Footnote Journal promotes the work of students and early career historians, but we welcome submissions from anyone interested in the study of history.

Any well-written academic piece that discusses history is welcome at Footnote, including essays, book reviews, or think pieces. The word limit for submissions is 2000 words, but if your article is longer, contact the editorial team to discuss your options.

Maximum two articles per person for each issue.

Your preferred name (please indicate if you prefer to be published anonymously) and a title or research question characterising your submission.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) poses a significant issue to Footnote Journal as a platform for encouraging the study of history. We strongly discourage the use of AI when submitting work to Footnote, not only because as a historical journal we seek out unique and original work written by real people, but also because AI has repeatedly proven to make crucial errors such as: fabricating historical information; perpetuating bias (particularly in preferencing Western systems of knowledge); overlooking nuance; and trivialising human emotions and experiences. 

Nevertheless, Footnote Journal does acknowledge that AI is a powerful tool that will continue to affect methods and approaches to research. As such, we do permit extremely limited use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with some aspects of a submission. However, AI is not permitted in the written work or analysis of your essay. Any use of AI must be referenced clearly in a cover page, in the footnotes, and in the bibliography. See our AI policy for further detailed information, or reach out to uqfootnote@gmail.com with your questions.

There are two versions of each issue – print and online. Environmental concerns and our budget limit our printing capability. Our printed edition is curated based on the quality of the work and the issue themes. Our online edition includes all edited submissions for that edition that the team has approved.

If selected, our editorial team will read and return an edited version to you for your review and approval.

If your work explores or analyses history, send us a brief pitch at uqfootnote@gmail.com to explain why it should be included.