Definition · Plain-language
Call for Papers
A call for papers (CFP) is an invitation issued by journal editors or conference organisers requesting researchers to submit original manuscripts for publication or presentation. CFPs specify target themes, submission guidelines, deadlines, and formatting requirements for special issues or events.
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Anatomy of a Call for Papers
A CFP is a structured document containing several crucial details. It begins with a thematic overview outlining the background and relevance of the topic. It lists specific subtopics of interest, names the guest editors or scientific committee, and provides clear submission instructions, including formatting guidelines, word limits, and strict timelines for draft submission and final publication.
The Purpose and Benefits of Special Issues
For journals, issuing a CFP for a special issue drives submissions in highly active or emerging research areas, often increasing the journal's impact factor and readership. For authors, submitting to a themed special issue offers higher visibility within a focused subcommunity, potentially faster peer review times, and the opportunity to publish alongside other leading scholars in their niche.
How to Identify and Respond to a CFP
Researchers can find CFPs on journal websites, academic listservs, and social media platforms. When responding to a CFP, it is critical to ensure the target journal is reputable and indexed in major databases. The submitted manuscript must align precisely with the thematic scope defined in the CFP, and authors should state in their cover letter that their paper is intended for that specific call.
Key facts
At a glance
- A CFP invites submissions for a specific journal special issue, book volume, or academic conference.
- It defines a thematic scope, listing preferred topics, methods, and theoretical frameworks.
- Guest editors are often appointed to oversee the peer review process for special issue CFPs.
- Submissions to a CFP must still undergo standard peer review to ensure quality.
- CFPs have strict, non-negotiable submission deadlines to keep publication schedules on track.
Common misconceptions
What people often get wrong
Often heard: Submitting a paper to a CFP guarantees publication because the editors invited submissions.
Actually: All papers submitted under a CFP must pass standard peer review; rejection rates for special issues can remain high if the work does not meet quality standards.
Often heard: CFPs are only issued by conferences.
Actually: Journals frequently issue CFPs to curate thematic special issues, and book publishers use them to gather chapters for edited volumes.
Often heard: You can submit a paper that does not fit the CFP's theme, hoping they will accept it anyway.
Actually: Papers that do not align closely with the specified CFP theme will be desk-rejected by the guest editors to preserve the thematic unity of the volume.
