Submission and Review

Submissions

Submission Criteria and Process

We accept submissions by scholars, practitioners, and writers who have an important story to tell about their choral experiences. Before submitting their articles for consideration, authors will complete the JOQCS Submission Form to indicate which style of submission describes their article, and which type of review process they prefer to participate in. They will submit the article title, all authors’ names, a short abstract (250–500 pp.) with keywords, and any acknowledgements.

Questions? Email Dr. Jessica L. Gallagher-Steuver (she/her), founding editor-in-chief, at joqcs@galachoruses.org

Submission Types

All types of submissions are valued by the JOQCS!

1. Original Research Article

Scholarly articles maintain full academic standards. Original research articles should document new findings, data, insights, and conclusions. Purpose, problem, and research questions should be included.

Definition and Characteristics:

Original research articles using APA format with proper citations and methodology
Quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, historical, and narrative inquiry are welcome
Require academic rigor with title, byline, abstract, bio, and keywords
Should include intro (with purpose/problems/research questions), review of literature, methodology, results, and discussion sections
Literature reviews are also welcome under this category
Approx. 3000-6000 words

Article Example: Taylor and Calaham (2024)

2. Practitioner Article

A practitioner article is defined as academic work that combines scholarly research with practical application in choral settings. These articles will use APA format and include proper citations, methodology sections, and theoretical foundations while connecting research to real-world practice.

Definition and Characteristics:

Academic rigor with proper citations and methodology
Research that points to or informs practical applications
Required to have title, byline, abstract, bio, and keywords
Must demonstrate connection between scholarly work and choral practice
Approx. 1000-3000 words

Article Example: Southerland (2018)

3. Spotlight Article

“Spotlights” from the field which are written in a more journalistic way — a more narrative-focused article with these distinctions. For this, reviewers will check that manuscripts are formatted according to the journal guidelines.

Definition and Characteristics:

No academic style requirements
More storytelling-oriented, like choir experience vignettes
Don’t require extensive citations or theoretical foundations
Could be simple narratives about choir experiences (like effects of a spiritual-themed concert)
Designated as “choir experience spotlights” rather than traditional research
Limited to two per journal issue
Approx. 1000-3000 words

Article Example: Vanderburgh (2015)

Review Process

Review Process Types

Authors may choose which type of reviewer process they prefer to participate in.

1. Double-Anonymous Peer Review

This option is offered to meet the standards of many academic institutions. Submit articles with a separate cover page with the article’s title, all authors’ identifying and contact information, and brief biographies (100–250 words) for each of the authors with emails; also include any acknowledgements. On a new page, provide an abbreviated title running head for the article. Do not include any author identifying information in the body of the article, other than on the separate title page. Two peer reviewers will independently receive the article without the author’s information and without knowing the identity of the other reviewer. Each reviewer will recommend accepting the article for publication, accepting with revisions, or rejecting the article. Once the author(s) has made any changes to the satisfaction of the two peer reviewers, the manuscript will be sent to the Founding Editor-in-Chief for final determination.

2. Open Peer Review

Usually, two members of the JOQCS Editorial Board will review the article. They will recommend accepting the article for publication, pursuing publication after suggested changes, or rejecting the article. If they decide the article is publishable with changes, the peer reviewers will email or call the primary author to discuss the suggested changes and serve as coaches in helping the author(s) prepare it for publication. Once the author(s) has made the changes to the satisfaction of the two peer reviewers, the manuscript will be sent to the Founding Editor-in-Chief for final determination.

3. Mentorship / Development

This option is offered to unpublished authors. It provides more time with a mentor-reviewer to refine the author’s thoughts and collaboratively prepare their manuscript for publication. Mentor/reviewers are generally from the JOQCS Editorial Board, and are seasoned, published authors. For this, reviewers will check that manuscripts are formatted according to the journal guidelines, and edit for clarity, accuracy, and adherence to the journal’s style and formatting guidelines. This can include copyediting for grammar and punctuation, fact-checking, and ensuring data is presented correctly. Reviewers will also offer author guidance, providing constructive feedback and guiding them through the revision process to help lead to a publishable article. When the article is publishable with changes, the mentor reviewer will send the semi-final article to the Editor-in-Chief for final determination.