Contributing to Public Knowledge
Published biannually, Public Knowledge issues feature scholarly refereed articles, book reviews, essays, interviews and other works that develop new knowledge and stimulate advancements graduate work. Manuscripts that address the announced theme or question of an upcoming issue may be considered for publication. Interdisciplinary work is strongly encouraged. In addition to manuscripts relating to new developments, we also welcome submissions that re-examine or challenge the deeper questions and assumptions underpinning current theoretical and practical approaches.
Public Knowledge is a graduate student journal dedicated to the understanding of the journal process for new scholars. To fulfill this mission the journal only accepts submissions from current graduate students or of research conducted while enrolled as a graduate student.
Submission of manuscripts for peer review
This journal requires the submission of two versions of manuscripts for peer review, one anonymous and one attributed. All manuscripts must be submitted in a Word-compatible format to and use APA style citations.
Instructions for Attributed Files
On the cover page include (a) complete contact information for all contributing authors including graduate program, year in program, and email address (b) title, key words and abstract and (c) a brief statement as to how the manuscript contributes to the issue theme and is of interest to a broad audience (d) indication of interest in participating in a short interview describing your work for posting on the journal website.
Instructions for Anonymous Files
Email a complete version of the manuscript with no author names, addresses, or other identifiers to .
Manuscript preparation (all types including non-peer reviewed pieces)
Public Knowledge uses APA style citation. For additional formatting information consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Manuscripts should be double-spaced, including references, and on 8 ½ x 11 paper using one inch margins.
Submission of book reviews
Public Knowledge solicits book reviews on a biannual basis. If you are interested in writing book reviews, please editor-in-chief at . The editor will keep your name on a roster for upcoming reviews as books become available. Please let the editor know if you are interested in reviewing a particular book, and the journal will try to acquire a copy; however, this may not always be possible.
Book reviews may focus on a single work or several related works. Submissions should consider the purpose of the journal in book selection: a book review is not simply a summary and critique of a book, but views the book within the context of the larger academic discipline. Appropriate book reviews should consider the background of the book’s author, the soundness of the argument and methods, and how the book fits into the larger academic debates raised within Public Knowledge.
At the beginning of your review, please include the following information for the book(s) being reviewed:
- Full citation in APA format
- Hardback/Paperback
- Cost
- ISBN number
- Title of the review Please note: We include the full first name of the author (rather than the APA-required initial) to make it easier for the audience to locate the book. Direct hyperlinks to the publishing company’s page for the book are also helpful, and should be assigned to the cost information only.
- Example: Copeland, D. A. (2010). The media’s role in defining the nation: The active voice. New York: Peter Lang.Paperback, $34.95
ISBN 978-1-4331-0379-7 - On average, book reviews should be approximately 1,500-2,000 words.
- Submissions related to the theme of the edition are preferred, but not required
Submission of multimedia pieces
Public Knowledge accepts a wide range of original multimedia pieces for publication. These works include, but are not limited to, podcasts, digital videos, Web texts, artwork, comics, and photography. You must own all music, images, etc. or have permission for any copyright materials included in the piece. Additionally, Multimedia pieces should relate to an issue’s theme.
If you have a multimedia piece that you would like to have considered for publication in Public Knowledge, please email the editor-in-chief at . In your email, please include (a) complete contact information including graduate program, year in program, and email address, (b) the title, file format, and file size of your piece, and (c) a brief statement indicating how the piece relates to the issue’s theme.