Write for Us

See ELQ Calls for Manuscripts for information on upcoming themed issues.

English Leadership Quarterly, a publication of the NCTE Conference on English Leadership (CEL), seeks submissions on topics of interest to those in positions of leadership in departments (elementary, middle, secondary, or college) where literacy is the focus.

We publish two types of submissions:

• Articles (500–3,000 words) that may be themed (responding to our current call) or unthemed (addressing topics of general interest to literacy leaders). Articles are not limited to traditional manuscript formats but may include narrative-driven pieces, interviews with practitioners and leaders in the field, and other creative approaches with insights for readers.
• Professional reflections (100–200 words) sharing insights, practical ideas, lessons learned, or responses to previously published articles

See our call for manuscripts page for current themes, submission deadlines, and details about our Professional Reflections section.

What We’re Looking For

We value firsthand accounts of successful research, teaching, and learning activities that offer clear, actionable takeaways for literacy leaders. Strong manuscripts help readers understand not only what you did or learned, but how they can apply your insights to their own leadership contexts. Consider including:

• Concrete strategies, frameworks, or approaches that readers can adapt
• Lessons learned that translate across contexts
• Practical guidance for navigating common leadership challenges
• Full-color photos, graphics, videos, connections to resources, links, and other features that enhance the digital format

ELQ typically publishes one out of ten manuscripts it receives each year.

Topics of Interest

Surveys of our readers reveal interest in: professional development, coaching, and leadership studies; class size/class load; community support; at-risk student programs; integrated or blended learning; challenges facing rural, urban, and suburban schools; and equity and diversity in curriculum, instruction, and learning.

Submission Guidelines

1. Manuscripts should address the theme listed in the call for manuscripts for that issue or may address topics of general interest to literacy leaders (unthemed).
2. Manuscripts should be double-spaced with 1-inch margins in 12-point font.
3. Manuscripts should follow the current edition (7th) of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
4. Manuscripts should be accompanied by a simple cover letter, which includes:
   • The theme the article addresses (if themed)
   • A bulleted list of key points and takeaways the article offers for readers
   • Author name(s), affiliation, phone number, and email address

Manuscripts will not be reviewed without the cover letter.

Note: Professional reflection submissions do not need to follow these guidelines or address a specific theme. See the Calls for Manuscripts page for professional reflection submission details.

SUBMIT: 

Email your manuscript and short cover letter to the ELQ editor Hiawatha Smith at elq@ncte.org. Make sure when sending your electronic submission that you indicate in the subject line of the email the issue date for which you are submitting (e.g., August 2026 ELQ).