For Immediate Release
APSR Announces New Publication Format
WASHINGTON, DC — The American Political Science Review (APSR), published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the American Political Science Association, announces a new publication format of Letters. APSR’s traditional publication format of research Manuscripts use original work to advance the understanding of important political issues that are of general interest to the field of political science (maximum length 12,000 words). In contrast, Letters address an important research problem or question, showing a novel perspective on existing research and encouraging scholarly debate in the discipline (maximum length 4,000 words).
With this new format, APSR is taking a new direction to publish important insights into research problems in political science. Some of these insights might not fit in the traditional, longer format of manuscripts, but fit well with the shorter format that is often used in other sciences to convey important new findings.
“The Letter format is very common in prominent scientific journals of more general interest, such as Science and Nature,” explained lead editor, Thomas Koenig, University of Mannheim, “where significant findings are often reported on 5 to 6 pages.” The new Letter format of the APSR accordingly attempts to increase the interdisciplinary recognition by broadening readership and eventually authorship from scholars of other disciplines that address an important research problem in political science,” he continued.
The editorial team noted two reasons for their decision to offer this new Letter format. The first is a substantive reason. While APSR presents various disciplinary developments in the subfields of political science, these subfields also strive to develop alongside their counterparts in related disciplines. Letters provide an opportunity to report about original research that move these subfields forward and reach a broader readership. This includes, but is not limited to, a new theoretical perspective, methodological progress, and alternative empirical findings, as well as comments on and extensions of existing work. A Letter typically will have only a few figures and tables that directly communicate the new insights and the main takeaways from the research.
Contact: Dan Gibson, APSA Director Communications and Marketing, at dgibson@apsanet.org or 202-483-2513.
About the American Political Science Review
Published in partnership with Cambridge University Press since 2002, American Political Science Review (APSR) is political science’s premier scholarly research journal, providing peer-reviewed articles and review essays from subfields throughout the discipline. Areas covered include political theory, American politics, public policy, public administration, comparative politics, and international relations. APSR has published continuously since 1906. For more information, visit www.apsanet.org/apsr.
About the American Political Science Association
Founded in 1903, the American Political Science Association (APSA) is the leading professional organization for the study of political science and serves more than 13,000 members in more than 80 countries. With a range of programs and services for individuals, departments, and institutions, APSA brings together political scientists from all fields of inquiry, regions, and occupational endeavors within and outside academe to deepen our understanding of politics, democracy, and citizenship throughout the world. For more information, visit www.apsanet.org.
About Cambridge University Press
Cambridge University Press is part of the University of Cambridge. It furthers the University’s mission by disseminating knowledge in the pursuit of education, learning, and research at the highest international levels of excellence. Its extensive peer-reviewed publishing lists comprise over 50,000 titles covering academic research, professional development, over 350 research journals, school-level education, English language teaching, and bible publishing. Playing a leading role in today’s international market place, Cambridge University Press has more than 50 offices around the globe, and it distributes its products to nearly every country in the world. For more information, visit http://www.cambridge.org.