Gavin Howe
The law review submission process can be perplexing, even for the most seasoned scholars. While there is no correct answer to the question of how late one can submit an article, there are several factors to consider. Generally, submitting earlier in the cycle increases the likelihood of available article slots, and puts your work at the top of the digital reading pile. However, journals in the top 50-100 rankings may leave one to two spots open for late submissions, and law reviews still seeking papers will be on high alert for new submissions towards the middle and end of the main article selection periods. Additionally, some law reviews remain open during off-peak times, and many solicit articles for symposia and special issues on an ad hoc basis. Authors can increase their chances of publication by targeting specific law reviews, considering the journal's aims and scope, prestige, and exclusive submission track options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Submission process | Authors submit articles to law reviews or journals, either directly or via services like Scholastica or Expresso. |
| Submission timing | There is no set submission season, but most articles are submitted between February-March and August-September. Some law reviews remain open during off-peak times. |
| Early submission advantages | Submitting early may increase the chances of acceptance as there are more article "slots" available, and the article is at the top of the reading pile. |
| Late submission advantages | Law reviews seeking papers will be on high alert for new submissions towards the middle and end of the main article selection periods. Journals in the top 50-100 rankings may leave spots open for late submissions. |
| Exclusive submissions | Exclusive submission tracks allow authors to pre-commit to publishing in a particular law review if their article is accepted. This usually requires exclusivity for 1-3 weeks and results in a guaranteed decision within a set period. |
| Anonymity | Some journals, like Harvard, Stanford, and Yale, expect anonymous submissions. |
| Additional considerations | Authors should consider the aims and scope of their article, the prestige of the journal, and whether the journal accepts submissions via email, mail, or Scholastica. |
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What You'll Learn
The pros and cons of submitting early
While there is no definitive answer to the question of when to submit a law review article, there are several pros and cons to submitting early that are worth considering.
One advantage of submitting early is that there are likely to be more article "slots" available, particularly in the top 50-100 law reviews, which tend to fill up the fastest. Submitting early may also put your article at the top of the digital reading pile, increasing the chances of it being noticed by editors. Additionally, if you have a particular law review in mind that you are keen on, submitting early in their submission cycle can demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to publishing with them.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to submitting early. One consideration is the expedite process, where websites or services batch-submit your manuscript to multiple journals at once. Submitting early in the cycle may not be necessary or advantageous if you plan to use these services, as they can help your article reach journals early in their selection processes. Additionally, submitting during peak times may increase the competition and cause your submission to get lost among many others. Waiting until just before or after these peak times may be a better strategy to avoid the tidal wave of submissions and expedite requests.
Another factor to consider is the exclusivity of your submission. If you are planning to submit exclusively to one law review, you will need to agree to only submit to that journal for a designated timeframe, usually 1-3 weeks. Submitting exclusively can be a way to communicate that a particular law review is your first choice and increase your chances of being published by them. However, it may not increase your overall odds of getting a publication offer, and it may be beneficial to wait until early in the peak submission seasons to take advantage of this strategy.
In conclusion, while there are arguments for and against submitting early, the decision ultimately depends on your specific goals and preferences. It is essential to consider factors such as the exclusivity of your submission, the use of batch submission services, and the timing of peak submission periods to make an informed decision that aligns with your publication goals.
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The importance of exclusivity
While there is no definitive answer to how late one can submit a law review article, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, submitting earlier in the season increases the likelihood of available slots in the top-ranked law reviews. Secondly, some law reviews remain open during off-peak times to collect articles earlier or fill remaining slots, so submitting during these periods could be advantageous. Finally, exclusive submission tracks, where authors commit to submitting to one law review for 1-3 weeks, can increase the chances of a prompt decision from the desired law review.
