WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Practical Matters is a multimedia, online journal interested in submissions that investigate the broad topic of religious practices or practical theology, past or present, in any context or tradition.  Generally we are interested in work that is relevant to a particular, pre-announced theme or themes. Information about themes for upcoming issues can be found here.

We welcome submissions of traditional print essays and articles, but also are accepting multimedia scholarship. This might include submissions in film, video, soundscape, audio, new media, photography, art, or performance, among other possible media.  Do note that although exploring the possibilities of multimedia scholarship is part of our mission, we also are committed to working with scholars of varying levels of technical proficiency.

Submissions from all disciplinary perspectives are encouraged.  This includes, but is not limited to, work originating in religious studies, theology, anthropology, literature, cultural studies, sociology, psychology, history, political science, philosophy, media studies, the arts, journalism, or the sciences.  We also encourage work about and from diverse religious traditions.

About All Submissions

1. •Each submission, including multimedia submissions, should include a 150-word abstract of its content.
   

2. •Submissions should not be currently under review by another journal or have been published in another venue.
   

3. •With some exceptions, submissions will be peer-reviewed,     a process that will likely take 8-10 weeks. We will respond to all who submit, but please be patient.
   

4. •Practical Matters is aimed at scholars, practitioners, students, journalists, and the general public.  We are especially interested in submissions that are written or produced in an accessible style and have the potential to engage multiple audiences.
   

5. •Authors retain copyright for content published in Practical Matters, with publication rights granted to the journal. Any reproduction of original content from Practical Matters must a) seek copyright from authors and b) acknowledge Practical Matters as the site of original publication.
   

About Text Submissions

1. •Text submissions (articles and critical essays) should generally be between 3000-7000 words long, although we will consider those that fall outside of this range.
   

2. •Text submissions should be submitted by email attachment to this address: practicalmatters.emory@gmail.com, subject line “Submission.” If possible, please provide your submission as both a Microsoft Word file and as a PDF.
   

3. •Authors are encouraged to indicate if there is a photograph, graphic or potential visual component to their manuscript, and include that in their submission if possible.
   

4. •Because the peer review process requires anonymity, please do not include information that identifies the author(s) by name in the text of your submission.
   

5. •Text submissions should conform to The Chicago Manual of Style.  Please use endnotes with full bibliographic information and no separate bibliography. Reference examples can be found here.
   

About Multimedia Submissions

1. •Multimedia submissions may also be attached by email attachment if file size permits.  Visual images should be submitted as JPEGs, video submissions should be submitted as Quick Time movies, and audio tracks should be submitted as MP3 files. If it is possible for you to put your submission on a personal web page, you may also submit by providing a working URL.
   

2. •If the above is not possible for the kind of submission you intend, or if you have questions about the format of your submission, please email Associate Editor for Peer-Reviewed and Solicited Content Katy Shrout at least two weeks in advance of the submissions deadline.
   

Submissions deadline: May 30, 2008

The first issue of Practical Matters will be published in late November 2008.

Contact: practicalmatters.emory@gmail.com