Style Guidelines for Authors
First SubmissionsThe manuscript should be typed or computer-printed on standard-sized paper. The main text must be double-spaced. However, for a first submission, footnotes and references may be single-spaced (although these will eventually have to be double-spaced if the paper is accepted for publication.) Assuming a standard 11 point font or typeface and 1-inch (2.54cm) margins, the paper should not exceed 35 pages, including everything except notes not intended for publication. Do not use a font smaller than 10-point or larger than 12-point for the main text. You should provide an abstract and it is helpful (but not essential) to provide up to two JEL classification codes.
For first submissions, any standard conventions regarding footnotes, referencing, etc. are fine. Diagrams and tables may be inserted in the text or attached at the back. However, keep in mind that it is easier for referees and editors to read your paper if diagrams and tables are in the text and footnotes appear at the bottom of the page. It is often a good idea to include notes for the referees that include, when relevant, detailed step-by-step algebraic derivations, detailed descriptions of data construction, or other supplementary material. If your paper is too dense or too opaque for referees to understand readily what you have done, your paper will almost certainly be rejected.
Accepted PapersIf your paper is accepted for publication you will be asked to prepare it according to the following specific guidelines. This may involve "undoing" some of the steps taken to facilitate ease of reading at earlier stages.
- Title Page, Abstract
- General Formatting
- Bibliography Style
- Mathematical Style
- Figures and Tables
- Technical Appendix
When you have a final version conforming to the above specifications, you should send us two copies of your paper, including all tables and figures, via e-mail. One document should be a PDF file with the complete paper, and the second document should contain the TeX/LaTeX or MS-Word sources of the text and tables. Figures may be provided in PDF or encapsulated PostScript. Wordperfect or other types of files files should be converted to MS-Word for compatibility reasons.
Your manuscript will be copy-edited and will be made to conform to CJE style in spelling, punctuation, and usage.