New Literary History – Arts and Culture Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose New Literary History for High-Impact Publications

New Literary History stands as a cornerstone in the field of literary studies, offering a platform where scholars interrogate the evolving nature of literary theory, criticism, and the history of ideas. Founded in 1969 by Ralph Cohen at the University of Virginia, this quarterly publication from Johns Hopkins University Press has consistently pushed boundaries, rethinking foundational assumptions in humanities research. Its pages host groundbreaking essays that bridge literature with philosophy, cultural studies, and intellectual history, making it indispensable for academics aiming to contribute to ongoing dialogues in arts and culture.

The journal's prestige stems from its rigorous peer-review process and commitment to innovative scholarship. Researchers value New Literary History for its ability to foster interdisciplinary conversations, attracting contributions from leading figures in literary theory. Whether exploring postcolonial narratives, feminist critiques, or the intersections of literature and science, the journal provides a space for nuanced analysis that resonates globally. Its enduring influence is evident in citations across major humanities databases, underscoring its role in shaping academic discourse.

For those considering submission, New Literary History offers a pathway to visibility among peers in the United States and beyond. The journal's focus on theoretical innovation ensures that accepted works gain traction in classrooms, conferences, and further research. Aspiring authors appreciate the editorial team's dedication to clarity and depth, resulting in publications that endure as references in literary studies. As the landscape of academic publishing evolves, New Literary History remains a beacon for those seeking to publish in New Literary History and advance their careers.

To explore opportunities in academia, check out literature faculty positions or academic calendar for key deadlines.

Overview & History

New Literary History emerged in 1969 amid a vibrant period of intellectual ferment in literary studies. Ralph Cohen, its founding editor, envisioned a venue that would challenge traditional methodologies and invite fresh perspectives on what constitutes 'literary history.' Published by Johns Hopkins University Press, the journal quickly established itself as a forum for debates on periodization, canon formation, and the cultural contexts of texts.

Over the decades, it has chronicled shifts from structuralism to post-structuralism, and into contemporary concerns like globalization and digital humanities. Each volume features thematic issues curated by guest editors, ensuring focused explorations of timely topics. This structure has allowed New Literary History to adapt while maintaining its core mission of interrogating the discipline's premises.

Today, under the guidance of editors like Rita Felski, the journal continues to thrive, with contributions from international scholars. Its history reflects the dynamism of literary scholarship, making it a vital resource for understanding the field's trajectory.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

New Literary History encompasses a broad yet focused scope, emphasizing theoretical and methodological innovations in literary studies. It welcomes essays that rethink historical, philosophical, and cultural dimensions of literature, often spanning multiple eras and genres.

Primary discipline: Arts and Culture. Additional disciplines include Philosophy and Comparative Literature.

Key Journal Metrics

These metrics highlight New Literary History's steady influence in humanities scholarship, with citations accumulating over its long history.

Indexing and Abstracting

New Literary History is indexed in prestigious databases, ensuring wide accessibility. It appears in the Arts & Humanities Citation Index (Clarivate), Scopus, and MLA International Bibliography. Additional coverage includes EBSCOhost, JSTOR, and Project MUSE, facilitating discovery by researchers worldwide.

For external resources, visit the official journal homepage or Scopus.

• Arts & Humanities Citation Index
• Scopus
• MLA Bibliography
• Philosopher's Index

Publication Model and Fees

The journal operates on a subscription-based model, with open access options available through institutional agreements. There are no article processing charges (APCs) for authors, aligning with its nonprofit publisher status. Hybrid open access allows selected articles to be made freely available upon payment of a fee, typically covered by funders.

Johns Hopkins University Press supports green open access, permitting authors to share accepted manuscripts in repositories after embargo periods as per Sherpa/RoMEO guidelines (preprint allowed, postprint after 12 months).

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled via the publisher's online portal. Authors should prepare manuscripts of 5,000–10,000 words, double-spaced, following Chicago style. Anonymous peer review ensures fairness, with decisions typically within 3–6 months.

Guidelines emphasize originality and engagement with current debates. For details, consult the submission portal. To prepare, review Rate My Professor for insights from peers.

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial board comprises distinguished scholars from top institutions. Editor-in-Chief Rita Felski (University of Virginia) brings expertise in feminist theory and affect studies. Other members include Hent de Vries (Johns Hopkins) in philosophy and religion, and Lydia Liu (Columbia) in comparative literature.

This diverse team ensures balanced perspectives, guiding the journal's direction with rigor and innovation.

Why Publish in New Literary History?

Publishing in New Literary History elevates a scholar's profile, offering exposure to a targeted audience of literary theorists and historians. Its thematic issues amplify relevance, while the press's reputation enhances CVs for tenure and grants. For career advancement, explore philosophy positions.

The journal's emphasis on theoretical depth attracts citations, boosting future opportunities. Researchers benefit from its role in defining field conversations, making it a strategic choice for impactful work.

Comparison with Similar Journals

New Literary History distinguishes itself through its historical focus, complementing peers in broader criticism.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

To succeed, align your essay with upcoming themes announced on the journal site. Engage deeply with existing literature, avoiding overly descriptive approaches. Seek feedback from colleagues before submitting.

Track revisions meticulously and respond thoughtfully to reviewers. For broader career support, visit conference deadlines or cultural studies jobs.

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