Submission Details

Below are submission guidelines for the Graduate Journal of Food Studies. We accept submissions on a rolling basis for articles, book reviews, Food-Stuff pieces, and original art.

Note: We recently announced some changes to the types of submissions we feature in the Journal. Briefly: 

  • Our submission process will be on a rolling basis
  • Our main submission format will now emphasize short form pieces (750-1500 words)
  • Our publishing cycles will move away from ‘batch’ publishing and will now publish individual pieces on our website, as they become ready. 
  • We will still welcome graduate students to submit full-length research articles (5000-7000 words) for peer-review. However, they will be published individually as noted above.

Short-Form Pieces (formerly known as Food-Stuff Pieces)

  • This section of the journal invites a variety of food studies scholarship that is shorter in length. The suggested length of initial submissions is 750-1500 words. 
  • Short-form pieces are not subject to peer review, but are revised in consultation with the editorial staff.
  • Short-form pieces may take the form of field notes, archival reports, op-eds, commentaries, interviews, creative writing, and photo essays. See examples of Short-form pieces we have previously published. We also welcome proposals for additional creative formats.
  • Short-form pieces also include reviews: book reviews, film reviews, and event reviews.
    If you are interested in submitting a review, please send a current CV and a short cover letter outlining which book, film, or event you would like to review and whether you already have the access to the format in question. All review items should be recent.
  • If you would like to review a book or film but do not have a specific one in mind, please send a current CV and a short cover letter outlining your specific areas of interest or expertise.
  • Book reviews must follow the journal’s book review guidelines.
  • Along with your submission (or submission pitch), please submit a current CV and bio of 100 words.
  • Submissions must not have been published elsewhere and be the sole copyright of the author.
  • All correspondence regarding Food-Stuff submissions should be addressed to GJFSeditor@gmail.com.

Original Research Articles

  • The Graduate Journal of Food Studies encourages submissions from current graduate students. We also accept submissions from recently graduated students (up to one year at the time of submission) if the essay under review was written in the course of completing a graduate degree. On rare occasions, we accept submissions from undergraduate students if the scholarship is of graduate student quality.
  • All submissions must examine food related issues in a critical way, posing a clear and compelling thesis that is well argued and supported throughout the essay.
  • All submissions should be the final version of the project. Projects in progress will be rejected without review. Please ensure that papers are original and reflect graduate level analysis and the most current research available at the time of submission. Contributions are evaluated in terms of originality, quality, clarity, and contribution to the field.
  • Papers should be between 4000 and 7500 words (15–25 double-spaced pages, 12 point font), excluding citations.
  • All submissions should include in one document, with all personal identifying data removed: (1) an abstract of no more than 200 words summarizing your project and conclusions; (2) four to five keyword categories with which to tag the scope of the essay; (3) the article itself with full endnotes. A second document should include: (1) a short author bio of no more than 100 words; and (2) contact information including your full name, email address, and institutional affiliation. If you would like to submit acknowledgements, please include them in the second document with your personal information.
  • The Graduate Journal of Food Studies accepts only Chicago endnote-style citations for all papers. Please ensure that your submissions are cited according to this style and remain consistent throughout. Submissions should be in .doc or .docx format and follow the journal’s style guidelines.
  • If a submission includes images, authors are responsible for securing (1) high-resolution images and (2) all permissions for these images. Refer to the University of Chicago Press’s guide about copyright for further information. Securing image permissions typically involves contacting rightsholders (archives, museums, etc.), filling out paperwork, and sometimes, paying a fee. Policies about permissions will vary between different rightsholders. Leave yourself plenty of time to complete this task. Follow the style guidelines for information on image formatting and submission.
  • Submissions must not have been published elsewhere and be the sole copyright of the author.
  • All correspondence should be addressed to GJFSeditor@gmail.com.

Artwork 

  • The Graduate Journal of Food Studies welcomes original artwork from artists, students, and readers.
  • Artwork must consider the topic of food broadly including, but not limited to, its production, availability, preparation, journey, cultural context, history, taste, texture, etc. Work conceived as a series is appreciated, but not required. 
  • We seek contributions that are ambitious and considerate of both broader media, as well as tried and true techniques. The Journal welcomes drawings, paintings, and collages, as well as food photography. We also welcome proposals for additional creative formats that suit our online format. 
  • If you are interested in submitting your work for our review, please send the following to GJFSeditor@gmail.com:
    • High-resolution (300 dpi) .pdf or .jpg files with short captions
    • An accompanying framing essay of 300–500 words 
    • A short bio of no more than 100 words

Peer Review and Ethics

All of our research articles go through rigorous peer review with feedback provided by early career researchers such as yourselves. Often, it is through giving constructive feedback to others that one comes to better understand the revisions process. GJFS’ article referee process is blind, expert, and impartial. For further or more specific information regarding the process, please reach out to our editorial team at GJFSeditor@gmail.com