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Format and Style
Prospective contributors are urged to contact the Editor-in-Chief as soon as possible with any proposed editions. For the introduction and other prefatory materials (critical reports, texts and translations), follow the JSCM Style Sheet, Sections 1 through 8. Disregard all references to HTML mark-up, since WLSCM texts are published as PDF rather than as HTML files.
Note to prospective submitters: Please carefully note the following requirements for submitted editions. Editions cannot be reviewed until these requirements have been met, and failure to observe them will delay the reviewing and publication process.
- Editions should be submitted as email attachments or through a secure file sharing service.
- To preserve anonymity during the reviewing process, the name of the editor must not appear anywhere in the edition or prefatory materials. After the edition has been accepted and is prepared for publication, the editor's name will be added in the headings, copyright notices, etc.
- Both scores and introductory texts must be formatted in US letter format (8.5 x 11). In text programs such as Microsoft Word, this is handled by Page Setup in the File Menu. In Finale go to Page Layout Tool, Page Layout Menu, Page Size. In Sibelius, go to the Layout Menu, Document Setup. Use only "portrait" orientation, even for tables.
- Provide adequate margins (approximately 1 inch or 24 mm at the top and bottom is preferred) in both the edition and introductory materials, especially at the top and bottom. WLSCM will add headers and footers to every page identifying the work, composer, and editor.
- In scores, the parts ordinarily should apear in the following order: winds (woodwinds above brasses), strings, voices, continuo or basso part. Seeing the voices immediately above the continuo line often is helpful to the organist/choir director or to the person realizing the continuo. Please consult the Editor-in-Chief if for appropriate reasons a different order is preferred.
- The introduction and/or score should clarify which elements of the edition reflect the source and which are editorial changes or additions. The introduction must list the source(s) that formed the basis of the edition, including the library (including RISM sigla) and call number, or the name of the original publisher and place and date of publication. The introduction should provide a description of editorial procedures (changes of clefs, handling of accidentals, beaming, corrections, etc.).
- For the introductory materials please use standard fonts, such as New Roman Times, and do not use columns.
- Use footnotes rather than endnotes, and carefully format all citations as specified in the JSCM Style Sheet.
- Pay careful attention to note spacing. Make sure that it is comparatively even, and neither too narrow nor too wide, so as to provide an attractive appearance to the reader/performer. In particular, for sections with measures of three whole notes or half notes (tempus perfectum or prolatio major) the spacing should not be appreciably wider than would be encountered in 3/4 or 6/8 meter.
- Ordinarily a single file should be submitted for the score of each composition (cantata, sonata, suite, etc.). Do not divide a work into several files, unless it contains exceptionally long movements (please consult the Editor-in-Chief).
- Reviewers often ask to see the source, or, at least, a few sample pages. If available, it would be helpful to include those when submitting the edition.
- Title pages are optional. WLSCM will provide an index page in standard format for the entire edition.
