Policies
Submission Guidelines
The Kentucky Literacy Journal (KLJ) welcomes submissions from K–16 educators, researchers, advocates, and other education professionals in the fields of literacy, language arts, and literacy education.
Author Guidelines
- Format and style: Manuscripts must be double-spaced, with 1-inch margins on all sides, and submitted in Microsoft Word or RTF format. Submissions must adhere to APA 7th edition guidelines.
- Manuscript exclusivity: Submitted articles cannot have been previously published or accepted for publication elsewhere. By submitting to KLJ, authors confirm that the work is not currently under review by another publication and will not be submitted elsewhere during the review process.
- Length: Manuscript length varies by submission type. Please see submission categories below for specific word limits.
- Notes and references: Reference lists should include only sources cited in the manuscript. Accuracy and completeness of references are the responsibility of the author(s) and must follow APA 7th edition style.
- Author identification: KLJ is a blinded peer-reviewed journal. Manuscripts should not include author names or identifying information.
- Review and revision process: Authors will receive acknowledgment of manuscript receipt via email. Submissions are first reviewed by the editorial staff to determine suitability for peer review. Manuscripts sent for review are evaluated by a minimum of two reviewers. Editorial decisions are typically communicated within three months.
- Research guidelines and ethics: Authors submitting human-subject research will be asked to identify the Institutional Review Board (IRB) that granted approval for the study.
- AI use policy: KLJ adheres to the American Psychological Association’s Generative AI Journal Policies and Guidelines .
Submission Types
- Research and Inquiry (under 7,500 words, excluding references): Original research related to literacy. KLJ welcomes submissions using any research paradigm or methodology.
- Critical Conversations (under 3,000 words, excluding references): Essays examining key issues in literacy, literacy education, English, and/or language arts.
- Spotlight on Practice (under 2,000 words, excluding references): Accounts of teacher and/or student practice that examine and/or celebrate excellence in literacy education in Kentucky.
- Voices from Kentucky (under 2,000 words, excluding references): Contributions from students, teachers, educators, community members, and literacy leaders across Kentucky.