Guide for Contributors

Manuscript Submission

  • Features should not exceed 2,500 words. An abstract of up to 80 words, typed on a separate page, should accompany every Feature article. The word count should include the abstract. The preferred maximum for article titles is 70 characters, including spaces. Include very brief biographical sketches of authors on a separate page at the end of the article; 200 words or less for a single author and 100 words or less for each author of multiple-author features.
  • Viewpoint and Professional Insight submissions should not exceed 1,500 words. Abstracts are not required for manuscripts in these categories. A color photograph of the author should be submitted with each Viewpoint column.
  • JBC Style
    • JBC Editors may revise any accepted written material for length and JBC style.
    • The JBC follows The Chicago Manual of Style (2003. 15th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press).
    • The JBC uses active voice and first-person recounting.
      The active voice employs statements such as:
      Students preferred this model, rather than
      This model was preferred by students.
      A first-person recounting appears as:
      We found a statistical significance, rather than
      The authors found a statistical significance or
      A statistical significance was found.
    • Subheadings should be typed flush left. If subheads have different values, please clearly indicate with appropriately sized type.
    • Footnotes should be used sparingly. Indicate by an asterisk and place the note on a separate line at the bottom of the each page.
    • References

    Citation in text. The JBC uses the author-date method of citation recommended by The Chicago Manual of Style (See Chapter 16 in the 15th edition). The surnames of the authors and date of publication are enclosed in parentheses and inserted in the text at the appropriate point. For example:

    Jones (1996) has demonstrated that or
    A study of computer use in medicine (Jones 1996)

    If a work has three or more authors, use the name of the first author followed by “et al.,” in the text citation. However, in the reference list include all authors’ names.

    Reference list. The list of works cited is arranged alphabetically by senior author’s last name and placed at the end of the article; sample reference forms appear below. Note that the down-style is preferred for books and article titles.

    Journal article
    Singarella, T. 1986. The case of the Egyptian mummy head. The Journal of Biocommunication 13(3):17-21.

    Book
    Jinkins, J. Randy. 2000. Atlas of Neuroradiologic Embryology, Anatomy, and Variants. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

    Chapter in book
    Jinkins, J. Randy. 2000. The Spine. In Atlas of Neuroradiologic Embryology, Anatomy, and Variants. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

  • Software and Electronic Files
    • Manuscripts must be prepared with either Macintosh- or PC-based Microsoft Word™, Adobe PageMaker™, or Adobe InDesign™. The page setup must allow for 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper, one-inch margins on all sides, double-spaced lines, and 12 pt. body type.
    • Tables may be included within manuscripts as part of a word program. Tables also may be submitted as separate digital files uncompressed JPEG files saved at 300 dpi, 800 pixels wide. Identify all tables with a figure number and senior author’s surname. In a separate text file, provide a descriptive legend of 40 words maximum for each figure.
    • Digital Files containing graphics, illustrations, and photographs may be included with manuscripts as uncompressed JPEG files, 300 dpi, 800 pixels wide. Identify all images with a figure number and senior author’s surname. In a separate text file, provide a descriptive legend of 40 words maximum for each figure.
    • If illustrations are to be grouped, include a sketch of the suggested grouping.
    • If color electronic files are submitted, contributors also should submit hard copy output that shows example of satisfactory color reproduction. Mounted images will not be accepted. If a graphic, illustration, or photograph has been published previously, include a letter of permission from the copyright holder.
  • E-mail and surface mail submission
    • To submit a manuscript and any accompanying graphics files for consideration via e-mail, send a message with attachments to one of the Association Editors or to the Managing Editor. The e-mail also should contain the contributor’s name and telephone number.
    • To submit a manuscript and any accompanying tables or graphics via surface mail, please send a CD, floppy disk, or Zip 100 to one of the Association Editors or to the Managing Editor. While electronic files are preferred, the JBC also accepts manuscripts that are typed or printed double-spaced on one side only of 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper. Allow at least one-inch margins on all sides. Number text pages with Arabic numerals in the upper right corner. Also, please include contact information.
    • Authors should retain duplicates of all materials submitted.
    • If original artwork is submitted, the JBC cannot be responsible for any damage that may occur during mailing or processing. Artists and photographers are responsible for insuring their work if they desire. Artwork will be returned to authors by regular mail following publication.

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