The Chronicles of Oklahoma
Editorial Policy
The editor of The Chronicles of Oklahoma actively seeks manuscripts relevant to the broad sweep of Oklahoma’s rich heritage. Suitable topics include narrative history, biography, historiography, historic preservation, archaeology, anthropology, ethnohistory, and related fields of study. Editors evaluate manuscripts on a variety of criteria, including originality of idea, responsible use of source material, and writing style. The Chronicles of Oklahoma does not publish fiction, poetry, or work that has previously appeared in another publication. Manuscripts submitted to The Chronicles should conform to The Chicago Manual of Style, seventeenth edition (University of Chicago Press, 2017) and be typed double-spaced. Endnotes should be placed at the end of the manuscript, not embedded within the manuscript. For spelling and word division, follow Webster’s Third New International Dictionary.
The editor reserves the right to make any editorial changes deemed necessary for the sake of clarity, accuracy, or conformity to an adopted style. The submitted manuscripts will be submitted for peer review from experts on the subject. Once a manuscript is accepted and scheduled for publication, the editor will provide the author with editorial comments, and the editor and author will work together to produce the final version of the manuscript.
Before publication, authors must sign a provided copyright waiver form, which grants the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) one-time print and electronic publication rights. The OHS is not responsible for manuscripts or illustrations sent through the mail. To safeguard against loss of valuable materials, authors should not send the only existing copies of manuscripts or rare photographs.
Permission to reprint copyrighted material from The Chronicles of Oklahoma must be submitted in writing. In some cases, permission from the author must also be obtained.
Main Features
Featured articles are 5,000 words or more, excluding endnotes. These articles should focus on new research that helps to further our understanding of the history of the state of Oklahoma. Features often contain ten to twelve photographs. Authors do not need to submit photographs, illustrations, or maps with their manuscripts. Any photographs used in The Chronicles that are not part of OHS collections must have written permission for use from the owner or facility.
Notes and Documents
The Notes and Documents section of The Chronicles is geared towards short form submissions that do not warrant a larger piece. The Notes and Documents section articles are between 1,000 and 4,000 words, excluding endnotes. These articles can focus on everything from a single artifact, biographical information on an individual, architecture, genealogical information, museums, collections, and long-term exhibits. Notes and Documents typically feature between one and five photographs per article.
Book Reviews
The Chronicles of Oklahoma publishes between six and twelve book reviews per issue. Most book reviews are solicited by the editor of The Chronicles of Oklahoma but can also come from exterior sources. Please note: The Chronicles of Oklahoma does not publish reviews on works of fiction or poetry. Book reviews are between 500 and 700 words. Book review contracts must be signed before editing and publication. Books eligible for review in The Chronicles of Oklahoma are no more than three years old.
Citation Style Guide
Citations should follow The Chicago Manual of Style, seventeenth edition, 2017, although some changes may be made to accommodate house style. Please proofread all citations for style, substance, and typographical errors.
How to Submit an Article
The editorial staff prefers that articles be submitted electronically. Email article submissions in Microsoft Word or PDF format to chronicles@history.ok.gov. Be sure to include your name, address, and email address.
If you are unable to send articles via e-mail, you may mail manuscripts along with a copy on a USB drive to:
Anna Davis, Editor, The Chronicles of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Historical Society
800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
