Call for Papers: Taylor Swift: Poetess - Inaugural Issue of Forthcoming Journal

deadline for submissions: 
June 13, 2024
full name / name of organization: 
Tess Ezzy
contact email: 

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to announce a call for papers for the inaugural issue of a forthcoming journal dedicated to exploring the lyrical and poetic dimensions of Taylor Swift's music. This special issue, titled "Taylor Swift: Poetess," aims to delve into the intricate narratives, themes, and stylistic devices that characterize Swift's songwriting, inviting a scholarly examination of her work as a form of contemporary poetry.

Taylor Swift has established herself as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of our time, weaving complex stories and emotions into her songs that resonate with a wide audience. Her ability to craft vivid imagery, intricate narratives, and emotive landscapes through her lyrics has prompted discussions about the literary qualities of her work. This issue seeks to explore the depth of Swift's songwriting, analyzing her contributions to the broader landscape of poetic and literary expression.

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

  • Narrative structures in Taylor Swift's songwriting
  • Imagery and symbolism in Swift's lyrics
  • Themes of identity, love, loss, and resilience
  • Intertextuality and literary references in Swift's music
  • The evolution of Swift's lyrical style across her discography
  • Audience reception and interpretive communities around Swift's work
  • Comparative analyses of Swift's lyrics and traditional poetic forms

Submission Guidelines:

We welcome proposals from scholars, critics, and fans across disciplines interested in literary studies, musicology, cultural studies, and beyond. Submissions should offer original insights into Taylor Swift's work, grounded in textual analysis and supported by relevant theoretical frameworks.

  • Deadline for submissions: June 13, 2024
  • Proposal length: 500 words
  • Full name / name of organization: Tess Ezzy / Macquarie University
  • Contact email: tess.ezzy@mq.edu.au

Please send your proposals to the contact email provided above. Selected contributors will be notified and invited to submit full articles for peer review following the proposal review process.

This inaugural issue aims to provide a platform for scholarly engagement with Taylor Swift's songwriting, recognizing its significance within the literary and cultural canon of the 21st century. We look forward to receiving your submissions and contributing to the scholarly conversation around this compelling aspect of contemporary music and literature.

Warm regards,

Tess Ezzy Macquarie University tess.ezzy@mq.edu.au