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Phi Delta Kappan, the professional journal for education, addresses policy issues for educators at all levels. An advocate for research-based school reform, the Kappan provides a forum for debate on controversial subjects. The annual PDK/Gallup Poll is published in September. Published since 1915, the journal appears monthly September through June. The Kappan is indexed in Education Index and in Current Index to Journals in Education; available in microform, ProQuest Information and Learning Company, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Following are brief answers to the more common questions asked by persons interested in publishing in the Phi Delta Kappan.
What makes an article acceptable to the editors?
We look primarily for two qualities: educational significance and readability. There is no easy formula for achieving these goals, since there are many kinds of significance and many different styles that are readable. However, we believe that to be significant an article must in some way be usable by our readers -- to enlarge their knowledge, to improve their practice, to influence their decisions. We want it to deal with real problems. We want it to be factual, logical, and well focused. To be readable, it should avoid the use of jargon, it should include concrete examples, it should not waste words, and it should display -- if at all possible -- some wit and erudition.
What are the procedures for submission of manuscripts?
Manuscripts may be submitted either by U.S. mail or by e-mail. Please use double-spaced format.
Hard copy: Send one copy to the editor. If you want your manuscript to be returned if it cannot be published, enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. In your cover letter, give us sufficient information about yourself for a standard author-identification paragraph.
E-mail: Send an e-mail "cover letter" to manuscripts@pdkintl.org, including sufficient information about yourself for a standard author-identification paragraph, and attach file of manuscript (Microsoft Word preferred).
If you wish, send or e-mail a letter of inquiry first, describing the article and perhaps including an outline. We must balance our coverage; sometimes we can tell you, on the basis of an outline, whether an article will fit in with our editorial plans.
Who makes the decision to publish?
The editor. Usually he will consult with the other editors or with other members of the Phi Delta Kappa International professional staff. Sometimes, if he is undecided, he will solicit the opinions of one or more of the editorial consultants listed on the Kappan masthead.
What is the ideal length?
Feature articles run between 1,500 and 5,000 words. Certain types of articles--usually more personal reflections or humorous pieces--tend to be shorter, 1,000 words or less.
What editorial style is used?
Kappan style is based largely on the University of Chicago Manual of Style. For footnote style, see past issues of the Kappan.
What about diagrams, tables, graphs, photographs?
We use graphic material quite sparingly. The rare diagram, table, or graph that we find indispensable will be re-created to our specifications. We will consider photographs, either black and white or in color, but they should be of professional quality. Amateur photography is seldom usable.
Do you pay for manuscripts?
Very seldom. Usually we pay an honorarium only when we solicit an article from a well-known authority or from a professional writer.
How can I contribute to one of the special sections?
Special sections are generally planned by the editors and/or a guest editor many months in advance, and most of the articles are solicited from individuals who have published original work on the topic. We do not announce special sections in advance, largely because we wish to preserve some flexibility. But special sections never fill entire issues; thus we are always seeking good manuscripts on a variety of topics.
Who holds copyright on Kappan articles?
Phi Delta Kappa International generally does. Each issue is fully copyrighted by Phi Delta Kappa. Authors may choose to retain the general copyright in their own name, but, as a condition of publication, Phi Delta Kappa requires authors who hold copyright to grant permission to post the full text of the article on the PDK website for the use of Phi Delta Kappa members and Kappan magazine subscribers.
How long does it take for the editors to make a decision?
We acknowledge all unsolicited manuscripts immediately upon receipt. We try not to hold a manuscript longer than two months without returning it, accepting it, or in some way communicating with the author. But in the months when more than 100 unsolicited manuscripts come in, we sometimes fall behind schedule. If two months pass and you have not heard from us, please feel free to phone our office.
Please submit manuscripts to:
BRUCE M. SMITH, Editor
408 N. Union, P.O. Box 789
Bloomington, IN 47402-0789
Phone: 812/339-1156
E-mail manuscripts to:
manuscripts@pdkintl.org
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