1. We created the special section of Scenes Sounds Action (SSA) within City journal as part of a commitment to the value of non-academic voices and contributions within an emancipatory project of bringing together theory and practice. The idea is to publish short, creative and accessible submissions from a wider diversity of authors, campaigns, practitioners, artists, photographers and activists, reaching beyond academic audiences. We welcome a range of innovative submissions, such as photo/art-based, personal essays and reflections, poetry and campaign reports that resonate with City’s emphasis on radical political engagement. It is expected that these pieces will not follow the standard academic article format as the section encourages greater creative freedom in style. You may bring in a personal or playful element to enhance a powerful communication style.
2. These submissions will be lightly reviewed by two editors and we expect only light referencing, if needed. Therfore they almost certainly not recognized by academic assessment schemes. Anything in the form of a traditional article, i.e. work containing a review of the literature, presentation of research findings and discussion, should be submitted through our regular submission process for double blind peer review. If you are unsure, please get in touch with your idea.
3. You are encouraged to submit a completed submission of 1000-4000 words. Or you may submit a proposal of 500 words maximum. (see more guidelines below)
4. Submissions received from campaigns, community organisations, artists, activists and precarious workers will receive a payment of £200. Please let the editors know when you submit if you intend to request £200 and on what grounds you are eligible.
5. Please note that some countries are subject to payment embargos under British law. The journal is unable to make a payment to bank accounts registered in these countries – see here for more details.
6. Occasionally we can support pieces to be published in, or translated from, a non-English language
7. Your article can be available to download with free access (i.e. no payment required) in perpetuity. You will need to review and sign an agreement regarding this with respect to licence and copyright for the piece(which will remain with the publisher). Additional options regarding licence and copyright are outlined in the author contract from our publisher Taylor and Francis, sent to you upon acceptance of your work for publication in the print journal. You also have the option of only being published on our website, in which case you will retain all rights to all of the material..
8. The author/s will be sent a minimum of one free print copy of the physical journal. Please supply your address if you would like this to be sent to you.
6. All images will be produced in colour for the online article. In the printed version they may be in colour or black and white, subject to liaison with the publishers on an article by article basis.
7. Please note that we aim to only publish six SSA submissions per year so, once accepted, the timescale for publication may be up to one year.
8. If at any stage you decide to withdraw your submission, please let us know.
Further Guidelines for Submission:
Please submit a completed submission of 1000-4000 words (please note, photographs are equivalent to 300 words). Or you may submit a proposal of 500 words maximum. We expect light referencing only, if needed. Please state:
- Working title
- Name of author/organisation/artist/campaign
- Whether you are submitting a proposal of a finished full submission
- Type of submission eg opinion piece, photo-essay, campaign report, presenting research etc
- Word length of final piece (1000-4000 words; can be shorter if image-led)
- Attached examples of images, if relevant, and proposed number, size etc
- For proposals: state a short description of what the piece is about, including themes, arguments, location
- Briefly explain why you think it would be suitable for City Scenes Sounds Action
- Editor you are working with (only if this has already been discussed).
Please submit all proposals to Debbie Humphry at cityscenes.submissions@gmail.com
