Cecily Zamora
Determining how many law reviews to submit your article to is a strategic decision that depends on several factors, including the article’s quality, its niche, and your career goals. For highly polished, groundbreaking pieces, targeting top-tier journals may yield better results, even if it means fewer submissions. Conversely, if your work addresses a specialized or emerging area of law, casting a wider net by submitting to multiple mid-tier or regional law reviews could increase the chances of acceptance. Additionally, consider the time and effort required for each submission, as well as the potential overlap in review timelines. Balancing ambition with practicality is key—aim for a mix of aspirational and realistic options to maximize both exposure and the likelihood of publication.
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What You'll Learn
Determining Article Quality and Fit
When determining how many law reviews to submit your article to, the first step is to critically assess the quality of your article. A high-quality article is well-researched, original, and makes a significant contribution to the legal discourse. Evaluate whether your piece fills a gap in existing scholarship, offers a novel argument, or provides practical insights. Peer reviews or feedback from colleagues can be invaluable in this process. If your article is groundbreaking or timely, it may warrant submission to top-tier law reviews. Conversely, if it is more niche or exploratory, targeting specialized journals might be more appropriate. Understanding your article’s strengths and limitations will help you gauge its competitiveness and determine the range of law reviews to consider.
The fit between your article and a law review is equally crucial. Each law review has its own focus, scope, and audience. Research the mission statements, recent publications, and editorial preferences of potential journals to ensure alignment. For example, a highly theoretical article may be better suited for a general law review, while a piece focused on environmental law should target journals specializing in that area. Consider the length requirements, citation style, and thematic priorities of each journal. Submitting to law reviews where your article naturally fits increases the likelihood of acceptance and ensures your work reaches the intended audience.
Another factor in determining fit is the reputation and impact of the law review. Top-tier journals, such as those at prestigious law schools, are highly competitive and may receive hundreds of submissions. If your article is exceptional and aligns with their standards, it may be worth submitting to these journals. However, be realistic about the chances of acceptance. Mid-tier and specialized law reviews often provide excellent exposure and can be a better fit for articles that are strong but not necessarily groundbreaking. Balancing ambition with practicality is key when deciding where to submit.
The number of submissions should also reflect your article’s quality and fit. For a highly polished, innovative article, submitting to 5–10 top-tier and mid-tier law reviews may be appropriate. This approach maximizes exposure while maintaining a strategic focus. For articles with a narrower scope or less competitive edge, targeting 3–5 specialized or regional law reviews might be more effective. Avoid shotgun submissions to numerous journals, as this can dilute your efforts and may be seen as unstrategic. Instead, prioritize quality over quantity by carefully selecting journals that align with your article’s strengths and goals.
Finally, consider the timeline and exclusivity policies of law reviews when determining your submission strategy. Many journals have exclusivity requirements, meaning they will not review an article that is simultaneously under consideration elsewhere. If your article is time-sensitive, such as addressing a recent legal development, you may need to prioritize faster-reviewing journals. In such cases, submitting to fewer, well-chosen law reviews can expedite the publication process. Understanding these logistical factors ensures that your submission strategy aligns with both the quality of your article and the practicalities of the law review process.
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Targeting Tiered Law Reviews
When deciding how many law reviews to target for your article submission, adopting a tiered approach can maximize your chances of acceptance while ensuring strategic use of your time and resources. Targeting Tiered Law Reviews involves categorizing law journals into tiers based on their prestige, relevance to your topic, and acceptance rates. Typically, Tier 1 includes top-ranked, highly competitive journals, Tier 2 comprises well-regarded but slightly less competitive options, and Tier 3 includes regional or specialized journals with higher acceptance rates. This method allows you to aim high while maintaining a realistic backup plan.
Begin by submitting your article to Tier 1 law reviews, as these journals offer the highest prestige and visibility. Focus on 3 to 5 journals in this tier that align closely with your article’s subject matter and methodology. Be prepared for a potentially lengthy review process and a lower acceptance rate, as these journals receive a high volume of submissions. Tailor your article to each journal’s specific guidelines and consider reaching out to editors if your work addresses a timely or niche issue they might prioritize.
