Author Instructions
The Bahá’í Studies Review welcomes proposals and full manuscript submissions addressing a broad range of topics relevant to Bahá’í studies.
General Submission Guidelines
-
All submissions must include an abstract of no more than 250 words.
-
References must follow the MHRA style (guidelines available here). Where available, URLs and DOIs for the sources should be provided.
-
Manuscripts should be submitted as Word documents (.docx preferred).
-
Authors should include a short biographical note (maximum 100 words) at the end of their submission.
-
Include an AI statement if relevant (see policy below)
Use of AI
Please consult the Bahá’í Studies Review AI Policy (click here) to ensure you are complying with its requirements.
Types of Publications
We publish work in the following five categories:
Original Article: An Original Article presents original research, analysis, or ideas that contribute substantively to scholarly or interdisciplinary discussions in the field. Submissions should offer fresh insights, demonstrate rigorous inquiry, and clearly articulate how they extend or deepen existing knowledge. Authors are expected to engage with relevant scholarship and situate their work within the wider literature. Manuscripts should not exceed 10,000 words, including footnotes.
Review: A Review Article critically surveys and synthesises existing literature on a defined topic. Such pieces should highlight key debates, identify gaps or emerging trends, and provide an interpretive overview for scholars and practitioners alike. Authors are encouraged to suggest directions for future research. Manuscripts should not exceed 4,000 words, including footnotes.
Reflection: A Reflection offers thoughtful personal or professional commentary related to the journal’s themes. These contributions may draw on lived experience, teaching, practice, or community engagement, and are typically written in a more accessible or narrative voice. While reflective in tone, they should connect personal insights to broader issues and aim to inspire constructive dialogue. Manuscripts should not exceed 4,000 words, including footnotes.
Provisional Translation: A Provisional Translation article puts forward a new provisional translation of a tablet, letter or other key text relating to the Baha'i Faith into English. The piece should include context about the text, such as the circumstances under which it was written, information about previous translations if they exist, and the full item in its original language, either in the body of the work or as an appendix. Commentary on the content of the translated text may also be included. Where appropriate, clear distinctions should be made between provisional and authoritative translations.
Artistic Contribution: An Artistic Contribution showcases creative work that explores the journal’s themes through visual, audio, performance, or multimedia forms. Examples include short films, visual artworks, or other forms of artistic expression. Submissions must include an accompanying artist’s statement (up to 1,500 words) that contextualises the work, explains the creative process, and discusses its relevance to ongoing conversations in the field.
Research Note: A Research Note provides a concise report of observations, methodological insights, or brief findings that merit scholarly attention but do not require a full-length article. This format is suitable for sharing specific data, illustrative examples, or protocols. Research Notes should not exceed 1,500 words, including footnotes, but may be considerably shorter if appropriate.
Editorial and Review Process
Submissions may be made via the journal’s website or by email to bsr@bahai.org.uk. Each manuscript undergoes an initial review by the editor, followed by assessment by the editorial review panel and anonymous peer reviewers, who may suggest revisions to enhance clarity, coherence, and scholarly rigour. This peer-review process adheres to academic standards and ensures the highest quality of published work. Upon acceptance, articles are published online. Please note that precise formatting requirements can be finalised in collaboration with the editor during the production stage; content quality remains the primary consideration at the time of submission.