Author Guidelines
Before You Submit
Please read these guidelines carefully before submitting. Manuscripts that do not conform to our requirements will be returned without review. Our editorial team is happy to answer formatting questions at submissions@ijournal.co.uk.
Article Types We Accept
Original Research Article
Empirical, theoretical, or methodological contributions presenting new findings or frameworks.
Systematic Review
Comprehensive, systematic surveys of existing literature following established review protocols (PRISMA, etc.).
Theoretical Essay
Conceptual or philosophical contributions that advance theoretical frameworks without primary data collection.
Case Study
In-depth examinations of specific cases, organisations, events, or phenomena with broader theoretical implications.
Interdisciplinary Dialogue
Articles explicitly bridging two or more disciplines, synthesising methodologies and frameworks across fields.
Short Communication
Concise reports of significant new findings, preliminary results, or time-sensitive scholarly communications.
Formatting Requirements
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File format | Microsoft Word (.docx) or LaTeX (.pdf + source files) |
| Font | Times New Roman or similar serif, 12pt |
| Line spacing | Double-spaced throughout (including references) |
| Margins | 2.5 cm (1 inch) on all sides |
| Page numbers | Bottom centre on all pages |
| Headings | Clear hierarchy (H1 / H2 / H3) — do not use bold alone |
| Abstract | Structured abstract (Background, Method, Results, Conclusion) for empirical work |
| Keywords | 4–6 keywords, comma-separated, not repeating title words |
| Citations | APA 7th Edition (preferred) or Chicago 17th |
| Tables & Figures | Numbered sequentially, captioned, referenced in text |
| Anonymisation | Remove all author identifying information for blind review |
| File size | Maximum 25 MB per submission |
Language & Accessibility
Manuscripts must be written in English. We welcome submissions from non-native English speakers; our editorial team will provide light copyediting if a paper is accepted. For heavily language-edited manuscripts, we may request professional proofreading before final publication.
We encourage authors to write accessibly — defining technical terms, explaining discipline-specific methodology, and contextualising findings for readers from adjacent disciplines.
Peer Review Process
IJournal employs double-blind peer review. Both authors and reviewers remain anonymous throughout the review process. Upon submission, your manuscript will:
- Undergo editorial screening for scope, format, and basic quality (2–3 business days)
- Be assigned to a handling editor with relevant expertise
- Be sent to a minimum of two independent expert reviewers
- Return a decision within 4–6 weeks (aim: 28 days)
- If revisions are requested, authors typically have 4 weeks to resubmit
Possible decisions: Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, Reject. All decisions include constructive reviewer feedback.
Article Processing Charges
Transparent, Fair Pricing
As a fully open-access journal, IJournal does not charge readers — instead, a modest APC is charged upon acceptance to cover peer review management, copyediting, typesetting, DOI registration, and permanent archiving.
APCs are only charged after acceptance. There is no submission fee. If your paper is rejected, you pay nothing.
Waiver
- Full open-access publication
- CrossRef DOI assigned
- Google Scholar indexing
- Homepage feature
- Social media promotion
- Press release
Available for corresponding authors at institutions in World Bank low/lower-middle-income countries. Apply at submission.
Standard
- Full open-access publication
- CrossRef DOI assigned
- Google Scholar indexing
- PDF & HTML versions
- Permanent archiving
- Homepage feature or press release
Extended
- Full open-access publication
- CrossRef DOI assigned
- Google Scholar indexing
- PDF & HTML versions
- Homepage feature (30 days)
- Social media promotion
- Press release distributed
All APCs are processed securely via Stripe (credit/debit card, UK bank transfer). An institutional invoice can be issued upon request. Contact editorial@ijournal.co.uk for invoicing or waiver queries.
Pre-Submission Checklist
Ready to Submit?
Before clicking submit, confirm that all items below are complete. Incomplete submissions will be returned without review.
- Manuscript is within the word limit for the article type
- All author identifying information removed (blind review)
- Abstract is correctly structured and within word limit
- 4–6 keywords provided
- References follow APA 7th Edition (or Chicago 17th) consistently
- Tables and figures numbered, captioned, and referenced in text
- All citations in text appear in the reference list (and vice versa)
- Corresponding author contact details ready (not in manuscript)
- All co-author names, affiliations, and ORCID IDs collected
- Cover letter prepared (optional but recommended)
- Declaration of conflicts of interest prepared
- File is .docx format, under 25 MB
Online Submission Portal
Submit Your Manuscript
Complete the form below to submit your manuscript. You will receive a confirmation email at the corresponding author's address within 24 hours. For technical issues, contact submissions@ijournal.co.uk.
New Manuscript Submission
Fields marked * are required. Ensure your manuscript is anonymised before uploading.