Guide to Writing a Submission to a Peer-Reviewed Criminology Journal

By WPS News Education Correspondent
Baybay City | February 23, 2026

Submitting a manuscript to a peer-reviewed criminology journal can be a significant step in your academic career. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to prepare a submission that meets common standards in the field. Follow these guidelines to enhance your chances of a successful submission.

1. Understand Journal Requirements

Before you begin writing, it’s crucial to select the appropriate journal. Different journals have unique focuses and submission requirements. Review several criminology journals, such as:

• The IARCA Journal on Community Corrections
• The Justice Professional
• The Prison Journal
• Theoretical Criminology
• Trauma, Violence, & Abuse: A Review Journal

Visit each journal’s official website to familiarize yourself with their specific submission guidelines, as these can vary significantly.

2. Manuscript Format

Formatting Style

Most journals adhere to established formatting styles, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. Choose the format specified by the journal and stick to it throughout your manuscript.

Clear Headings and Subheadings

Use headings and subheadings effectively to organize your manuscript. This structure helps reviewers navigate your work and understand the flow of your argument.

Title Page

Include a title page that contains:

• The title of your manuscript
• Authors’ names
• Affiliations (e.g., university or institution)
• Contact information (email address)

3. Write an Abstract

The abstract is a concise summary of your research and typically ranges from 150 to 250 words. It should include:

• Purpose: What was the motivation for your research?
• Methods: Briefly describe the research design and methodology employed.
• Results: Summarize the key findings.
• Conclusions: Highlight the implications of your findings.

An effective abstract attracts the attention of both reviewers and readers while succinctly summarizing your research.

4. Provide Keywords

Including a list of relevant keywords helps enhance the manuscript’s discoverability in research databases. Select specific terms that reflect the primary themes and topics of your paper.

5. Structure the Main Text

Organizing the main text of your manuscript is essential for clarity and coherence. Typically, the structure includes:

Introduction

Introduce the topic and its significance in the criminological field. Clearly state the research question or hypothesis and establish the context for your study.

Literature Review

Summarize existing research related to your topic. This section establishes the theoretical framework and highlights gaps your study addresses.

Methodology

Detail the research design, including:

• Sample size and selection criteria
• Data collection methods (surveys, interviews, experiments, etc.)
• Analytical techniques used

This section must provide enough detail for other researchers to replicate your study.

Results

Present your findings in a clear and logical manner. Use tables, charts, and graphs where appropriate to illustrate data effectively. Avoid extensive interpretation in this section; save that for the discussion.

Discussion

Interpret your results in relation to your research question and existing literature. Discuss the implications of your findings, their limitations, and areas for future research.

Conclusion

Summarize the main findings and their significance. This section should reiterate the importance of your study in advancing criminological theory or practice.

6. References

Compile a comprehensive list of all sources cited within your manuscript. Ensure that your references are formatted according to the journal’s specified style. Proper citation not only gives credit to original authors but also reinforces your manuscript’s credibility.

7. Include Supplementary Materials

If your research includes supplementary materials, such as additional tables, figures, or appendices, include them at the end of your manuscript. Label these materials clearly and reference them appropriately within the text.

8. Address Ethical Considerations

Always include a statement regarding ethical approval if your research involves human or animal subjects. Outline the ethical considerations taken during your study, such as participant consent and confidentiality measures.

9. Author Information

Provide information about each author’s contributions to the work. This may include:

• Specific roles (e.g., conceptualization, data collection, writing)
• Disclosure of any conflicts of interest
• Funding sources, if applicable

This transparency promotes accountability and academic integrity.

10. Prepare for the Review Process

Each journal has its own peer review process, which typically includes:

• Submission protocols (e.g., online submission systems)
• Timeline expectations for reviews
• Information on what to expect during the review process (e.g., revisions, resubmissions)

Familiarize yourself with this process to anticipate the next steps after submission.

Conclusion

In conclusion, successfully submitting your manuscript to a peer-reviewed criminology journal is a crucial step in making your research known to the academic community. This process not only enhances your visibility as a scholar but also contributes to the ongoing discourse in criminological theory and practice. By adhering to the outlined guidelines—from understanding journal requirements to meticulously structuring your manuscript—you can significantly improve your chances of acceptance.

Remember, every great researcher started where you are now, facing the challenges of presenting their work in a way that resonates with others. Embrace the journey, seek constructive feedback, and remain open to revisions; these are all part of the scholarly process.

As you embark on this exciting endeavor, take pride in your work and your contribution to the field of criminology. Your insights could pave the way for future research or influence policy and practice, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of crime and justice in our society. Happy writing, and best of luck with your submission!