Author Guidelines

Manuscript Preparation and Submission

All of our publications are peer reviewed, with decisions made by GSA Science Editors.

Please be sure to read GSA's Ethical Guidelines for Publication.

Select the right publication for your work

Geology Journal description Submit
GSA Bulletin Journal description Submit
Geosphere Journal description Submit
GSA Today Journal description Submit
Environmental and Engineering Geology Journal information Submit

Preparing your manuscript

GSA journals encourage submissions that are innovative, provocative (or describe a significant advance in the field), timely, and of interest to a broad audience.
Key items for submission
  1. Cover letter: Must include these items
  2. Manuscript file: line numbered Word document. Manuscript Guidelines Manuscript Template GSA Reference Style
  3. Separate figure files: clearly labeled TIFF, GIF, JPG, PDF (reduced-sized PDFs preferable). Figure Guidelines
  4. Tables: Excel or Word. Table Guidelines
  5. Supplemental materials (optional). Supplemental data requirements
Submitting a new paper Click on “Submit” above for the journal of your choice. First-time users need to register for an account and click "Submit New Manuscript." Follow the steps through approving your merged PDF. Details: Submission, Review, and Decision Process
Submitting a revision Note that it is a revision in both cover letter and in the online “Comments” section (include original manuscript number if able). Use the “Submit” link above and log in using your previous username and password.
What to expect during the review process The manuscript submission and peer review process is handled electronically and all papers move through the following 5 steps:
  • If the manuscript is appropriate for the journal, the author submits a manuscript.
  • The editor assigns reviewers to the manuscript.
  • The reviewers review the manuscript.
  • The editor makes the final decision.
  • The editor contacts the author with the decision.
Log in at any time into a journal’s submission system to check the progress of your paper.
Receiving your decision Acceptance or rejection of a manuscript is based on the appraisal of the paper by two or more reviewers and an editor designated by GSA. (Note: Nearly all manuscripts are returned to the author with suggestions for revision, condensation, or final polish.)