Proposals for special issues should include:

  • a description of the rationale for the special issue and a discussion of the relevance of the volume for the field of Latino studies;
  • a paragraph description of each of the essays to be included;
  • an explanation of how the articles are linked organically, as well as how they are each connected to the overall goal described.

Proposals typically run four to five double-spaced pages.

Like our regular issues, our special issues are composed of five original articles (approximately 8000 words each). We may also include shorter essays on topics related to the theme’s issue in our Vivencias, Reflexiones Pedagógicas, or Páginas Recuperadas sections. Each issue also features book reviews. Fewer articles, let’s say three, would constitute a special section rather than a special issue.

The internal editorial review committee (editor and associate editors) reads all the submissions to Latino Studies and collectively decides on the publication potential of each proposal we receive. The committee meets quarterly to discuss all paper submissions/special issue proposals. Beginning in 2024, our NEW deadlines for submissions are February 25, May 27, August 26 and November 1.

If the internal editorial review committee accepts the proposal, the next step is for special issue editors to gather the articles and submit them to the editorial review committee. Once the special issue articles are reviewed internally, papers are sent out for external review.

The external review process involves a number of steps. The special issue editors suggest up to three potential reviewers for each article. Once we have secured reviewers, the journal sends requests for reviews and reviewers have a two-month deadline to return the reviews. The articles usually go through two rounds of reviews. The timing for the entire process varies depending on how quickly authors and reviewers turn around reviews and revisions. It is important that the articles are in good shape when originally submitted to the editorial committee. If the internal review committee thinks they will not fare well in our rigorous review process, the editorial review committee will ask for revisions before sending out the articles.

Latino Studies looks forward to your proposal. Email latstu@ku.edu if you have further questions.