AUSTRALIAN
Submission Guidelines
The Australian Rationalist is a social issues-oriented quarterly published by the Rationalist Association of Australia for the Rationalist Society of Australia. Potential contributors are encouraged to view previous editions of the journal for an indication of the journal style. We accept unsolicited, complete manuscripts as well as queries. Occasionally we commission articles and book reviews from authors. Previously-published material will be considered if it appeared recently in a non-competing, low-circulation periodical. Excerpts from forthcoming or just-released books will also be considered.
The preferred length for feature articles is 1500–3000 words. We seek articles on popular culture, the environment, literature, philosophy and effective living. Any accounts of enlightening life experiences are welcome. Articles should be 700 to 1400 words, with book reviews ranging from 500 to 1200 words.
We also consider humour, poetry, short fiction and cartoons. Illustrators and photographers should submit samples of their work. Photos and artwork intended to accompany a manuscript may be submitted in full-size photocopy form or as small digital images. If material is accepted for publication, the original photos and/or artwork — or high-resolution images — will be requested.
The Australian Rationalist reserves the right to use articles on its websites.
Writers get $50 for their first 500–1000 words and five cents per word thereafter, ‘Letters to the Editor’ excluded.
Contributions should be submitted in one of the following ways:
- Attached to an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it [IMPORTANT: This email address is for contributions to the journal only — other matters should be directed to the Secretary at; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; or to the address below.]
- On a CD or DVD sent to the address below, preferably formatted in a recent version of Microsoft Office Word. If this is not possible then it should be formatted as a text only file.*
- Posted as hard copy to:
The Editor
Australian Rationalist
PO Box 1219
Fitzroy North 3068
Victoria, Australia
* note: If the contribution contains non-standard formatting, such as lists, tables or indented quotes, which may not survive electronic transfer intact, the contribution should also be sent as a hard copy to the address above.
Telephone enquiries should be directed through the Secretary on (03) 9015 9801.