Exclusive submission tracks are an increasingly popular option for authors who want to pre-commit to publishing in a particular law review. This strategy involves submitting exclusively to one law review for a designated timeframe, typically 1-3 weeks. This exclusivity demonstrates to the law review that the author is serious about publishing with them and can help move the article toward the top of the queue. Exclusive submissions also benefit law reviews by reducing the number of simultaneous submissions they have to manage and curbing the number of expedite requests.
One of the main advantages of exclusive submission tracks is the potential for a guaranteed decision within a set period. Authors can expect priority review or a guaranteed decision on their articles by a specific date in exchange for their exclusivity commitment. This benefit is particularly appealing to authors seeking quicker article decisions. However, it is important to note that exclusivity does not directly increase the odds of publication; instead, it communicates the author's commitment to the law review.
To maximise the benefits of exclusivity, authors should carefully select their top-choice law reviews and weigh the pros and cons of committing to exclusivity at different times of the year. It is generally advisable to make exclusive submissions ahead of the usual article selection cycles or early in the peak submission seasons. Authors should also consider the benefits offered by different law reviews, such as rapid decisions, soliciting exclusive submissions outside the traditional cycle, and providing substantive comments on rejected articles.
In conclusion, exclusivity in law review submissions is essential as it allows authors to express their commitment to a particular law review and increases the likelihood of a prompt decision. By strategically selecting their top-choice law reviews and timing their exclusive submissions, authors can increase their chances of a successful publication while also benefiting the law reviews' article management processes.
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Journal rankings and their importance
Journal rankings are an important consideration when submitting a law review article. While it can be challenging to translate journal quality into quantitative metrics, journal rankings offer a means to navigate the diverse range of scholarly publications. When deciding where to submit an article, authors may consider reviewing the methodologies of several rankings and selecting those that align with their priorities, which may evolve throughout their careers.
One well-known ranking system is Washington & Lee's Law Journal Rankings, which is based on Westlaw citation data from the previous eight years and is updated annually by the Law Library at the Washington & Lee Law School. This ranking includes over 1,500 journals, allowing users to sort by total citations, impact factor, or a combined score. However, it generally excludes bar journals, magazines, and newsletters, as well as non-English law journals.
Another ranking system is the Scimago Journal & Country Rank, which lists 602 journals related to legal subjects based on their SJR indicator, accounting for citation counts and the prestige of the citing journals. The University of Illinois Law Review Online also maintains a ranking of online law reviews based on Westlaw citations per article, impact factors, and U.S. News rankings. Additionally, the U.S. News Law School Peer Reputation Rankings are updated annually, considering U.S. News peer assessment scores, which contribute to a law school's overall ranking.
While journal rankings can provide valuable insights, it is essential to consider other factors when submitting a law review article. Authors should carefully select law reviews that align with their article's aims and scope, ensuring a good fit rather than solely prioritizing rankings. Additionally, the timing of submissions can impact the likelihood of acceptance, with earlier submissions generally having more "slots" available but later submissions potentially offering advantages as law reviews seek to fill remaining spaces.
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The submission process for top-tier journals
Understanding the Landscape: Top-tier law journals, such as those ranked in the top 50 to 100, are highly competitive and sought-after publications. These journals tend to fill up their article slots quickly, so submitting earlier in the season is generally advantageous. However, it's important to recognise that submission timing is not an exact science, and there can be benefits to submitting later as well.
Strategic Timing: While submitting early increases the chances of an open slot, journals also consider other factors like expedite requests, which can prioritise certain submissions. Therefore, submitting first doesn't always guarantee a faster review. Journals may also leave a spot or two open for late submissions, creating opportunities for authors who submit later in the season.
Exclusive Submission Tracks: Some journals offer exclusive submission tracks where authors commit to submitting exclusively to that journal for a designated timeframe, usually 1-3 weeks. This communicates that the journal is the author's first choice and can move their article toward the top of the queue. However, this option requires careful consideration and a strong preference for a particular journal.
