About the Journal
Focus and Scope
The August Wilson Journal publishes scholarly material related to the life and work of Pittsburgh-born playwright August Wilson. This includes but is not limited to biographical research, historical research, literary analysis, and performance studies, as well as interviews, book/performance reviews, audio and video contributions, notes, and current bibliographic information.
Submit the following through the journal website:
Biographical research explores how Mr. Wilson's life impacted his writing.
Historical research studies various social, political, racial, and/or gender questions relating to Mr. Wilson's plays.
Literary analysis examines and assesses the written plays of August Wilson in scholarly fashion.
Performance studies considers how Mr. Wilson's writing moves onto the stage and how contemporary theatres interpret his plays.
Inquire of journal editors:
Interviews are considered vital by the journal. Examples include conversations with actors, directors, and other theatre experts, as well as relatives, acquaintances and other people relevant to August Wilson.
Book/performance review analyzes and assesses emerging books and current performances.
Audio and video contributions on the topic of August Wilson are encouraged and will be considered.
AWJ Notes address ongoing conversations within the field of August Wilson studies, by striving to verify accurate information (and challenge misinformation) in order to set an official, permanent record.
AWJ Bibliography is a listing of current, published material related to Mr. Wilson’s life and work.
Audience:
Target audience consists of literary scholars, college professors, high school teachers; actors, directors, theatre professionals; graduate students, motivated undergraduates, and others interested in detailed discussion of the life and work of August Wilson.
Peer Review Process
Editorial Review Process
#1 Biographical research
Double blind review with two readers.
Reviewers and author are anonymous.
#2 Historical research
Double blind review with two readers.
Reviewers and author are anonymous.
#3 Literary analyses
Double blind review with two readers.
Reviewers and author are anonymous.
#4 Performance studies
Double blind review with two readers.
Reviewers and author are anonymous.
#5 Interviews
Discretion of the editors.
#6 Book / Performance Reviews
Discretion of the editors.
#7 Audio / Video Contributions
Discretion of the editors.
#8 Notes
Discretion of the editors. Editors may choose to seek reviewer input.
#9 Bibliography
Discretion of the editors.
What happens if the results are not decisive?
In the case two different recommendations are made, a third reviewer will be assigned.
If three different results occur, the journal editor makes the final decision.
Open Access Policy
This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.
Statement on Publishing Ethics
Adherence to ethical standards for the dissemination of research results is critical to the research process. August Wilson Journal adheres to the Code of conduct and best practice guidelines of the Committee On Publication Ethics (COPE), the Code of Conduct of the Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (OASPA), and the Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing of the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ).
