Analytic Essay
Guidelines for Contributors

The Analytic Essay is an article type that was designed specifically to meet the needs of 2 Journal departments: Government, Politics and Law and Health Policy and Ethics. Its purpose is to provide a forum for critical analyses of public health issues from disciplines other than the biomedical sciences, including but not limited to the social sciences, human rights, and ethics. An analytic essay consists of an unstructured abstract (word limit = 120), a text with subheadings to guide readers through the essential elements of the argument (word limit = 3500), and accessible tables, figures, and images that are core to the analysis (4 total). In addition to the 2 departments of the Journal that regularly review and publish analytic essays, editors may specifically commission papers of this article type for theme issues devoted to a variety of topics (see the September 2003 issue devoted to "the built environment and health," and the October 2004 issue devoted to "rural health"). We prefer that each analytic essay follow AMA style guidelines; however Chicago style endnotes may be used. See recent issues of the Journal for examples of topics covered, reference lengths and styles, and other formatting concerns related to the analytic essay.

For specific information on how to prepare and submit the manuscript for peer review, refer to the AJPH author guidelines, "What AJPH Authors Should Know". The peer review process can take up to 3 months. Revisions may be required. For questions about content, contact Editor-in-Chief Mary E. Northridge, PhD, MPH, by e-mail (men11@columbia.edu). For questions about the status of your manuscript, e-mail the editorial office at ajph.submissions{at}apha.org or call 202-777-APHA(2742).

Revised 5/12/2004