Peak Submission Periods: Historically, the months of February, March, August, and September have seen the most law review openings and submissions. Submitting during these peak periods increases the likelihood that most law reviews will be open and actively reviewing articles. However, some law reviews also operate during off-peak times to collect articles earlier or fill remaining slots.
Submission Methods and Requirements: Top-tier journals may have specific submission methods and requirements. Some journals accept submissions via email, mail, or online platforms like Scholastica. Others, such as the "flagship" journals at Harvard, Stanford, and Yale, require submissions through their proprietary websites and expect anonymous submissions. It's essential to consult each journal's guidelines and formatting requirements before submitting.
Selectivity and Fit: Quality takes precedence over quantity in the submission process. Authors should be selective and focus on journals that align with their publication goals and the scope of their article. While rankings are important, ensuring that the article fits the journal's niche and topical focus areas is crucial. Reading recent issues of the target journal helps determine whether your work is a good match.
Open Access Considerations: Authors should also consider whether they want their work to be openly accessible. Studies have shown that open access journals offer a citation advantage over subscription-based journals. Checking the copyright policies of the journal or using resources like the Directory of Open Access Journals can help make an informed decision.
In conclusion, navigating the submission process for top-tier law journals requires a strategic approach that combines timely submissions, an understanding of journal dynamics, and a careful consideration of fit and accessibility. Authors should stay adaptable and open to opportunities that may arise during both peak and off-peak submission periods.
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How to increase your chances of acceptance
While there is no definitive answer to how late you can submit a law review article, there are several strategies you can employ to increase your chances of acceptance. Here are some detailed tips to help improve your chances of getting your law review article accepted:
Start with your interests:
Choose a subject area that genuinely excites you based on your legal studies, career, or personal experiences. When you're passionate about a topic, it shows in your writing. This enthusiasm will help keep your writing engaging and may even persuade editors to publish your work.
Identify gaps in existing literature:
Read recent law review articles and look for areas where scholars disagree or where questions remain unanswered. By addressing these gaps, you can make a unique contribution to the field and increase your chances of being noticed by editors.
Be strategic about submission timing:
Although there is no hard science for when to submit, submitting early in the season may increase your chances. Top-ranked journals tend to fill up quickly, so submitting early could increase the likelihood of an open slot. However, don't discount submitting later in the season. Some law reviews actively seek articles during off-peak times, and journals in the top 50-100 rankings may leave spots open for late submissions.
Target specific journals:
Be selective about the law reviews you submit to. Consider the aims and scope of your article and look for journals that align with your topic. For example, if your paper focuses on a niche subject like environmental law, consider submitting to specialty journals or local law reviews. Additionally, research whether the journal accepts submissions via email, mail, or platforms like Scholastica, and ensure you adhere to their submission guidelines.
Consider exclusive submissions:
If there's a particular law review you're interested in, check if they offer an exclusive submission track. By agreeing to submit exclusively to them for a designated timeframe, you can increase your chances of being published in your top-choice journal.
Utilize resources:
Take advantage of resources like Scholastica, which can help you manage your submissions more efficiently. Scholastica allows you to search for specific law reviews, filter journals by category, and view each journal's guidelines. You can also use their Discussions feature to communicate directly with editors and send bulk messages to multiple law reviews simultaneously.
By following these strategies, you can enhance your chances of acceptance when submitting your law review article. Remember, it's about quality over quantity, so focus on targeting the right journals and presenting your work effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no hard and fast rule, but generally, the earlier you submit, the better your chances. The top 50-100 law reviews tend to fill up the fastest, and submitting early puts you at the top of the digital reading pile.
Journals in the top 50-100 rankings may leave one or two spots open for late submissions, but this is not guaranteed. It is best to submit to your top picks earlier in the season.
The majority of articles are submitted between February-March and August-September. However, some law reviews remain open during off-peak times to collect articles earlier or finish filling slots.
Submit to a targeted list of law reviews that are a good fit for your article's niche and your publication goals. You can use platforms like Scholastica to search for specific law reviews and filter by category.
