Frequently Asked Questions

You always can contact the editor or book review editor by sending email to sipceditor@gmail.com. However, the following list shares some typical questions we receive.

What types of topics are preferred?

We accept articles on popular culture however mediated through film, literature, radio, television, music, graphics, print, practices, associations, events-any of the material or conceptual conditions of life. "Popular culture" does not have to be bound to the U.S.; recent articles have analyzed aspects of artefacts with global appeal or influence or been focused on popular culture specific to a geographic area outside the U.S. If you're not sure if your topic may be suitable for this journal, please email the editor to discuss your idea for a submission.

How long should an article be?

Submissions typically total 5000 to 7500 words, including notes and Works Cited. Manuscripts should be double-spaced, using 12-point Times New Roman font. However, we do accept articles that are longer, if the prose is tightly written and presents a clear central argument. Although we will consider submissions that are shorter, most will require a significant revision or, if they do not analyze a topic in depth or provide enough supporting evidence for the argument, they may be rejected outright because of being too short.

Can I submit a conference paper as an article?

Yes-and no. Yes, you may submit an article developed or expanded from your conference paper. No, don't send your paper just as it was written for presentation. The editor and associate editors try to see as many panels at the Popular Culture Association in the South's conference to look for presentations that might be turned into excellent articles, but we cannot visit every session and might miss topics or presentations that would be well suited to become an article. If you would like to turn your paper into a journal submission, you may want to talk with the editor at the annual "Meet the Editors" session at the conference. You may learn more about how to turn your paper into a submission that meets the journal's guidelines and can ask specific questions about submissions.

How long does it typically take to get feedback about a submission?

The editor acknowledges receiving a submission within a week. After the editor or associate editors read the submission, it either is returned to the author because it is not yet ready to go through the blind review process or it is sent to blind reviewers. Although reviewers are asked to send their report to the editor within about a month, sometimes the process requires more time. For example, if two blind reviewers have different ideas about the submission's possibility of publication, the editor may send the submission to a third blind reviewer. Generally, authors receive comments within two-three months, but sometimes the process may be longer, and the editor tries to alert the author if there is a delay.

How long does it typically take for an accepted article to be published?

Once an article has been accepted, it still may need a little more revision. The editor and author work closely together to make changes before the article is added to the next available issue. Most accepted articles are published in the first or second upcoming issue.

Do I need to submit an abstract?

No. Abstracts are not published in this journal, so you do not need to submit one with the article. Archives or publishers who ask to reprint a published article may create their own abstracts of your article.

How can I become a reviewer?

If you would like to review a book (or have a book in mind you'd like to review), contact the book review editor by email (sipceditor@gmail.com). If you would like to review submissions, send the editor your resume or CV (sipceditor@gmail.com), and indicate two or three areas of expertise and interest, and request to be placed on the list of reviewers. 

How can I get a paper copy of an issue?

If you are a member of PCAS, you will receive two issues a year as part of your membership. The Spring issue is mailed to you, and the Fall issue is distributed at the annual conference. If you would like a paper back issue, please be aware that the number of copies is limited. Contact the PCAS secretary/treasurer (Diane Calhoun-French, diane.calhoun-french@kctcs.edu) to see if a back issue is available and how you may receive one.

PDF copies of issues printed since Fall 2016 and more than a year old are available on the journal's website, in the Archive section.