If your article is not accepted by Tier 1 journals, shift your focus to Tier 2 law reviews. This tier often includes journals from highly ranked law schools or those with a strong reputation in your specific field. Submit to 5 to 7 journals in this category, ensuring they remain a good fit for your work. The acceptance rates here may be slightly higher, and the review process might be faster, giving you a better chance of publication while still maintaining a strong placement for your article.
Finally, consider Tier 3 law reviews as a last resort or if your article is highly specialized. These journals, often regional or focused on a narrow area of law, can still provide valuable exposure and contribute to your scholarly record. Submit to 3 to 5 journals in this tier, but only if your article has been rejected by higher-tier options. While these journals may have less prestige, they can still serve as a stepping stone for early-career scholars or for articles with a localized focus.
In total, aim to submit your article to 10 to 15 law reviews across all tiers, ensuring a balance between ambition and practicality. Track submission deadlines, response times, and journal policies to manage the process efficiently. By targeting tiered law reviews, you increase the likelihood of publication while strategically aligning your work with journals that will amplify its impact.
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Submission Timeline Strategies
When determining your submission timeline for law review articles, it’s essential to balance quantity with strategic timing. Most legal scholars recommend submitting to 8–12 law reviews for a single article, depending on its niche and your target audience. This range ensures broad exposure without overwhelming yourself with tracking submissions. Start by identifying tier-one journals (e.g., Harvard, Yale) and submit to 2–3 of these first, as they often have longer review times and higher rejection rates. If your article is time-sensitive or addresses a trending legal issue, prioritize journals with faster turnaround times (e.g., 4–6 weeks) to increase the likelihood of timely publication.
After submitting to top-tier journals, create a tiered submission plan for the next 4–6 weeks. Target mid-tier journals that align with your article’s subject matter or geographic focus. For example, if your article focuses on environmental law, prioritize journals like the *UCLA Journal of Environmental Law and Policy*. Stagger submissions to avoid simultaneous acceptances, which can complicate your decision-making process. Use tools like the Washington & Lee Law Journal Ranking or ExpressO to track submission windows and journal preferences, ensuring your article reaches the right desks at the right time.
Once you’ve exhausted top and mid-tier options, broaden your submissions to specialized or regional law reviews in the following 2–3 weeks. These journals often have shorter review times and may be more receptive to niche topics. However, be mindful of their specific submission guidelines and deadlines, as some operate on academic calendars or have rolling admissions. If your article is still unpublished after 8–10 submissions, consider revising it based on feedback received and resubmitting to a new set of journals, focusing on those with higher acceptance rates or thematic alignment.
A critical aspect of your timeline is monitoring response deadlines. Many law reviews require authors to respond to offers within 24–48 hours, so stay vigilant during peak review periods. If you receive multiple offers, evaluate them based on factors like journal prestige, publication timeline, and editorial support. Withdraw your article promptly from other journals once you accept an offer to maintain professionalism and avoid ethical complications.
Finally, build buffer time into your timeline to account for unexpected delays. Law reviews often face backlogs, especially during the fall semester when most submissions occur. Plan to complete all submissions within 3–4 months to maximize your chances of publication in the upcoming academic year. If your article remains unpublished after this period, reassess its marketability and consider alternative outlets, such as online journals or symposia, to ensure your work reaches an audience.
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Balancing Quantity vs. Relevance
When deciding how many law reviews to submit your article to, it’s crucial to balance quantity with relevance. Submitting to too many journals without considering their focus or prestige can dilute your efforts and reduce your chances of acceptance. Conversely, limiting submissions to only a few top-tier journals may increase the risk of rejection, leaving you with fewer options. The key is to strategically select law reviews that align with your article’s subject matter, methodology, and intended audience. For example, if your article focuses on environmental law, prioritize journals specializing in that area rather than general law reviews that may not appreciate its nuances. Relevance ensures that your work is evaluated by editors and reviewers who are more likely to recognize its value.
Quantity comes into play when considering the competitive nature of law review submissions. Top-tier journals often have low acceptance rates, so casting a slightly wider net by including a mix of highly ranked and mid-tier journals can increase your chances of publication. However, this approach should not be indiscriminate. Aim for a targeted list of 8–12 journals, depending on your article’s specificity and the breadth of its appeal. This range allows you to maximize opportunities without sacrificing the quality of your submissions. Remember, each submission requires tailoring your cover letter and ensuring your article fits the journal’s guidelines, so avoid overextending yourself by submitting to too many.
