Submission Guidelines

Review Essays - Our main requirement with reviews is that they are more than simple starred, editorial synopsis. We are looking for thoughtful, intuitive criticism coupled with a professional-grade analysis of both a film's ideology and its artistic representation of said ideology. Though we do not wish to see sizable plot descriptions, please do not assume that our readership has seen the work you are reviewing and include a sufficient amount of expository information.

Overlooked Classics - The same standards apply here as above.

Events - For reviews of festival films, see above. For writing on retrospectives and/or other special events, our staff will make determinations on a case-by-case basis. Since we don't always know what you will be sending us, we cannot blindly post prerequisites. What we are not interested in: coverage of premieres, industry gossip, fashion, etc. We are interested in the art and artists represented at festivals and special events, but not necessarily "festival" mentality.

Editorials - Obviously, this is a free-for-all of sorts, though we do reserve the right to make spelling and/or grammar corrections, as well as to respond to unfounded criticism and/or glaring omissions or mistakes. We will also not publish anonymous editorials.

How to Submit

Important Note: The Film Journal will not accept previously published work or work that is currently being considered elsewhere without proof of proper permission. If you own your own copyright, feel free to submit. Please include a brief bio with your submission.

You may submit writing in either of the following two ways.

Electronically

Click here to submit. Acceptable forms are Word, HTML, RTF and Text. You can also include your submission within the body of your email. We will handle all formatting. IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE ANY FORMATTED, EMBEDDED FOOTNOTES IN YOUR SUBMISSIONS. FOOTNOTES MUST BE TYPED IN THE BODY OF THE DOCUMENT.

Snail Mail:

This is the slower of the two, for obvious reasons. If you choose this form of submission, please submit two copies and be sure to retain a copy for yourself (do not send us your only original!) To receive a written response (within 10 days), please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. To receive an electronic response (within 5 days), please include your e-mail address. Please mail to:

The Film Journal
Attn: Submissions
250 Pruden Drive
Pickerington, OH 43147

Our Editorial Process

The editors of The Film Journal will read your submission thoroughly, confer with one another, and send you back any comments, suggestions, or criticisms. On occasion, we may use an outside reader for additional editorial perspective.

When it comes to editorial decisions, we try to always err on the side of the writer and his/her aims, while still keeping the integrity of the publication intact. After our initial response, you may resubmit with final changes.

As a not-for-profit and independently run publication, THE FILM JOURNAL does not pay its contributors for their work.