Submissions

Why You Should Submit To The History News Network

HNN reaches a large number of readers. The website attracts hundreds of thousands of readers a month. Writing for HNN can help you find an audience for your ideas and publications.

If you have a book coming out an op ed can be an ideal way to draw attention to it. We've found that a good op ed can push readers to buy a book they otherwise would pass up. We are happy to include the book jacket image as an illustration and link to your press's sales page for the book (HNN prefers to direct prospective readers directly to presses, but we will substitute a link to a third-party sales site by request).

Guidelines for Writing Articles

Successful op-eds make an argument that takes the reader from point A to point B. They should either tell the reader something new or frame an old issue in a new way. Articles may include the author's opinion but primarily serve as vehicles for informed analysis with an emphasis on history. 

Article length may vary depending on subject matter but most articles run about 1,000 words.

Only in rare cases should footnotes be included -- instead, please use embedded links.  Using WORD you can highlight the phrase you want hyperlinked and then insert the link.  That is far preferable to pasting the link into the text, with the URL visible.

For helpful advice on writing an op-ed, read the Op-Ed Project's guide to opinion writing.

How To Submit An Article

To submit an article, email Editor in Chief Michan Connor at editor@hnn.us. If possible, articles should be sent as a Microsoft WORD attachment. If this is impossible, please simply paste the article into the email.

Please include in your email: 

• A brief CV or resume. Because we need to be able to assure our readers that writers are experts in the areas they discuss, we request that all submissions be accompanied by a CV or resume.
• How you would like to be identified (the name you would like to be published under).
• A brief author biography to accompany the article when published. Include your preferred name, preferred pronoun(s) if you would like them listed, and title, institutional affiliation, and recent book if applicable (the link to the press page for a current book will be posted here).

A response can be expected within three business days. Please contact us again if you haven't received a message within that time frame as emails occasionally get lost.

We encourage all historians who write for HNN to become a member. Membership is free. All you have to do is sign up for our thrice weekly newsletter by clicking here.

HNN Editorial and Publication Policies

Decision Process: The editor will make every reasonable effort to provide a decision within one week to (a) accept for publication (as-is with minor revisions), (b) request
significant substantive or organizational revisions prior to reconsideration of the submission, or (c) reject the submission.

Publication Criteria: HNN publishes essays at the sole discretion of the editor, whose decisions will be guided by consideration of:

The relevant expertise of the author to comment on the subject of the essay, demonstrated by relevant publishing, teaching, or professional experience. Most, but not all, HNN contributors are professional historians working in higher education, secondary schools, or museums or cultural institutions. Submissions from writers outside of these categories with specific professional or academic expertise are welcomed, but the question of expertise will be given strong scrutiny.

The significance of the subject matter.

The likely interest of HNN readers in the essay.

The quality of the essay's argument, evidence, organization, clarity and persuasiveness.

HNN's interest in publishing a variety of topics and perspectives informed by expertise. 

Consultation by the editor where appropriate with colleagues having expertise in relevant historical specialties. 

All decisions by the editor regarding publication of an essay are final.

Presumption that Submissions are in Final Form: Because the work of substantive editing is labor-intensive, the editor will presume that all submissions are in final form (submitted to be published as-is with minor revisions). Authors who wish to submit material as a rough draft (expecting to undertake significant revision in consultation with the editor) are asked to clearly indicate that in their email. The editor will consider whether to reject a rough draft outright or propose revisions based on their judgment that the work of editor and author is likely to yield a publishable essay, as defined above. The invitation to revise and resubmit an essay is extended at the sole discretion of the editor.

Review of Speculative Pitches: Because the work of developmental editing is labor intensive, the editor will entertain pitches at their discretion. Authors pitching yet-to-be-written pieces should explain clearly the subject matter and prospective argument, their relevant expertise, and the rationale for publishing (why HNN readers are likely to be interested). Essays submitted after discussion of a pitch will be reviewed like other submissions as defined above.

Prior publication at HNN does not guarantee the publication of future submissions. 

HNN reserves the right to reject submissions from authors or to not consider submissions from authors who engage in misconduct.  Misconduct includes but is not limited to fraud, plagiarism, and harassing or abusive conduct or communications directed toward HNN staff. The editor will refer cases of possible misconduct to the HNN advisory board.

HNN encourages the wide dissemination of information and therefore allows other publications to reprint our articles unless the author expressly requests copyright protection.

Writers should know that HNN allows search engines such as Google and Yahoo to use spiders to search the archives and post search results.

The editor reserves the right to select the title of any piece published by HNN.

Once a piece has been published the author relinquishes the right to withdraw it.

Authors should disclose in advance to the editor any potential conflict of interest they have which may affect their objectivity--or may appear to do so.

Does HNN Pay Its Writers?

Ideally, HNN would be able to pay its writers and we hope in the future we can. Currently, however, we are not in a position to pay for articles submitted for publication.  

HNN is a 501(c) non-profit and has only one paid employee. We do not advertise and do not charge readers for access to our articles or newsletter. 

What the History News Network can offer historians is a national platform.