Author Guidelines & Submission Information
Everything you need to prepare and submit a manuscript to the NCL Review. Read all guidelines before submitting.
Submission Tracks & Types
Empirical studies using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods. Must include research questions, methodology, findings, and implications.
Comprehensive synthesis of existing research. Must follow PRISMA or equivalent protocol.
Original theoretical frameworks or critical analyses of existing theory applied to adult literacy and learning.
Concise reports of completed or ongoing research. Ideal for program evaluations and pilot studies.
Evidence-informed accounts of instructional models and program approaches. Practitioners need not be academic researchers.
Shorter, structured profiles of replicable programs or practices with documented outcomes and replication guidance.
Evidence-based policy briefs on adult literacy legislation, WIOA, funding, or systems change. Must include policy recommendations.
Timely analysis of active legislative or policy developments. Fast-tracked to 10-business-day turnaround.
First-person accounts by adult learners describing their experiences. IRB consent required. No rejection for academic style — authenticity is the standard. Always free for learner co-authors.
Critical reviews of recently published books in adult literacy, adult education, or related fields. Typically invited.
Formatting Requirements
- ✓ Microsoft Word (.docx) preferred; LaTeX accepted for Research Track
- ✓ 12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, double-spaced
- ✓ APA 7th Edition citations and references
- ✓ Manuscript fully anonymized (no author names or affiliations in document)
- ✓ Cover page with author info submitted separately
- ✓ Abstract (150–250 words) — Research and Policy tracks
- ✓ 5–7 keywords — all indexed submission types
- ✓ AI Use Statement (required; state "none" if not used)
- ✓ IRB approval number or exemption statement
- ✓ Implications for Policy and Practice (300 words, all tracks)
Review Process & Timeline
Publication Fees (APCs)
| Author Type | APC | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non-member | $399 | Full peer review, DOI, open access publication |
| NCL Organizational Member | $199 | Discounted APC for affiliated staff |
| Journal / Founding Partner member | Free | Included in membership tier (3 or unlimited submissions) |
| Research Development Partner | Free | 4 publications included in $7,500 annual tier |
| Waiver eligible (see below) | $0–$99 | Community practitioners, learner co-authors, small nonprofits, LMIC authors |
Waiver Policy
The NCL Review is committed to removing financial barriers for the contributors whose knowledge the field most needs. Four waiver categories are available — no separate application required. Select your category at submission and provide a brief self-certification.
Actively practicing adult literacy educator or program staff not affiliated with a university as faculty or researcher, and whose organization has no dedicated research budget.
Any submission listing a current or former adult learner as a named co-author with IRB consent documentation. This waiver is automatic and non-negotiable.
Registered 501(c)(3) with annual operating budget under $750,000. Limit: 2 waiver submissions per organization per year.
First/corresponding author based in a World Bank Low or Middle Income Country (LMIC), submitting work on adult literacy or basic education.
Ethics & AI Use Policy
All submissions must include an AI Use Statement placed after the conclusion, before references. If no AI tools were used, state: "No AI tools were used in any phase of this work."
Disclose: which tools were used, for what purpose, and how human oversight was maintained. AI tools may not be listed as authors. Undisclosed AI use may result in retraction.
Manuscripts reporting research with human participants must include an IRB approval number and issuing institution, or a statement explaining why IRB review was not required.
Community Voice Track submissions with learner narratives must include written consent documentation at submission. The NCL Review follows COPE Core Practices for all editorial decisions.
Submission Checklist
☐ Manuscript within stated word count for submission type
☐ APA 7th edition citations and references complete
☐ Manuscript fully anonymized (no author names, affiliations, or identifying self-citations)
☐ Abstract (150–250 words) included if required
☐ 5–7 keywords provided
☐ AI Use Statement included
☐ IRB approval number or exemption statement included
☐ "Implications for Policy and Practice" section included (300 words, all tracks)
☐ Cover letter attached (separate file)
☐ Conflict of interest disclosed or "none to declare" stated
☐ Simultaneous submission confirmed as not occurring
☐ Waiver request selected if applicable
☐ Consent documentation attached if Learner Voice submission