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The Manuscript: Journal of Taylor Swift Studies

News

Special Edition CFP open now through July 12th 2026.

JOTSS is launching something special by accepting your less-than-academic popular work for our non-scholarly special edition, Colloquially Speaking! Ruminations on the Possibilities of the Field. We encourage submissions that celebrate, interrogate, speculate, formulate, and ruminate on the intersection of academic insight and creative expression regarding the advancing, interdisciplinary possibilities of Taylor Swift Studies. What is possible? Where should we focus our attention? What perspectives haven't been considered? This unique issue welcomes diverse voices and varied formats (while maintaining academic integrity where appropriate).

This special non-scholarly edition welcomes:

  • Creative non-fiction
  • Poetry and prose
  • Popular essays
  • Methodological reflections
  • Cultural commentary
  • Experimental writing

    • While this edition embraces creativity, submissions should:

  • Follow MLA citation style where appropriate
  • Engage meaningfully with cultural connections and original insights
  • Demonstrate thoughtful analysis
  • Maintain professional standards
  • Be no longer than 8,000 words

    • Note from the Editor for students and emerging scholars: JOTSS is committed to fostering accessible pathways into academic publishing. Please consider that this special issue is not peer-reviewed, and therefore, may not carry the same academic "weight" on your CV. While we permit our authors to retain rights to their own work, many publishers will not accept previously published materials. If publishing in a peer-reviewed journal is important for your professional journey, consider submitting for JOTSS' annual edition when our next CFP goes live in May as it is peer-reviewed and indexed.

    2026 Call for Journal Cover Art: "The One" Award

    Submit original, non-AI generated artwork for the cover of our inaugural edition, launching April 29th, 2026 to jtraut@binghamton.edu with the subject line "JOTSS Cover Art Submission 2026".

    We are currently accepting submissions for:

  • Cover Art Design (Award: $250). Concept: A mirror-based design that symbolizes how art and artistry serve as a reflection of public speculation and interpretation. This conceptual approach aims to capture the dynamic relationship between artist and audience.
  • Journal Logo Design (Award: $100). Concept: A typewriter-inspired design incorporating the journal's acronym "JOTSS" featured on the typewriter keys. This should reflect both the academic nature of the publication and its focus on written analysis.

    • Submission Guidelines:

  • High-resolution digital files
  • Both PNG and vectorized formats
  • Artist statement (100 word maximum) to be featured on website
  • Brief bio (50 word maximum) to be featured on website
  • Deadline: March 13th
  • Submit to the Editor: jtraut@binghamton.edu