Author Guidelines
Emerging Perspectives in Sustainability (EPiS) is a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of students and emerging scholars in sustainability. We welcome submissions that explore sustainability issues, challenges, and solutions across all fields and regions. Our mission is to foster creativity, spark discussions, and encourage innovative ideas, free from rigid academic boundaries. Below are the guidelines to help you prepare your submission:
General Submission Principles
Language: Write in clear, accessible English. While rigor is important, aim for a style that is engaging and easily understood by a broad audience, avoiding heavy jargon. We encourage you to express your ideas in a way that both experts and non-specialists can appreciate.
Originality: Your submission should be original and unpublished. We value your unique perspective, and we ask that your work is not being considered by another journal simultaneously. All sources must be properly cited to maintain academic integrity.
Formatting Guidelines
Structure and Layout: Keep your formatting simple and reader-friendly. Use A4 paper with standard 1-inch margins. For the text, a readable font like Times New Roman, size 12, is preferred, with 1.5 line spacing. There’s no need to follow a rigid format; instead, focus on presenting your ideas clearly and coherently.
Title and Author Information: Include a concise and descriptive title. Your title page should list the author(s) and their affiliations, followed by contact information. A brief abstract summarizing your key points is welcome but not mandatory.
Citations: Follow the APA (7th edition) citation style for all references. Proper citation allows others to trace your ideas and engage further with the sources you’ve used. Ensure all cited works appear in the reference list at the end.
Types of Perspectives
We don’t categorize submissions into traditional article types. Instead, think of your piece as a "perspective" on sustainability, with flexibility in style and format. Below are suggested directions, not strict categories:
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Regional Insights: Share your observations on sustainability issues in a specific region, whether it’s your local community or a global context. Discuss challenges, cultural factors, or any ongoing initiatives that inspire reflection or action.
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Proposed Solutions: Explore a potential solution or innovative idea for addressing a sustainability problem. You can suggest new approaches, assess emerging technologies, or even propose creative frameworks for sustainable practices.
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Critical Reflections: Offer a well-considered commentary on a sustainability topic that matters to you. This could be a critique of existing practices, a deep dive into an underexplored area, or even a reflection on sustainability from an ethical, social, or policy perspective.
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Personal Experiences and Narratives: We encourage personal reflections on sustainability journeys, lessons learned, or shifts in thinking. Such contributions can be a powerful way to connect with others and inspire collective action.
Word Count: We’re more interested in the substance of your ideas than rigid word limits. As a guideline, aim for:
- Short pieces (500-1,500 words): Concise reflections or opinion pieces.
- Medium-length essays (1,500-3,000 words): More detailed explorations or analyses.
- Long-form contributions (up to 3,500 words): In-depth perspectives with broader analysis.
Our Review Process
At EPiS, we want to help you grow as a thinker and writer. Our review process is collaborative, not gatekeeping. Here’s how it works:
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Initial Screening: We’ll check your submission for alignment with our mission and basic formatting requirements. This step ensures your work fits within our scope.
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Constructive Feedback: Instead of traditional peer review, our editorial team offers feedback aimed at enhancing the clarity and impact of your ideas. We focus on helping you articulate your thoughts while refining the overall structure and coherence.
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Revision and Resubmission: Based on our feedback, you’ll have the opportunity to revise and resubmit your work. The process is meant to be supportive, with a focus on mutual learning and improvement.
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Final Check and Publication: Once revisions are complete, your submission undergoes a final review. Accepted pieces are published on a rolling basis, so your work can be shared with the world quickly.
Ethical Considerations
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Permissions: Ensure that you have the right to use any third-party materials, such as images, figures, or data. Any permissions must be secured prior to submission.
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Authorship: Include only those who have significantly contributed to the work. Authorship should be agreed upon collaboratively, and all contributors must consent to their inclusion.
Publication Frequency and Process
EPiS publishes articles on a rolling basis, ensuring a continuous flow of new research and ideas. This approach allows us to respond swiftly to emerging trends and issues in the field of sustainability. Our editorial team conducts an initial screening of all submissions, followed by a supportive peer review process emphasizing constructive feedback. This process is designed to enhance the quality of submissions while providing a valuable learning experience for emerging scholars.
Indexing, Visibility, and Preservation
To maximize the impact and reach of our published content, EPiS is indexed in Google Scholar and is in the process of applying for inclusion in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). These efforts ensure that our articles are easily discoverable and accessible to a global audience. Additionally, we are committed to the long-term preservation of our content through the PKP Preservation Network (PN), safeguarding the accessibility and integrity of our published work for future generations.