journals. Before submitting, ensure your article stands out by choosing a subject you're passionate about and identifying gaps in existing literature. Finally, don't forget to check your citations and include a well-crafted cover letter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of publications to submit to | 3-5 top-choice law reviews, then 10+ alternate options |
| Type of publication | Local law reviews, specialty titles, well-known journals, online companion journals |
| Timing | Peak times for submissions are Fall and July |
| Content | Compelling, on a subject the writer is passionate about, and filling gaps in existing literature |
| Format | Correct citations, a detailed abstract, and a concise CV |
| Cover letter | Up-front about any re-submissions and highlighting any editorial improvements |
| Expedite requests | Possible through Scholastica |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right publications
Journal Impact and Visibility
Consider the potential reach and visibility of your article by selecting law reviews that follow search engine optimization (SEO) best practices and offer digital promotion opportunities. This will help ensure that your article is easily accessible and can be found by your target audience.
Journal Ranking and Prestige
While rankings should not be the sole criterion, they are a factor to consider when choosing publications. Consult reputable sources, such as the Washington & Lee Law School Library, which ranks law journals by subject, country, impact factor, and immediacy index (based on citation counts). Aim for a balance between journal prestige and the fit of your article with the journal's scope.
Journal Specialization and Fit
Carefully consider the aims and scope of your article. If your article focuses on a niche topic or a specific region, look for law reviews that align with that specialty. For example, if your article is about environmental law, consider submitting to specialty titles focused on environmental issues or local law reviews relevant to the region discussed in your article.
Timing and Submission Opportunities
Pay attention to the timing and submission opportunities of your target law reviews. Some publications have peak submission periods, while others accept articles throughout the year. Consider submitting during quieter periods, as you may face less competition and potentially gain more attention from editors. Additionally, keep an eye out for symposia and special issues that solicit articles on an ad hoc basis.
Open Access and Availability
Evaluate the accessibility of the journal. Consider whether it is open access or behind a paywall. Open access journals can increase the visibility and impact of your article by making it freely available to a wider audience. Check if the journal is included in subscription databases like Westlaw and Lexis, as well as the Directory of Open Access Journals.
Personal Interests and Reputation
Choose publications that align with your interests, passions, and career goals. Consider the reputation of the journals and their relevance to your specific area of law. Publishing in well-known, respected journals can enhance your credibility and increase the likelihood of your article being noticed by recruiters and law firms.
Remember, it's about quality over quantity. Be selective and tailor your submissions to the publications that best fit your article's scope, audience, and impact goals.
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Timing your submission
Firstly, it is essential to understand the law review publication landscape. Law reviews typically have peak seasons when they receive and review the most submissions. Targeting your submissions during these peak periods can increase your chances of success. Scholastica, a platform that assists with law review submissions, releases annual reports and insights on submission season data. Checking these reports can help you identify the busiest months for submissions and align your timing with these periods.
However, it is worth noting that submitting during quieter periods can also have advantages. Mid-tier publications may be operating with less competition during these times, increasing your chances of getting noticed. Additionally, some law reviews remain open during off-peak times to collect articles earlier or fill remaining slots after busy submission periods. Therefore, even if you miss the peak submission window, opportunities for publication may still be available.
Secondly, creating a targeted list of law reviews is essential. Consider your article's niche or specialty and align it with law reviews that are a good fit. For example, if your article focuses on a specific US state's environmental legal implications, local law reviews or specialty titles on environmental issues may be more receptive. Platforms like Scholastica allow you to search and filter law reviews by category, making it easier to identify the most suitable publications for your work.
Lastly, be mindful of each law review's timing requirements and guidelines. Law journals have different submission policies, formatting requirements, and decision timeframes. Acquaint yourself with these details to ensure your submission aligns with their expectations and increases your chances of a favourable response.
In conclusion, timing your submission involves a strategic combination of understanding the law review publication cycle, targeting the right publications for your article, and staying informed about each law review's unique requirements and guidelines. By considering these factors, you can improve your chances of a successful submission and publication.
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Formatting and editing
Formatting:
When formatting your article, it is essential to consult the specific guidelines of your target law reviews or journals. Different publications may have varying requirements for formatting, and adhering to these guidelines is essential for making a positive first impression on editors. Georgetown Law Library provides resources, including a journal-by-journal chart, that outlines the formatting requirements of over 200 law journals. This can be a valuable resource to ensure your article meets the expected formatting standards.
Editing:
The editing process is integral to refining your article and increasing its chances of publication. Here are some specific editing tips to consider:
- Write a compelling abstract: Spend considerable time crafting a concise and engaging abstract that highlights the significance of your article. The abstract is often the first thing editors and readers will encounter, so make sure it captures their interest and clearly communicates the value of your work.
- Check your citations: Ensure that your citations are accurate and meet the rigorous standards of law reviews. Inaccurate or improperly formatted citations can detract from the overall quality of your article. Take the time to review and verify each citation before submission.
- Identify gaps in existing literature: Read recent law review articles to identify areas where there are knowledge gaps or ongoing debates. Addressing these gaps in your article will make it more relevant and valuable to readers.
