Writer's Guide for Article Submissions

Private Ben Cohen of Brooklyn, New York, writes a letter as he sits on a cot in a 'super deluxe' foxhole, dug by U.S. Engineer unit, half-mile from the Normandy beachhead. Photographer: Kenny

Manuscript Preparation and Submission

When preparing your manuscript for submission to CMH, use a Word document with 1-inch margins and double-spaced text in 12-point Times New Roman font. Left-justify your text and avoid extra spaces between paragraphs. Utilize Word's footnote feature for notes, using single-spaced 10-point font. Adhere to CMH style guidelines and The Chicago Manual of Style throughout your work.

Your submission should include all appropriate front matter (such as title page and contents page) and back matter (appendixes and bibliography). If applicable, draft a foreword. Submit a final draft that closely follows CMH style guidelines, along with a style sheet listing preferred spellings for foreign names/terms and any unique style choices.

Prepare a graphics plan, known as a Numbered Image and Caption List (NICL), detailing all visual elements you wish to include. Obtain high-resolution digital images for elements not created in-house and secure necessary permissions for copyrighted material. Don't embed images in the manuscript; instead, provide a separate folder with organized, renamed image files. Include placement suggestions for visual elements within the manuscript and incorporate in-text references to tables, charts, and maps.

Format all footnotes and bibliographical entries completely and properly. Use shortened citations after the initial full citation. Ensure your bibliography contains appropriate sources as required by the publication type. Pay careful attention to the accuracy and consistency of citations throughout the manuscript.

Compile a comprehensive list of all service units mentioned in your work, organized by chapter. Include the page number of first mention, timeframe, official designation, parent unit(s), and any name variations. This list is crucial for maintaining accuracy and consistency in military unit references.

Editorial Process and Review

Work closely with your assigned editor throughout the revision process. Respond promptly to queries and review suggested changes carefully. Always use Word's "track changes" feature when making revisions to maintain version control. Be prepared for multiple rounds of edits, especially for larger manuscripts.

Once the editing process is complete, you'll have the opportunity to review page proofs. Mark any necessary corrections, but understand that major changes at this stage are discouraged. After the page proofs, you'll be involved in the indexing process. Review and approve the list of terms to be included in the index, adding any additional thematic terms as needed. You'll have a final chance to review the index in manuscript form before it's finalized.

Be aware that once indexing begins, both text and layout are frozen. Only minor, error-correcting changes can be made at this stage. Your manuscript will undergo a command review process before final publication. Consider working with the distribution editor to develop a book review package for publicity purposes. Understand that an electronic version of your publication will be made available on the CMH website.

Key Considerations and Best Practices

The publication process requires flexibility, as not all steps may apply to every project and the sequence may occasionally be adjusted. Maintain open communication with your editor and the production team throughout the process. Adhere to the production schedule and notify others promptly if deadlines cannot be met.

If your manuscript covers events after 1945 or involves intelligence operations, it may require security clearance. If working with co-authors, designate a lead author to act as the primary point of contact for the editorial team. To ensure version control, only one person should work on the manuscript at a time once the editing process begins.

Be prepared to work with the production team on creating or refining visual elements such as maps, charts, or other graphics. Remember that the ultimate goal is to produce a high-quality, accurate, and accessible historical work that meets CMH's standards and serves its readership effectively.

By following these guidelines and working closely with the CMH editorial and production team, you'll contribute to the smooth progression of your manuscript from submission to publication. Your dedication to accuracy, clarity, and adherence to CMH standards will help ensure the creation of a valuable historical resource.

Download the complete CMH Style and Publication Guide for full details. See Chapter 12 | From Manuscript to Publication: Preparation, Editing, Design, and Printing.