All submissions should be directed to pasttensejournal@gmail.com. The call for papers closes on November 1st of each year. Although we accept submissions on a rolling basis, submissions received will not begin the review process until November 1st. Any submissions received after November 1st will be reviewed with the next call for papers, and authors are advised to hold submissions until an active call for papers. Please also review the For Authors section of this website prior to submission.
Research Articles
Submissions of research articles to Past Tense will undergo an anonymous peer review process by three reviewers. Reviewers make their recommendations for publication based on the following criteria:
Originality & Argumentation:
- Based on primary sources
- Sound methodology
- Conversant with relevant literature
- Sophisticated analysis of sources in historiographical context
- Appropriate conclusions based on presentation of evidence
Style & Structure:
- Clarity and coherence of writing
- Well structured and organized presentation
- Adherence to Chicago Manual of Style
- Between 20-30 double-spaced pages
Book Reviews
Submissions of book reviews to Past Tense will undergo an anonymous peer review process by two reviewers. Reviewers make their recommendations for publication based on the following criteria:
- Review of recent work of history or closely-related/interdisciplinary field, published in previous two years
- Word count between 700-1000 (approximately 3 pages)
- Demonstrated knowledge of historiographical trends in the relevant field(s)
- Critical analysis of the work’s contribution to the relevant field(s)
- For page number citations of the book reviewed, parenthetical (in-text) citations are acceptable
- For citations of other sources, use Chicago Manual of Style
Critical Commentaries
Past Tense also accepts critical commentaries on issues in the field of history. Examples of submissions in this category include thought pieces, current events in historical perspective, quirky historical stories, and interesting archival finds. We are especially interested in pieces that utilize print media that can be reproduced in an interactive journal format. These pieces should not exceed 1500 words in length, but may be shorter. If you are unsure if your submission fits this category, please feel free to email us at pasttensejournal@gmail.com to “pitch” your story.
Past Tense Graduate Review of History 