Author Instructions
| AUTHOR INSTRUCTIONS |
Authors wishing to submit articles for possible publication in the Texas Journal of Rural Health should send them by mail to:
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Texas Journal of Rural Health
- Preston Smith Library
- 3601 4th Street - Suite 244
- Lubbock, TX 79430
- Phone: 806 743 2200
Or electronically to Billy.philips@ttuhsc.edu with "Article Submission" as the Subject line. Please include all appropriate files and graphics.
For author queries, please contact Director, Billy Philips, by phone at (806) 743-1338.
STEP ONE: Submit Manuscript
A manuscript should be presented in the form described in "Manuscript Specifications."
STEP TWO: Blind or Masked Review Process
The editor and managing editor reserve the right to invite manuscripts for publication. The editor and managing editor also reserve the right to accept or reject manuscripts outright. Before a manuscript is sent for review, it must meet American Psychological Association (APA) specifications. Manuscripts sent for review are read by those considered experts on the subject. Thus, a peer review is conducted. The author's name does not appear anywhere on the manuscript, providing a fair review.
STEP THREE: Recommendations from Reviewers
After the manuscript is reviewed, it is forwarded to the managing editor who discusses the reviewer's recommendations and comments with the editor and members of the editoral board. If a manuscript is rejected during the initial review, every effort is made to encourage the author to proceed with the manuscript to make the article publishable. Reviewer's remarks are included with the return of the manuscript.
STEP FOUR: Editorial Board
The editorial board has quarterly meetings to discuss the manuscripts recommended by the reviewers. Content is the most important feature discussed at this meeting. Recommendations are either (a) accept the manuscript, (b) accept the manuscript with revisions, (c) revise and resubmit the manuscript, or (d) reject the manuscript. In all cases, authors are encouraged to continue toward publication and every effort is made to facilitate that process.
STEP FIVE: Getting the Manuscript Ready for Publication
Recommendations are sent to the author. The manuscript is scrutinized for content, accuracy in interpretation and application of referenced material, and for topic completeness.
STEP SIX: Return of Manuscript to Managing Editor
The manuscript is read to make sure all recommended revisions have been satisfactorily completed. Sometimes, a reviewer will request that the revisied manuscript be returned for another reading. When that happens, the reviewer may accept the manuscript or request more changes. If the author has not proven diligent in satisfying the reviewer's or editorial board's requests for revisions, the manuscript may be rejected.
STEP SEVEN: Getting ready for Publication
The managing editor performs the job of editing, proofing for grammer, syntax, spelling, and word usage and then puts the manuscript into page layout form.
STEP EIGHT: Author's Final Approval
The article will be sent to the author in page-proof (galley) form only if major changes are required within the text. All significant changes and corrections may be made at this time. The author usually signs approval for printing with/without changes. Beyond this, no other changes can be made.
- Blind review: Prepare manuscript for blind review - authors names on the cover sheet only and title sheet without names.
- Manuscript: Submit one original manuscript plus three additional copies on clean 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper. Include a disk version if possible. See "save" formats below.
- Length: Please consult Section Outlines for typical length of each article type. However, average article length is 10 double-spaced typewritten pages, excluding references.
- Cover Sheet: The cover sheet of the manuscript should include: (a) the title of the article, (b) the complete name(s) of all the authors, degrees, and certifications, (c) a brief biographical sketch (one or two sentences) about each author with present employment position and location, (d) addresses and phone numbers of all authors, and (e) one fax number.
- Title Sheet: Include name of article and abstract or summary of article.
- Body of Text: Double spaced, no running heads. Include page numbers such as "1 of 10," etc.
- Abstract: Include an abstract of 25 to 75 words. If possible, please include a list of appropriate key words.
- References: Please cite all references with complete information. The form is that of the American Psychological Association (APA), fourth edition - author/date in text and alphabetical listing in reference section.
- Copyright Materials: Authors must supply copyright "permission to print" with manuscripts including quoted copy, derivatives, graphs, and/or photos from original publisher or author/creator.
- Graphics and Illustrations: Graphics and illustrations are reproduced by the Managing Editor so that style and form are consistent from issue to issue. Authors must provide the statistics associated with each graph.
- Charts and Tables: Charts and tables must meet American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines.
- Photos: Original blank and white photos may be submitted if relevant to the article. Digital photos may also be submitted in an appropriate format.
"Save" formats for Text conversion:
- Microsoft Word for DOS, 3.0-5.0
- Microsoft Word for Windows, 2.0-6.0
- Pagemaker 5.0-6.0 Stories
- WordPerfect for Windows 5.0-6.0
Graphics can be converted from:
- GIF files
- JPEG files
- PICT files
BRIEF REPORTS
These are shorter research articles that range from 8 to 10 doubled-spaced pages. They should contain many of the same characteristics found in a standard research article.
NOTES FROM THE FIELD
True to its name, this section contains practical information from people working in the various fields of rural health. Lighter in tone than a formal research article, authors are encouraged to share their experiences in the field, both positive and negative. Articles are typically 5 to 8 double-spaced pages.
POLICY AND LAW
This section offers clarity to the otherwise complicated political issues facing rural health policymakers. These articles should be 8 to 10 double-spaced pages in length, and written in understandable language.
REVIEW
This section is intended to be a comprehensive look at past literature and research in rural health. Review articles should be at least 15 double-spaced pages with 20 or more references cited.
RESEARCH
The purpose of the research section of the Journal is to report new findings relating to rural health. Articles are sought that test hypotheses, have sound study designs, and use appropriate statistical methods. Surveys that establish prevalence rates or reveal risk factors are welcome, as are studies of rural clinic populations to examine patient outcomes and evaluations of rural health programs of any kind. Research articles should be approximately 10 to 20 double-spaced pages in length.
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