Another factor in balancing quantity and relevance is the timeline for publication. If you’re under pressure to publish quickly, such as for tenure or job applications, you may need to submit to more journals to expedite the process. In this case, prioritize journals with shorter review times or those known for quicker decision-making. However, if your timeline is more flexible, focus on fewer, highly relevant journals to increase the likelihood of acceptance in a prestigious outlet. Always research each journal’s average review and publication times to align your strategy with your goals.
It’s also important to consider the potential impact of simultaneous submissions. While many law reviews allow simultaneous submissions, some may frown upon it or require immediate withdrawal if your article is accepted elsewhere. If you choose to submit to multiple journals at once, ensure you’re comfortable with the ethical implications and administrative burden of managing multiple submissions. Alternatively, you can adopt a tiered approach: submit to your top 3–4 choices first, and if rejected, move on to the next tier of relevant journals. This method maintains a focus on relevance while gradually increasing quantity.
Ultimately, the decision of how many law reviews to submit to should be guided by a thoughtful assessment of your article’s strengths, the journals’ fit, and your publication goals. Avoid the extremes of submitting to too few or too many journals. Instead, aim for a balanced approach that maximizes both relevance and opportunity. By carefully researching journals, tailoring your submissions, and managing your expectations, you can navigate the submission process effectively and increase the likelihood of placing your article in a journal that enhances its impact.
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Handling Rejections and Resubmissions
When submitting your article to law reviews, it's essential to prepare for the possibility of rejections, as competition is fierce and space is limited. The general consensus among legal scholars is that you should submit your article to multiple law reviews simultaneously, typically ranging from 10 to 20, depending on the article's quality, timeliness, and relevance. This approach increases your chances of acceptance and allows you to target a mix of top-tier, mid-tier, and specialty journals. Keep in mind that submission guidelines and preferences vary among law reviews, so always review their specific requirements before submitting.
Handling rejections is an inevitable part of the submission process, and it's crucial to maintain a professional and resilient attitude. When you receive a rejection, carefully review the decision letter, if provided, to understand the reasons behind it. Law reviews may offer feedback on your article's strengths and weaknesses, which can be invaluable for improvement. If no feedback is given, consider reaching out to the editorial board respectfully to request constructive criticism. Use this feedback to revise and strengthen your article before resubmission, ensuring that you address any identified issues or concerns.
Before resubmitting your article, take the time to update and refine it based on the feedback received or any new developments in the legal landscape. This may involve revising your arguments, incorporating recent case law or scholarship, or reworking your analysis to better align with the target law review's focus. Additionally, consider tailoring your article to the specific interests and scope of the law reviews you're targeting. This demonstrates your understanding of their readership and increases the likelihood of acceptance. Be transparent about previous submissions and rejections in your cover letter, as this shows professionalism and respect for the review process.
When deciding where to resubmit, reassess your initial list of target law reviews and consider expanding or adjusting it based on your article's revised focus or new insights. You may also want to explore specialized journals or regional law reviews that align with your topic. Keep track of submission deadlines and requirements, as these can vary significantly among publications. Utilize resources like the Washington & Lee University School of Law's Law Journal Submission Rankings and ExpressO, a manuscript delivery service, to streamline the submission process and increase your efficiency.
In the event of multiple rejections, it's essential to remain persistent and proactive. Continue to refine your article, seek feedback from colleagues or mentors, and stay informed about developments in your area of research. Consider attending academic conferences or workshops to network with scholars and gain insights into current trends in legal scholarship. Remember that the publication process can be lengthy and challenging, but each rejection brings you closer to finding the right fit for your article. By maintaining a growth mindset and staying committed to your research, you'll increase your chances of success in the competitive world of law review publications.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of law reviews to submit to depends on your article's quality, your target audience, and your timeline. Generally, submitting to 10-20 law reviews is a reasonable range, balancing thorough coverage and manageable effort.
While top-tier law reviews are prestigious, submitting to a mix of tiers increases your chances of acceptance. Include a few top-tier, mid-tier, and lower-tier journals to ensure broader exposure and opportunities.
More submissions increase the likelihood of acceptance, but focus on quality over quantity. Tailor your submissions to journals that align with your article's topic and scope to maximize relevance and acceptance potential.
