Nebraska History, published quarterly by the Nebraska State Historical Society, accepts well-researched articles, edited documents, and other annotated primary materials relating to the history of Nebraska and the Great Plains.
NH has a twofold mission. Since 1918, we've been the publication of record for the history of our state. As such, we expect our contributors to abide by the highest standards of scholarship. At the same time, we do not exist solely for the benefit of scholars and researchers. We take seriously the Society's motto:
"The Nebraska State Historical Society collects, preserves, and opens to all, the histories we share."
We therefore strive to make historical scholarship accessible to intelligent, curious, nonprofessional readers. We are firm believers in the enduring value of the well-crafted historical narrative.
Submissions may focus on political, economic, social, and ethnic themes; on institutional and architectural history; or biography. Manuscripts should reflect research in primary sources. Family histories or personal reminiscences are rarely published, and must be of exceptional value or statewide interest to be considered.
If you're unfamiliar with NH, we'll send you a sample copy upon request.
SUBMISSIONS, MANUSCRIPT REVIEW, and ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Submissions sent as e-mail attachments should include:
- An electronic version, preferably Microsoft Word or RTF (Rich Text Format).
- Low-resolution scans of photos and artwork suitable for illustrating the article. If scans are not included for review, please include detailed descriptions of possible illustrations and note where they can be obtained.
- A brief author vita (Word, WordPerfect, or PDF)
Originals or high-resolution scans will be required for publication. Please read more about Scan Requirements before sending high-resolution scans or ordering them from other institutions.
It is the author's responsibility to obtain permission from the copyright holder to reproduce images. Permission forms should accompany any final scans or originals sent for reproduction.
Note: Attachments exceeding 5 MB cannot be accommodated by our system. If your submission is larger than 5 MB, please break it into two or more parts and attach to separate e-mail messages.
Submissions will be acknowledged promptly. Manuscripts are subject to review by qualified referees. Authors usually will be notified within sixty days regarding publication. Manuscripts and other materials not accepted for publication will be returned if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Submissions sent by regular mail should include:
- A typed or computer-printed copy of the manuscript (double spaced)
- An electronic version, preferably Microsoft Word or RTF, on a CD
- A brief author vita
- Photographs, maps, line drawings, and artwork suitable for illustrating the article. If illustrative material is not included for review, please include detailed descriptions of possible illustrations and note where they can be obtained. Illustrative materials provided by authors will be returned if a stamped, self-addressed envelope is included.
Photocopies or low-resolution scans may be sent for review. Originals or high-resolution scans will be required for publication. Please read more about Scan Requirements before sending high-resolution scans or ordering them from other institutions.
It is the author's responsibility to obtain permission from the copyright holder to reproduce images. Permission forms should accompany any final scans or originals sent for reproduction.
LENGTH AND STYLE:
There are no rigid length requirements for Nebraska History articles. The preferred range is from 3,000 to 7,500 words. Short articles (1,000 to 2,000 words) providing a historical context for current social and political issues are welcome, as are short articles (up to 1,000 words) responding to previously published articles. Edited manuscripts and detailed treatments longer than 7,000 words occasionally are used as single-article issues of Nebraska History.
Articles are subject to in-house editing following the conventions of the current edition of The Chicago Manual of Style. Documentation should be in the form of double-spaced endnotes as described in The Chicago Manual of Style. Authors will be consulted about major substantive revisions. Authors will have an opportunity to review final copy-edited manuscripts. Major revisions cannot be made after an article has been typeset.
CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE, REPRINTS, AND COPIES
Upon acceptance of a manuscript the author will be asked to sign a consent form giving Nebraska History the right to publish the article and reprint it in other NSHS publications, including digital and on-line versions. The consent form also requires authors to guarantee that the article is original and has not been simultaneously submitted to any other publication. The contents of Nebraska History are copyrighted by the Nebraska State Historical Society.
Each author will receive six free copies of the issue in which the article appears. Authors may purchase additional copies at a 40 percent discount from the single-copy price. Nebraska History does not offer article reprints; authors may make their own reprint arrangements.
THE JAMES L. SELLERS AWARD
Annually the Nebraska State Historical Society awards a cash prize and plaque to the author of the Nebraska History article judged best by an independent panel of judges. The award is named for James L. Sellers (1881-1966), professor of history at the University of Nebraska and for twenty years a member of the Society's governing board.
For more information, contact the editor:
David L. Bristow
Nebraska State Historical Society
P.O. Box 82554
Lincoln, NE 68501-2554
Tel: (402) 471-4748
Fax: (402) 471-3100
E-mail: david.bristow@nebraska.gov