Submission Guidelines

Background

Articles may be evaluative, investigative, or explanatory. They may examine specific claims or broader scientific, educational, or social issues. The Skeptic may also consider comment pieces, however such articles must be well informed.

We especially seek articles that provide new information from recent scientific studies or bring fresh perspective to familiar subjects. We especially welcome well-balanced articles that evaluate controversial issues and claims, or on topics where there is a large gap between scientific understanding and public understanding. Similarly, we value articles which examine natural and rational explanations of unusual phenomena or experiences.

Articles may be published in the printed magazine or within our Online Articles section or blog. Some articles published in previous issues of the printed magazine may also be republished online.

There are no absolute restrictions on the length of articles however space in the printed magazine is at a premium, so submissions need to be written concisely. Articles are typically 1,200 to 3,000 words (about 5 to 11 double-spaced printed out pages in a standard 12 pt. font), however the quality of each article matters more than its length. Articles for publication within the online magazine should be between 500 and 800 words as standard, though may extend to 1,200 words with prior agreement.

Authors should provide references for the evidence and publications cited in their articles. Reference guidelines are provided below.

In specific cases it is possible to publish work that has appeared elsewhere, but this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please inform us if you article has been published elsewhere.

Research Reviews
We gladly receive research reviews which provide a perspective on a newly published journal articles. Research reviews are generally around 1,000 words in length.

Follow-Up
When necessary, a Follow-Up column will be published to allow for responses from persons whose work or claims have been criticized in previous articles. The original authors may respond in the same or a later issue.

Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor (letters [at] skeptic.org.uk) are for views on matters raised in previous issues or any other issue likely to be of interest a sceptical readership. Due to the volume of letters received, not all can be published. Those selected may be edited for space and clarity. Authors criticised in the letters column may be given the opportunity to respond in the same issue.

News
Please email interesting news stories to Mark Williams (digest [at] skeptic.org.uk) Alternatively, clippings can be posted to the address below.

Illustrations/Graphic Design
The Skeptic welcomes contributions from illustrators, photographers and graphic designers who would like to design original images or submit photographs to accompany our content.  If you are interested having your work appear in The Skeptic please submit examples of your work, and when we have an article or contribution that requires an image we will contact you to request a design or photograph based on the subject matter.

Considerations for submissions

References
Please use the referencing style of the American Psychological Association (APA, see, e.g., here or here).

How to submit content

All text submissions should be sent as email attachments (Word documents using Times New Roman font, 12 pt, double-spaced preferred) to submissions [at] skeptic.org.uk unless otherwise stated. Please provide a short abstract of your piece in the body of the email, as well as a brief description of yourself and any expertise you may have on the subject. You must have copyright permission for your submissions. Photos and artwork should be sent in electronic form as well. If it is necessary to send hard copies of any material, please address this to Prof Chris French at the following address:

The Skeptic Magazine,
Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit,
Department of Psychology,
Goldsmiths, University of London,
New Cross,
London, SE14 6NW,
United Kingdom.