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Author Guidelines

JCSM Author Guidelines for Research Paper Submission

The Journal of Cinema, Society and Media (JCSM), published by Bachpan Creation, invites humanities-oriented research articles in film, television, digital media, and audiovisual technologies. Below are the detailed submission guidelines for feature-length research papers.

1. Scope and Content

  • Focus: JCSM publishes articles fostering rigorous debate on the aesthetic, political, and cultural dimensions of media production, circulation, and reception. Topics include sound studies, visual culture, video game studies, fan studies, digital humanities, and avant-garde/experimental media.
  • Article Length: 3,000–8,000 words, including endnotes.
  • Originality: Submissions must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere.

2. Submission Requirements

  • Manuscript Formatting:
    • Use the Chicago Manual of Style (17th Edition), author-date system for endnotes.
    • No separate bibliography; include all citations in endnotes.
    • Submit as an editable file (e.g., Microsoft Word); PDFs are not accepted.
    • Double-spaced, 12-point font, with 1.5-inch margins.
  • Abstract and Keywords:
    • Include a 150-word abstract summarising the article’s argument and scope.
    • Provide approximately 6 keywords to aid in assigning expert reviewers.
  • Anonymisation:
    • Remove all identifying information (e.g., author name, institutional affiliation) from the manuscript text and file metadata to ensure anonymous peer review.
  • Illustrations:
    • Up to 6 images or tables are permitted.
    • Images must be high-resolution (1,500 pixels wide/tall, 250–300 dpi, preferably uncompressed TIFF, JPEG,PNG).
    • Authors are responsible for securing permissions for copyrighted material unless Fair Use applies. Include permission documentation or Fair Use justification with the submission.
  • Language: Submissions must be in English/ Hindi (unicode).

3. Submission Process

  • Platform: Submit electronically via the JCSM Submittable portal (https://journalofcinemasocietyandmedia.in) or Email- meena.bachpanexpress.com
  • Exclusivity: Simultaneous submissions to other journals are not permitted.
  • Submission Components:
    • Manuscript file (anonymized, including abstract and keywords).
    • Separate cover page with author’s name, contact information, institutional affiliation (if applicable), and article title.
    • Image files (if applicable) with captions and permission/Fair Use documentation.
  • Confirmation: Authors receive an acknowledgment of submission via Submittable.

4. Peer Review Process

  • Eligibility Check: The editorial team reviews submissions for compliance with guidelines. Non-compliant manuscripts (e.g., incorrect word count, formatting issues) may be desk-rejected.
  • Review Process:
    • Compliant manuscripts undergo anonymous peer review by at least two expert reviewers.
    • Reviewers evaluate originality, scholarly rigor, clarity, and relevance to cinema and media studies.
  • Acceptance Rate: Approximately 15% of submissions are accepted.
  • Timeline: The review process typically takes several months. Authors are notified of decisions (accept, revise and resubmit, or reject) via Submittable.
  • Expedition: JCSM does not expedite publication for job or promotion purposes but can provide confirmation letters for accepted articles.

5. Ethical Policies

  • Originality: Authors must ensure the work is original and disclose any prior dissemination (e.g., conference presentations, working papers).
  • Plagiarism: JCMS investigates plagiarism or redundant publication concerns, following ethical publishing standards.
  • Conflict of Interest: Editors recuse themselves from handling manuscripts with personal or professional conflicts.
  • Fair Evaluation: Manuscripts are judged on merit, regardless of the author’s race, gender, ethnicity, or other characteristics.
  • Citation Practices: Authors are not pressured to cite JCMS articles to boost journal metrics.

6. Diversity and Inclusion

  • JCSM Publishing Initiative: Encourages submissions from underrepresented scholars. Eligible authors can access mentorship and pre-submission feedback through the Associate Editors of Outreach and Equity.
  • Inclusivity: JCSM welcomes diverse perspectives and methodologies, including global and digital humanities approaches.

7. Post-Acceptance

  • Revisions: Accepted articles may require revisions based on reviewer feedback. Authors must address comments and resubmit within the specified timeline.
  • Proofing: Authors review proofs for accuracy and approve final versions.
  • Publication:
    • Articles are published in presentation order, usually in one of 2 annual issues (published online).
    • Publication timelines vary; expect several months from acceptance to publication.
  • Rights:
    • Authors retain copyright but grant JCSM non-exclusive publication rights.
    • Articles are accessible via institutional subscriptions (Project MUSE, JSTOR) or SCMS membership, with select open-access options .
  • No Fees: JCSM does not charge article processing fees (APCs).

8. Submission Checklist

  • Manuscript (3000–8,000 words, anonymised, Chicago style endnotes).
  • 150-word abstract and ~6 keywords.
  • Separate cover page with author details and title.
  • High-resolution images (if applicable) with captions and permissions/Fair Use documentation.
  • Editable file format (not PDF).
  • Submission via https://journalofcinemasocietyandmedia.in/ Email :Meena.bachpanexpress.com

Key Tips for Authors

  • Compliance: Adhere strictly to word count, formatting, and anonymisation to avoid desk rejection.
  • Clarity: Ensure the abstract clearly articulates the article’s argument and contribution.
  • Permissions: Secure image permissions early to prevent delays.
  • Mentorship: If eligible, contact the JCSM Publishing Initiative for pre-submission support.
  • Patience: The peer review and publication process is thorough and may take several months.