Primary consideration for publication is given to narrative, descriptive, interpretive, and analytical essays that deal with broad movements, themes, or problems, based on excellent use of primary sources and distinguished monographic literature. Originality, style, and general interest are also criteria for acceptance. Manuscripts that distill the findings of a seminal dissertation or of an exceptional thesis are encouraged. Manuscripts dealing with limited areas or time periods will be considered if they engage a broader past that will interest our wide readership.

On matters of style, refer to the most recent version of the Chicago Manual of Style and to recent back issues of the WHQ. Essays should use footnotes formatted using CMS Notes and Bibliography Style.

Complete manuscripts (text and notes combined) should total no more than 10,000 words, written in English, and should be submitted to our Scholar One manuscript submission site through Oxford University Press.

Upon acceptance, authors will be asked to upload electronic files with text, notes, illustrations, and captions, each in separate files. Copies of illustrations or images should be included at the back of the manuscript submission, not embedded in the text. We do not require permissions for images until the manuscript is accepted for publication. At that time, authors are responsible for securing and uploading usable copies and all permissions for maps and illustrations.

The Western Historical Quarterly publishes peer-reviewed articles, first assessed by our editorial staff, then double-blind reviewed by experts in the field to keep our professional standards high. The process can take three to four months, so please be patient.

Do not send electronic files or hard copies to our office unless approved or requested by the editor.

Note: The Western Historical Quarterly does not accept multiple submissions or essays currently under consideration by another journal.

The Western Historical Quarterly Plagiarism Policy.