This document provides details on formatting pertaining to initial and final manuscript submission to The Language and Literacy Spectrum.

Important Formatting Requirements

• Submit your manuscript as a single Word file.
• Page size should be 8.5 x 11-inches.
• Do not include a title page or abstract with the body of the manuscript.
• Do not include a title with the body of the manuscript.
• Do not include page numbers, headers, or footers.
• Do not include the heading “Introduction.”
• Level 1 headings - boldface, centered, title case
• Level 2 headings - boldface, left-aligned, title case
• Level 3 headings - boldface, left-aligned, title case, italic
• Level 4 headings - indented, boldface, title case, ends with period, text begins on the same line
• Level 5 headings - indented, boldface, title case, ends with period, italics, text begins on the same line
• Font - 12 Point, Times New Roman
• Indent all paragraphs except the first paragraph and those following a section heading.
• All margins (left, right, top and bottom) should be 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), including your tables and figures.
• Single space your text.
• Use a single column layout for the body of the article with both left and right margins justified.
• It is the author's obligation to provide complete references with the necessary information.
• Use a left-aligned margin for the reference list.
• All references and in-text citations should follow APA-7 guidelines.
• Begin the reference list on a new page with the level 1 heading “References.”
• Include Digital Object Identifier (DOI) for every reference, if possible.
• When possible, there should be no pages where more than a quarter of the page is empty space.
• Place all figures, tables, etc. in the desired location within the manuscript.
• No images of people’s faces may be included.
• Manuscripts must be submitted in English and utilize American English spelling.
• For initial submissions, remove all information that could identify the author, including works published by the author.

Additional Recommendations

Article Length

While there is no strict word or page limit, please exercise discretion to keep manuscripts to a reasonable length.

Colored text

Set the font color to black for the majority of the text. We encourage authors to take advantage of the ability to use color in the production of figures, maps, etc. However, this will cause some of your readers problems when they print the document on a black & white printer. For this reason, you are advised to avoid the use of colors in situations where translation to black and white would render the material illegible or incomprehensible.

Emphasized text

Whenever possible use italics to indicate text you wish to emphasize rather than underlining it. The use of color to emphasize text is discouraged.

Terms in languages other than English

Whenever possible, terms in languages other than English should be set in italics rather than underlined.

Titles

Whenever possible, titles of books, movies, etc., should be set in italics rather than underlined.

Footnotes

Footnotes should appear at the bottom of the page on which they are referenced rather than at the end of the paper. Footnotes should be in 10 pt. Times or closest comparable font available, they should be single spaced, and there should be a footnote separator rule (line). Footnote numbers or symbols in the text must follow, rather than precede, punctuation. Excessively long footnotes are probably better handled in an appendix. All footnotes should be left and right-justified (i.e., flush with the right margin), unless this creates awkward spacing.

Tables and Figures

To the extent possible, tables and figures should appear in the document near where they are referenced in the text. Large tables or figures should be put on pages by themselves. Avoid the use of overly small type in tables. In no case should tables or figures be in a separate document or file. All tables and figures must fit within 1.5" margins on all sides (top, bottom, left and right) in both portrait and landscape view.

Mathematics

Roman letters used in mathematical expressions as variables should be italicized. Roman letters used as part of multi-letter function names should not be italicized. Whenever possible, subscripts and superscripts should be a smaller font size than the main text.

Short mathematical expressions should be typed inline. Longer expressions should appear as display math. Also expressions using many different levels (e.g., such as the fractions) should be set as display math. Important definitions or concepts can also be set off as display math.

Equations should be numbered sequentially. Whether equation numbers are on the right or left is the choice of the author(s). However, you are expected to be consistent in this.

Symbols and notation in unusual fonts should be avoided. This will not only enhance the clarity of the manuscript, but it will also help it to display correctly on the reader's screen and print correctly. When proofing your document under PDF pay particular attention to the rendering of the mathematics, especially symbols and notation drawn from other than standard fonts.