Exploring Opportunities in American Studies Publishing
The Australasian Journal of American Studies serves as a vital platform for scholars examining United States history, culture, politics, film, literature, and society from an Australasian perspective. Published twice annually in July and December by the Australian and New Zealand American Studies Association, the journal welcomes original research from around the world and maintains rigorous peer review standards.
Current Submissions Process and Guidelines
Researchers interested in contributing should prepare manuscripts between 7,000 and 14,000 words in length. Submissions must follow the latest edition of the Chicago Manual of Style along with the dedicated AJAS Style Guide. All work is submitted electronically as double-spaced Microsoft Word documents using Times New Roman 12-point font, with endnotes formatted according to Chicago conventions.
Contributors are required to include their institutional affiliation, brief biographical details, and an abstract of 50 to 200 words. There is no strict limit on the number of images, though authors must secure and document all necessary copyright permissions. The journal accepts work that has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration at other outlets.
Editorial correspondence goes to the co-editors Ethan Blue at the University of Western Australia and Lucas Thompson at the University of Sydney. Manuscripts are sent via the dedicated email address for the journal.
Editorial Leadership Team
The current editorial leadership brings expertise from leading Australian institutions. Ethan Blue and Lucas Thompson serve as co-editors, overseeing the selection and peer-review process. Blythe Worthy acts as managing editor, handling day-to-day operations from the University of Sydney.
Reviews editors include Nick Fischer from Monash University, Michael Moschilla from the University of Western Australia, Ryland Engels from the University of Sydney, and Audrey Mitchell, also from the University of Sydney, who focuses on films, documentaries, and television series. Megan Nash serves as copy editor, ensuring consistency and quality in published content.
Distinguished Editorial Board Members
The editorial board comprises prominent scholars from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and North America. Members include Chadwick Allen from the University of Washington, Dennis Altman from La Trobe University, Fitzhugh Brundage from the University of North Carolina, Lisandro E. Claudio from Kyoto University, and Clare Corbould from Deakin University.
Additional board members represent institutions such as the University of Tokyo, the University of Auckland, the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, the National University of Singapore, La Trobe University, and the University of New South Wales. Their collective expertise ensures high standards across historical, cultural, political, and literary analyses of the United States.
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Awards Recognising Excellence
The journal supports emerging and established scholars through several awards. The James Holt Award recognises the best article published in the journal over a two-year period between conferences, offering AUD$500. The Peter Coleman Prize honours the best postgraduate student article with AUD$250.
The Norman Harper Prize celebrates outstanding undergraduate essays on American studies topics, also valued at AUD$250. Undergraduate submissions for this prize must reach the editors by November 15 each year and adhere to the standard guidelines except for length.
Indexing, Accessibility, and Global Reach
Articles published in the journal are indexed in Historical Abstracts, America: History and Life, and the MLA International Bibliography. Content appears immediately on JSTOR and the EBSCO Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre database, providing broad accessibility to researchers worldwide.
This visibility strengthens the journal's role in connecting Australasian scholarship with international audiences interested in American studies.
Relevance for Australian Higher Education
For academics, administrators, and doctoral candidates in Australia, the journal offers a respected outlet for publishing research that bridges local perspectives with global American studies scholarship. Publishing here can enhance career profiles, support grant applications, and contribute to institutional research metrics.
University libraries and research offices often encourage staff and students to engage with such association journals as part of broader efforts to build international research networks.
Practical Advice for Prospective Authors
Successful submissions typically demonstrate original research, clear argumentation, and engagement with relevant scholarship. Authors benefit from reviewing recent issues available through JSTOR to understand the journal's tone and scope.
Early-career researchers and PhD candidates should pay particular attention to the postgraduate and undergraduate award opportunities, which provide valuable recognition alongside publication.
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Future Outlook and Community Engagement
As American studies continues to evolve, the journal remains committed to publishing diverse voices and timely analyses. The association's biennial conferences provide additional avenues for networking and identifying potential contributors.
Scholars are encouraged to stay connected through the association website for announcements regarding special issues, calls for papers, and updates to editorial processes.