Submissions
Writer's Guidelines
COLUMBIA is a journal of popular history edited for the general public as opposed to the scholarly
one, with the intent of inviting readership through clear, easily followed writing and interesting
illustrations. Brevity is valued. The geographic focus of the magazine is on Washington, but its coverage
includes all of what was originally the Oregon Country. The topical scope is equally broad.
Biographical portraits and articles on modern-day phenomena are all welcome.
The preferred article is one that will be of interest to the whole state or region, not merely a single
locality. The best in local history, which may well be accepted for publication, is that which is
grounded in the broad pattern of state, regional, and, on occasion, national history. “Articles” based
on a coherent series of photographic or other images (paintings, drawings, etc.) are especially welcome.
In a similar vein, museums are encouraged to view COLUMBIA as an outlet for publicizing
first-rate exhibitions and related scholarship.
Stylistically, articles should be footnoted, if applicable, but few if any of these citations will be
included in the published version to keep faith with COLUMBIA’s popular orientation. Authors will
be responsible for identifying and, in many cases, providing suitable illustrative material and procuring
permissions as needed. COLUMBIA will use the utmost care in protecting and preserving
original photographs, slides, and color separations but will not accept responsibility for accidental
loss or damage.
An expression of interest by COLUMBIA in a potential article is not a commitment to publish.
From time to time COLUMBIA may commission an article and will pay a negotiated fee. Otherwise,
the magazine, operating on limited funds, will pay authors a token honorarium of $25 and
two issues of the magazine in which the author’s article appears. (The author may purchase up
to 10 additional copies at a 40 percent discount.)
While COLUMBIA does accept unsolicited manuscripts, the editors prefer an advance query,
either by letter or e-mail. Please direct queries to Maria Pascualy at
maria2@wshs.wa.gov or
Washington State History Research Center, 315 N. Stadium Way, Tacoma, WA 98403.
Submission Pointers
• Manuscripts average about 4,000 words (16 double-spaced pages). Maximum word count is about 6,000.
• A cover sheet or letter should include the author’s name, address, phone number, and e-mail address, plus a paragraph or two about the author.
• Hard copy or digital submissions are both acceptable. The editors prefer to receive text files in MS Word format and image files in JPEG format.
• Manuscript margins should be about one inch all the way around and include page numbering.
• The text should be appropriately footnoted (even though we rarely publish footnotes) or be accompanied by a complete bibliography. We encourage authors to include a list of three or four “suggested reading” items—preferably books or articles—to accompany the article should it be accepted for publication.
• A submission should also be accompanied by illustration suggestions, preferably low-resolution digital images or good-quality photocopies. At the very least, the author should include a listing of image possibilities and sources.
• Authors who want their submission materials returned should include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for that purpose.
• We edit in accord with the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition.
• E-mail digital submissions to:
maria2@wshs.wa.gov. Mail hard copy submissions to: Editor,
COLUMBIA Magazine, Research Center, 315 N. Stadium Way, Tacoma, WA 98403.
• Authors receive an e-mail acknowledgment when their submission has been received.
• The review process may take up to four weeks. Once the process is complete, an editor will contact the author to report the outcome.
• Because
COLUMBIA is only published quarterly, it may take 12 to 18 months for an article to be published once it is accepted. The exception to this is a timely article touching on the historic commemoration of a past event.
• For further information about submitting articles to
COLUMBIA, contact: Maria Pascualy, 253/798-5918 or
maria2@wshs.wa.gov.
Advertising in COLUMBIA
For information about advertising in
COLUMBIA or to obtain a copy of our advertising
specifications, rates and deadlines, visit the
advertising page.
Letters to the Editor
Letters to the editor may be submitted either in letter or e-mail form. Only letters accompanied by the author's name, phone number, and return address can be printed in the magazine. Direct letters to the
Editor.
Book Reviews
Address all review copies and related communications to:
Robert C. Carriker
Department of History
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA 99258
Special Service for the Visually Impaired
Readers who are visually impaired can receive an enlarged-print copy of
COLUMBIA upon request.
Direct written requests to the
Editor.