Call for Special Issues: Christianity and Literature

As a peer-reviewed journal publishing since 1951, Christianity and Literature invites proposals for Special Issues exploring focused topics at the intersection of Christian faith and literary expression. We are interested in issues that address, but are not limited to, the following areas:

• Christianities in particular geographic regions, e.g.:
  • West African Christianities
  • The Diverse Christian Landscape in the Caribbean Region
  • Japanese Christian Writers
  • Fiction and the Christian Life in India
  • Varieties of Christianities in the United States
• Global and/or Postconciliar Catholic Literatures
• Christian Memoir
• Contemporary Orthodox Fiction
• The Sacred and the Short Story
• Recent Christian YA fiction
• Indigenous Authors
• Women Authors
• New Directions in Christian Rhetorics
• Anniversaries and Milestones: 2027 is the 50th anniversary of the Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon, for example, and 2028 is the 100th anniversary of Sigrid Undset’s Nobel Prize for Literature.

A special issue typically features 6-8 essays (5,000-9,000 words each, including notes), plus an introduction by the guest editor(s). We encourage proposals that demonstrate:

• Intellectual Rigor and Cohesion: A clearly defined, compelling, and timely topic that can attract high-quality submissions and contribute significantly to the field.

• Scholarly Innovation: Approaches that offer fresh perspectives, engage with emerging critical theories, or bring new insights to established areas of study.

• Diverse Representation: While not a strict requirement for all issues, we encourage proposals that consider a diversity of voices, literary traditions, and historical periods.

• Feasibility: A realistic plan for soliciting and curating high-quality essays within the proposed timeline.

Proposal Guidelines

Your proposal should be submitted as a single PDF document and include the following:

• Issue Title: A concise and engaging title for the special issue.
• Guest Editor(s): Name(s), affiliation(s), and a brief CV (2-3 pages per editor)
• Rationale (1,000-1,200 words):

• A description of the special issue's topic, outlining its scope, intellectual significance, and potential contribution to the field.

• Explain why this topic is timely and relevant for Christianity and Literature.

• Identify key questions or themes the issue will address.

• Discuss how the proposed topic aligns with the journal's mission and scope.

• Proposed Essays/Topics: While not a commitment, you may briefly describe potential essay topics or areas of inquiry you envision for the issue. This helps us understand the breadth and depth of your vision. If you have already assembled contributors, please include their names along with brief bios and article topics or abstracts.

• Timeline: A proposed timeline for the call for papers, submission of full manuscripts, peer review, and final revisions. Please note that the full editorial process, from proposal acceptance to publication, typically spans 15-18 months.

Submission Process

Proposals will be reviewed by the journal's editorial team. We encourage potential guest editors to reach out to the editors with any questions prior to submission.

Please submit your proposals electronically or submit general inquiries to Darren_Middleton@Baylor.edu