Submission Guide

Can I write for Gotham?
Like our university sponsor, we have a strong public mission that we take seriously. Our goal is foremost to provide a digital home for scholars of New York City history. But we aim to make that research accessible to everyone, and to discuss New York City history everywhere one finds it — not just in the academic journals or presses, which most Americans never see or read, but in the public square, where the majority learn about it. With that in mind, we understand that New York City’s historical community means not only the professional scholars who make up its fundamental core, but the library archivists, museum curators, educators, filmmakers, preservationists, and independent researchers who expand and disseminate that information. We also encourage posts that can shed historical perspective on contemporary debates, in the belief that history matters. It is not "academic." Or, rather, not simply for academics. If you have a subject you would like to discuss or see explored, please write us.

So what are you looking for, exactly?
We publish short-form original research, book reviews, author interviews, journal article digests, conference papers, exhibition reviews, and historical discussions of contemporary issues. We also consider "state of the field" essays about historiography, and “thought pieces” on New York City in popular culture and memory. And we're open to ideas. Feel free to get in touch. But do not send work that is not about New York City, has already been published, is purely descriptive, or vituperative.

Is Gotham peer-reviewed?
We do not have formal peer-review like academic journals. Ultimate responsibility for the accuracy of your post lies with you. But editors in your subject area will review your work, to ensure a proper understanding of the existing literature and to bolster the strength of your argument. Many essays do undergo revision, and publication is never guaranteed.

How do I submit?
To submit, contact Managing Editor Rachel Pitkin at RPitkin@gradcenter.cuny.edu. Describe your idea in 250 words and provide a ‘bio.’

How long should / can a post be?
Post lengths vary, but we aim for 1,500-2,500 words. We strongly encourage anyone submitting a post to read the blog for a sense of its tone and content.

Any particular style?
Our data indicates that Gotham has a broad, popular audience. So, to maximize readership, we encourage a clear, punchier, jargon-free style. But remember, scholars of New York City history definitely read the blog.

If you're submitting original research, include footnotes with your submission. Every post must also contain a few images; please send cited and captioned.

I’m a publisher. How do I suggest reviews?
We make regular surveys of new publications to stay atop the field. But we ask trade and university presses to inform us about recent or forthcoming titles we might consider for reviews and other Gotham Center programming.

Other questions?
Contact us at gothamcenter@gc.cuny.edu