Multi-stage, Peer-reviewed Process
- Submit a synopsis to be considered for publication
- Free-response questions
- Reviewed by 2 board members and 1 faculty member
- Gauging general interest nature of the submission and quality of writing
- Cover artwork ideas also accepted at this stage
- If synopsis is accepted, invited to submit a full manuscript
- 3,000 words or less, written for a general audience
- Looking for interesting, engaging, and novel research
- Cover artwork submissions must be accompanied by artwork at this stage
- Reviewed by 2 board members and 1 faculty member
- If full manuscript is accepted, assigned to a team of personal peer-editors
- Refine research and writing, limiting disciplinary jargon
- Check references, finalize visuals
- Format article for Explorations journal style
- Submit final manuscript and required forms/approvals
- Secure approval from faculty advisor
- Copyright agreement
- Author information
- All final files submitted
- Final manuscripts are assigned to UGR staff for review and editing
- Verify approvals, format, files submitted
- Further refine writing
- Author approval of edits required
- Final manuscripts are assigned to a third-party professional editor for editing
- Verify references
- Further refine writing
- Author approval of edits required
- Articles placed into journal design once edits and approvals are complete
- Finalize visuals, captions, and author information
- Minor edits may be communicated during this stage
- Wait for publication in November and celebrate!
Required Specifications for Cover Artwork
- Full design must be 8.625" by 11.125" (Portrait Orientation). This means that your 8.5” x 11” document includes a 1/8” bleed. Your design must extend to the edges of the document (i.e. Do not leave the bleed area blank unless it is intentional for the design).
- At least 300 dpi. Vector format is preferred for digital artwork.
- Note that we will place the Explorations and Texas A&M University logos, as well as a “tab” with the volume number and release date, on the cover design. See past issues for examples.
- Faculty advisor approval required and involvement encouraged at all publication stages