- Reflect on previous feedback: If your article has been previously submitted to other publications, reflect on the feedback received during the student editing process. Consider whether there are aspects of your article that could be explained better or counter-arguments that need to be more convincingly rebutted.
- Be mindful of word choice and clarity: Law review articles should be written concisely and clearly. Review your article to ensure that your wording is precise and easy for your target audience to understand. Avoid jargon or complicated phrases that may confuse or detract from your main points.
- Consider an exclusive submission track: Some law reviews offer exclusive submission tracks where you commit to publishing in their journal if your article is accepted. This option can increase your chances with a preferred publication and demonstrate your strong interest in their journal.
Remember, the formatting and editing process is an opportunity to refine your article and ensure it adheres to the standards and expectations of your target law reviews or journals. Utilize the available resources, such as those offered by Georgetown Law Library and Scholastica, to make informed decisions and increase the likelihood of a successful submission.
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Using submission services
When it comes to submitting a law review article, there are several submission services available that can help you navigate the often-confounding process. These services can help you identify suitable journals, manage submissions, and improve your chances of publication.
Scholastica
Scholastica is a popular platform that supports the submissions and article selection processes of numerous law reviews. It allows you to quickly sort law reviews by category (e.g., general law, civil rights, constitutional) to narrow down your options. You can also check if a law review offers an exclusive submission track, where you commit to publishing in that review if your article is accepted. This exclusivity can be a great way to show your interest in a particular law review and potentially expedite the process.
Journal and Law Review Directories
Several directories provide comprehensive information on law-related periodicals, journals, and law reviews. Ulrich's, for example, covers periodicals worldwide in all disciplines, including law. It provides contact information, circulation figures, and links to publishers' sites. You can use advanced search features to focus on specific criteria, such as the country of publication and the subject area. Additionally, the Washington & Lee Law School Library offers a site that lists law journals by subject, country, and other factors, allowing you to rank journals by impact factor or immediacy index.
University Resources
Many universities, such as Harvard and Georgetown Law, provide guides and resources for submitting articles to law reviews and journals. These resources often include tips on writing and editing your work, as well as information on submission policies, formatting requirements, and contact details for various law journals. For instance, the Georgetown Law Library offers a journal-by-journal chart that outlines the formatting requirements and submission policies of over 200 law journals.
Online Repositories
Online repositories like SSRN (Social Science Research Network) provide another avenue for submitting legal scholarship. These platforms often accept submissions from various social science disciplines, including law, and can be a great way to reach a wider audience.
Timing and Exclusivity
When using submission services, it's important to consider the timing of your submissions. Some authors suggest submitting during quieter periods, as you may face less competition and attract more attention from operating journals. Additionally, staggering your submissions can allow you to customize them for specific law reviews, although submitting in bulk ensures your article reaches multiple reviews early in their selection processes. If you're pursuing an exclusive law review track, remember that you'll need to submit to that title alone initially.
In conclusion, utilizing submission services can greatly aid your law review article submission process. These services provide valuable insights, streamline journal identification, and offer guidance on formatting and timing. However, remember that each law review has its own preferences and submission requirements, so adaptability and attention to detail are key.
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Sending a cover letter
When sending a cover letter as part of your law review submission, there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, be selective about the law reviews you choose to send your article to. Consider the aims and scope of your article and look for law reviews that are a good fit for your specific topic and publication goals. For instance, if your article is on a niche topic, such as environmental law in a particular region, consider submitting to local law reviews or specialty titles focused on that area of law.
It is also important to consider the prestige of the law review. If there are well-known journals that you are keen to be published in, such as those listed in the Washington & Lee Law Journal Rankings, you may want to prioritise submitting to them. However, remember that the fit between your article and the journal is more important than rankings.
To increase your chances of publication, consider submitting during peak times when most law reviews are open and reviewing articles. You can find this information through resources like Scholastica, which provides insights into submission season trends and allows you to filter journals by category. Additionally, some law reviews solicit articles for symposia and special issues, so keep an eye out for these opportunities.
When crafting your cover letter, be upfront about any previous submissions of your article and highlight any editorial improvements you have made. It is also essential to pay attention to your CV, ensuring it is tailored to your submission and showcases your most relevant experience. Finally, don't forget to carefully check your citations before submitting your article, as law reviews have rigorous standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can submit your article to multiple law reviews, but it is recommended to be selective and narrow it down to the ones that are the best fit for your article and publication goals.
Submitting during peak times could increase your chances of publication as most law reviews will be open and reviewing articles. However, some law reviews remain open during off-peak times to collect articles earlier or fill remaining slots. Submitting during quieter periods may also increase your chances of getting into a mid-tier publication.
You can use a platform like Scholastica to search for specific law reviews, filter journals by category, and view each journal's guidelines. You can also check a journal-by-journal chart compiled by Allen Rostron and Nancy Levit that describes the formatting requirements, submission policies, and contact information for over 200 law journals.
Before submitting, remember to check your citations to ensure they meet rigorous standards. You should also spend time on your CV and abstract, highlighting the most relevant experience for your submission. If your article has been previously rejected, include a cover letter that is upfront about the re-submission and highlights any editorial improvements.
Yes, platforms like Scholastica allow you to include anonymized files in group submissions.
