Guidelines for Submissions

Comparative Literature welcomes submissions of previously unpublished manuscripts that explore important issues of literary history not confined to a single national literature. We also encourage submissions that address significant problems in literary theory. Our editors and editorial board are sympathetic to a broad range of theoretical and critical approaches.  

Ordinarily, manuscripts should not exceed 12,000 words (including notes). Comparative Literature does not publish brief articles or notes (fewer than 7000 words), nor do we typically consider unsolicited reviews or review essays. Authors of essays published in the journal will receive 5 complimentary copies of the issue in which their work appears. Authors may also purchase offprints in multiples of 25.  

Two hard copies of each submission are required. In addition, all essays must be accompanied by written assurance that they will not be submitted elsewhere until a decision has been reached by the editorial board. Manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage.  The review process for submissions involves both an initial screening by our in-house staff, and, for essays that pass the initial screening, evaluation by at least two members of our editorial boards.   In most cases, we are able to reach a final decision regarding publication within three months. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE JOURNAL DOES NOT SEND ESSAYS TO READERS FOR EVALUATION DURING JUNE, JULY, AND AUGUST.

Manuscript Style

Type all copy, including footnotes, double-spaced on standard 20 lb. paper with 1" margins.  Please use 12 point font throughout (including notes and block quotations.)  Footnotes should be numbered consecutively and typed separately (as endnotes) on pages following the text and preceding the list of Works Cited.  In general, contributors should follow the format suggested by the most recent edition of  The MLA Style Manual. This involves (among other things) using parenthetical documentation whenever possible and providing a list of Works Cited at the end of the essay.

Authors must provide translations of all extensive quotations not originally in English.

Illustrations

Provide high-quality, glossy, black and white prints. (Photocopies are acceptable during the initial review process.) In addition, a separate listing of photo captions, including all necessary credits and permissions, is required. Unless other arrangements have been made, authors are responsible for securing permissions and paying all charges involving reproductions.

For additional information please contact the Editor by mail at the address listed below, or via email at gerowe@uoregon.edu.  Please send all submissions to:

                                        The Editor
                                         Comparative Literature
                                        1249 University of Oregon
                                        Eugene, OR 97403-1249