Author's Guide

The Journal of Business and Leadership (JBL) publishes original empirical, conceptual, and case study manuscripts. Manuscripts submitted for consideration must not be under review with another publisher at the same time.

How to Submit

Submit your manuscript as a Microsoft Word (.doc) file via email to the editor, Vikkie McCarthy at mccarthyv@apsu.edu, with the subject line "JBL Manuscript Submission". PDF files are not accepted.

Submit Manuscript (opens in your email client)

Submission Requirements

• File format: Microsoft Word (.doc) only — PDF files will not be reviewed

• Word count: 4,000–8,000 words, including the abstract, keywords, appendices, references, figures, and tables

• Language: English, edited for grammatical and typographical accuracy

• Simultaneous review: Manuscripts must not be under review with another publisher while being considered by the JBL

Formatting Requirements

• Format: APA style throughout

• Spacing: Single-spaced

• Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides

• Body font: Times New Roman, 10-point

• Title font: Times New Roman, 14-point bold

• Alignment: Body text must be justified

• Paragraphs: Indent the first line 0.5 inches; leave one blank line between paragraphs

• Subheadings: Bold and capitalized

• Tables: Placed inline at their intended location in the manuscript — do not use column layouts

• References: Consistent and formatted in APA style

Manuscript Structure

Your complete submission consists of two separate documents.

Page 1 — Title Page

The title page is a standalone document and includes:

• Manuscript title (first line or lines)

• Each author's first name, last name, and institutional affiliation — one author per line

No author-identifying information should appear anywhere else in the manuscript.

Page 2 Onward — Manuscript Body

• Begin with the word ABSTRACT (10-point font, bold, capitalized, centered), followed by one blank line

• Abstract length: 150–200 words

• Follow the abstract with 5–8 keywords

• Leave two blank lines between the keywords and the body of the manuscript

• The title, author information line, and the word "Abstract" must each be centered

Peer Review Process

The JBL uses a double-blind peer review process. To support this, your submission must include a separate title page with the manuscript title, all author names, and the contact author's email address. No author-identifying information should appear in the manuscript body itself.