This section describes our requirements for articles and our required formatting for text, tables, and citations. To avoid delays in publication, please follow all requirements. 

File Format 
  • Microsoft Word format (2003, 2007, or 2010)
  • Rich Text Format (RTF)

Note: Do not submit PDF files.

 
Formatting Text 
  • 12-point Times New Roman
  • left-justified
  • one column only
  • double-spaced
Formatting Tables, Charts, Figures, and Illustrations Wrapping and Width
  • Do not use word-wrapping around tables, charts, figures, and illustrations
  • If your table has only one column, set the width to 3.25 inches or narrower
Labels and titles
  • Write your labels and titles above (not within) the table
  • Label your table as “TABLE #” replacing # with a Roman numeral and center your label
  • Below the label write the title of your table and center it
  • Below the title, place your table
  • Refer to the table within the text of your article
Text
  • Format all table and note text using the “Arial” font (sans serif)
  • For column headings in the first row, format all text as boldface Arial
  • For headings, use all initial capitals on words other than: of, the, or, an, a
  • Do not use italics anywhere EXCEPT italicize SD, N and p in p <
Spaces
  • Add a space before and after the following symbols: = < >
  • Remove any space before and after the following symbols: % – /
  • Remove commas from figures in thousands (1230 NOT 1,230)
Ranges and Decimals
  • For any ranges, use em-dash without any spaces, and not a hyphen (5—10)
  • For any decimal add leading zeroes (0.54)
Bullets For any bulleted lines, ensure consistent use of periods at end.
Horizontal lines
  • For the first row of tables and charts, set both top and bottom horizontal lines to 1.5 point width
  • For the last row of tables and charts, set only the bottom horizontal line to 1.5 point width
  • Set other horizontal lines to 0.5 point width
Vertical lines
  • If you have only one or two columns, remove all vertical lines
  • If you have three or more columns, you may include vertical lines between them
  • Remove the left-margin and right-margin vertical lines
  • Set vertical lines (if any) to 0.5 point width
Having trouble setting line thickness in MS Word?
  • In the table select Table Properties and set all lines to 0.5 pt thickness
  • For Word 2010/2011, in the ribbon bar go to Tables tab
  • On the right of the ribbon where it says Draw Borders, set thickness to 1.5 pt
  • Using your cursor, draw over top of lines you want to make thicker
Table Notes
  • Write all notes below the table or figure
  • Precede the set of notes with the word Note: in italics OR precede each note with a superscripted letter or superscripted asterisk