Guidelines for Authors

Theory in Action has an exclusive online submission policy. Only MS Word formats will be accepted as attachments. This is designed to expedite the review process and for accuracy in manuscript reproduction. Submissions to Theory in Action DO NOT require submission fees. However, we do accept voluntary donations to help cover part of the operational costs associated with the journal.

Drafts and poorly written or formatted manuscripts will not be considered. We will only consider final polished manuscripts that are of high-quality writing, have an innovative approach or ideas, and that are congruent with the institute’s overall mission.

What we Accept

  • Original (NO MULTIPLE) submissions of original manuscripts
  • Qualitative, Quantitative, Theoretical, or Applied Research
  • Book reviews
  • Art and Poetry that reflects our mission

Book Reviews

We accept book reviews of all types that reflect our mission. There is no submission fee for book reviews. The length should be a minimum of 1500 words but not more than 3000. Send all reviews with author contact information and cover letter in Word format to: journal (at) transformativestudies (dot) org

Manuscript Length

The minimum length is 7,000 words, maximum 20,000 words, including notes, references, etc. (see manuscript style)

Manuscript Style

As a non-elitist journal we do not privilege any particular style. Preferred styles, though, include APA, MLA, and Chicago. We do request, however, that authors be consistent and accurate with their chosen style. References should be double-spaced and placed in alphabetical order.

Manuscript Preparation (as an attachment)

Prepare in MS Word format only. Number every page consecutively. Double-spaced, including notes and references; 12-point font; one-inch margins on all four sides; use footnotes only – NO endnotes. Submit a cover page with the manuscript, indicating only the article title (this is used for anonymous reference), the abstract, and keywords. The online submission form will ask separately for information regarding:

  • full authorship
  • an ABSTRACT of about 100 words (below the abstract provide 3-5 key words for indexing purposes)
  • authors’ academic degrees, professional titles, affiliations, mailing and e-mail addresses, and any desired acknowledgement of research support or other credit

Preparation of Tables, Figures, & Illustrations

Any material that is not textual is considered artwork. This includes tables, figures, diagrams, charts, graphs, illustrations, appendices, screen captures, and photos. We request that computer-generated figures be in black and white and/or shades of gray (preferably no color because it does not reproduce well). Camera-ready art must contain no grammatical, typographical, or format errors and must reproduce sharply and clearly. Photos and screen captures must be saved as JPEG or BMP file format. Tables should be created in the text document file using the software’s Table feature.

Submitting Art

Only electronic copies of the art should be provided as JPEG format. We reserve the right, if necessary, to alter or delete art if all else has failed in achieving art that is presentable.

Typesetting

We do not provide galley proofs. Authors are expected to submit manuscripts and art that are free from error. If necessary, editorial revisions can only be made while an article is still in manuscript form. The final version of the manuscript will be the version published. Typesetter’s errors will be corrected by the production staff of TIA.

Spelling, Grammar, & Punctuation

Neither TIA nor the editor is responsible for correcting errors of spelling and grammar. We do not copy-edit articles. Authors have sole responsibility for preparing manuscripts that are clearly written in acceptable, scholarly English with no errors of spelling, grammar, or punctuation.

Reviewers’ Recommendations

Manuscripts are often accepted upon condition that reviewers’ recommended changes be incorporated. It is the author’s responsibility to incorporate these revisions in their manuscript.

Copyright

The copyright to this article is transferred to the Transformative, Studies Institute effective if and when the article is accepted for publication. The copyright transfer covers the exclusive right to reproduce and distribute the article, including reprints, translations, photographic reproductions, microform, electronic form (offline, online) or any other reproductions of similar nature. An author may self-archive an author-created version of their article on their own website and their institution’s repository, including his/her final version; however the author(s) may not use the publisher’s PDF version which is posted on www.transformativestudies.org website. Furthermore, the author(s) may only post their version provided acknowledgement is given to the original source of publication and a link is inserted to the published article on the Transformative Studies Institute’s website. The link must be accompanied by the following text: “The original publication is available at www.transformativestudies.org”. Please use the appropriate DOI for the article (go to the Linking Options in the article, then to Open URL and use the link with the DOI). Articles disseminated via www.transformativestudies.org are indexed, abstracted, and referenced by many abstracting and information services, bibliographic networks, subscription agencies, library networks, and consortia. The author(s) warrants that this contribution is original and that he/she has full power to make this grant. The author(s) accepts responsibility for releasing this material on behalf of any and all co-authors. After acceptance of this agreement by the corresponding author changes of authorship or in the order of the authors listed will not be accepted by the Transformative Studies Institute. This agreement is designed to provide authors with as much control over their work while protecting the legitimate rights of the Transformative Studies Institute for its peer-review process and related expenses.