I have a paper in progress. How do I decide which journal to submit to?

The best journal for your paper depends on several factors, including length, article type, and scope. Geology papers have a strict length limit. The journal publishes articles that are innovative, timely, provocative, and of interest to a broad audience. Learn more about Geology . If your paper is better suited to a dynamic, larger-length format, consider Geosphere. Its online format encourages animations and interactivity. Learn more about Geosphere . If your paper takes a deep dive into a subject that is of broad, lasting interest to geoscientists, consider GSA Bulletin . Learn more about GSA Bulletin . GSA Today is open access, full color, fee-free, and reaches an audience of nearly 20,000 readers. Three different article types (Science, Geoheritage, and Groundwork) provide a variety of options for your short, topical paper. Learn more about GSA Today 's article types . Learn more about the submission process.

Who finds reviewers for my paper/book?

For all publications, you will suggest reviewers with your submission. For Geology , the science editor contacts them; for GSA Bulletin and Geosphere , an Associate Editor finds them; for scholarly books, your volume editor secures them.

I have a book in progress. Can I publish it with GSA? Will GSA pay royalties?

Learn more about proposing a GSA scholarly book . Royalties are not paid for scholarly books; however, trade books published through GSA's Public Science program may include royalty agreements. Learn more about GSA's trade books .

We just presented at Connects. Can we publish our research in a volume or themed issue?

GSA Publications welcomes your research! If you are a session chair for Connects, you can submit your session as a proposal to either GSA Books as a volume or Geosphere as a themed issue. If you presented a poster or are considering publishing your paper outside of a themed issue or book, you can submit to any of our journals.

I want to publish open access. What are my options?

By default, all Geology , GSA Bulletin , and GSA Books manuscripts are published under the terms of Green Open Access (CC-BY-NC). With this license type, you can post a copy of the post-peer review version (not the edited or final version) of your paper in a repository of your choice or to your website as soon as it has been formally accepted by GSA—just be sure to include a link to the published paper online at www.gsapubs.org . Geology , GSA Bulletin , and GSA Books authors have the option of paying for Gold Open Access (CC-BY), which offers authors full ownership (reuse rights) of their paper. The published PDF of your article will be freely available online without a paywall. Geosphere and GSA Today are open access publications; all Geosphere and GSA Today contributions are published under the terms of Gold Open Access (CC-BY). To learn more, read GSA's Policies on Open Access .

What are GSA's publication fees? Why does GSA charge fees for publication?

As a nonprofit, society publisher, our publication fees are set to help recover a portion of the publishing costs, rather than generate profits. We are committed to keeping expenses as low as possible for authors and subscribers while maintaining the high standards expected of our publications. For a breakdown of GSA's publication fees, please refer to Publication Fees and GSA's Policies on Open Access .

How do I become an editor or reviewer?

GSA Publications thrives thanks to the contributions of dedicated authors, reviewers, associate editors, and science editors. Whether you're starting as an author or reviewer, or seeking to take on a leadership role, here's how to begin: 1. Join the reviewer pool Simply register with any of our journal submission systems—such as Geology , GSA Bulletin , Geosphere , E&EG , or GSA Books —to have your name added to the reviewer database. Be sure to include your areas of expertise so editors can easily find you. 2. Step into editorial roles Build on your review experience to become an Associate Editor or Editorial Board member—help shape review processes, mentor authors, and gain invaluable editorial experience. 3. Lead as a Science Editor For those with editorial background, disciplinary breadth, and time to devote, a Science Editor role allows you to set the editorial tone and make publication decisions. Ready to get started? Register as a reviewer —visit any journal's submission portal today ( Geology , GSA Bulletin , Geosphere ) and build your profile to begin reviewing. Interested in leading ? Explore current editorial openings and apply to serve in a role that matches your experience. Make your mark on GSA's publishing mission.

I have worked with GSA Publications as a reviewer, associate editor, editorial board member, or in some other capacity. How can I display this work on my LinkedIn page?

Thank you for your past service with GSA Publications! The work of the geoscience community in review and editorial capacities is critical to the continued success of our publications. We're happy to offer virtual, micro-credentialing badges for Reviewers, Associate Editors, Guest Associate Editors, Editorial Board Members, Volume Editors, and Science Editors. Contact editing@geosociety.org for more information and access to these virtual micro-credentials.

How long does peer review usually take?

Peer review takes time, but we do our best to keep it moving quickly. For shorter articles, you may see an initial decision within a few weeks, while longer or more complex manuscripts may take up to four months—or sometimes longer. Review speed depends on paper length, topic, and reviewer availability.

What type of peer review does GSA use?

All GSA journals and books use a single-blind peer-review system. That means reviewers know who the authors are, but authors don't know the reviewers' identities. This helps us maintain accountability while protecting reviewer confidentiality.

Why might my paper be declined without review?

Sometimes a submission isn't the right fit. Papers that are too narrowly focused on a very specific area, that don't have broad appeal to our readership, or that are already under review elsewhere may be returned without review. Don't be discouraged—this doesn't mean your work isn't valuable! It just might be a better fit for another journal.

What happens after my paper is accepted?

Congratulations! Once your paper is accepted, it moves into production. That includes copyediting, layout, and proof review. You'll get a chance to review your text and page proofs before the final version is published online and in print (where applicable).

How does GSA help promote my work after publication?

GSA actively supports dissemination and visibility for published papers and books. We feature highlight-worthy work through press releases, social media, and inclusion in GSA Today or other Society channels, helping your research reach geoscientists worldwide. GSA publications also tend to have broad field relevance—especially those articulating principles rather than narrowly focused case studies—which enhances their impact and shareability.

GSA Connects 2026 is 11–14 October—save the date and start planning now.

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