FAQs

Detailed submission guidelines are available on SAGE and in the Submission Resources section. Answers to frequently asked questions can be found below.

Does Urban Studies have a word limit restriction and if so, does this word limit include abstract, keywords and references?

The word limit for an Article is 8,500 words and this includes abstract, keywords, appendices and references. Please note that the word count also includes tables and figures, which are counted as 250 words each (please disregard their actual word count). Word limits for other manuscript types can be found below:

• Book reviews: 1,200 – 1,400 words
• Critical commentaries: 4,000 - 6,000 words
• Debates: 8,000 - 10,000 words

Can the word limit restriction be waived due to….xyz?

We have to be strict on word limit as we have limited pagination in the Journal. Try to reduce word count by combining images in figures or amalgamating tables where appropriate. You can also create supplementary material, which can be published online only.

Does the word count for figures and tables (250 each) count the number of words in each table or figure?

The 250 word count for tables and figures is per figure and table, regardless of the number of words in each table. Please disregard the actual number of words in the table/figure.

Is my article in scope for Urban Studies?

Articles may be theoretical or empirical, but authors should note that in the case of empirically focused manuscripts the subject matter should be suitably positioned in theoretical and/or conceptual terms. All articles are expected to have original content. Originality, clarity of writing style, logical structure of argument and integrity of empirical data are essential for an article’s acceptance. Authors are asked to submit articles that convey a strong sense of urban place. Relevant contextual background must be provided to enable an international readership to be fully cognizant of the urban location under study. Any local terms must be explained. The article should not assume any prior knowledge of the local setting. Authors are encouraged to reflect on urban debates in this journal and beyond. If you would like to discuss the subject matter of your paper more thoroughly before submitting then please contact Ruth Harkin.

How long does the peer review process take?

The peer review process can take up to 3 months. However, this is very approximate, please note that it can take longer due to unforeseen circumstances such as a reviewer declining to review or returning a review after deadline, excessive Editor workloads, etc.

Can I get an update on the progress of my manuscript?

You can contact one of our Editorial Office team for an update on your manuscript.

Can I submit my paper elsewhere while under review for Urban studies?

No, absolutely not. All material submitted to USJ must be exclusive and original. Any paper found to be submitted simultaneously elsewhere will be withdrawn immediately.

Can I get an extension for submitting my resubmission and if so, how do I do this?

If you find that you cannot resubmit a revised paper within the allotted deadline due to unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances then please contact the Editorial Office as soon as possible.

Can I publish my paper anywhere else online once it has been accepted for publication?

For information on your rights as an author, please visit the SAGE Journals Author Archiving Policies and Re-Use page at https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/journal-author-archiving-policies-and-re-use.

How do I get permission to use a published article (or parts of a published article) in another format, e.g. in a book?

More information can be found at: http://www.sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav.

Or, you can locate the paper in question online at the USJ SAGE site at http://journals.sagepub.com/home/usj .  You will see 4 icons underneath the paper title and author names. Click on the “key” icon. This should automatically bring up a “Rightslink” pop window where you should be able to request the necessary permissions you need for the article in question.

If you have any further questions, please contact us.