APA.org Newsletter Guidelines

Purpose of the Newsletter

The APA Newsletter is a professional communication channel that keeps members, educators, and researchers informed about recent developments in psychology, upcoming events, policy updates, and scholarly contributions. The guidelines below are intended to maintain the integrity, clarity, and accessibility of each issue while adhering to APAs broader mission of promoting scientific rigor and ethical practice.

Submission Process

• Eligibility: Contributors must be current APA members or affiliated scholars with a demonstrable connection to the field of psychology.
• Timeline: Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis, but editors recommend sending material at least four weeks before the targeted publication date to allow for review and editing.
• Submission platform: All articles, announcements, and media files must be uploaded through the APA Online Submission Portal (https://www.apa.org/submit-newsletter).
• File formats: Use Microsoft Word (.docx) for text, JPEG or PNG for images, and MP3 or MP4 for audiovisual content.
• Contact: For questions, email the Newsletter Editorial Team at newsletter@apa.org.

Formatting Rules

All submissions should follow these basic formatting standards:

• Page size: US Letter (8.5" 11") with 1inch margins on all sides.
• Font: Times New Roman, 12point, doublespaced.
• Headings: Use APAstyle heading levels (Level 1 centered, bold; Level 2 leftaligned, bold; Level 3 indented, bold, italic).
• References: Include a reference list formatted according to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed. All intext citations must correspond to an entry in the reference list.
• Tables & Figures: Label each with a concise title, number them sequentially (Table 1, Figure 1, etc.), and provide a brief descriptive note underneath.
• Word count: Articles should not exceed 1,200 words; brief announcements may be 150300 words.

Content Requirements

Accepted content falls into several categories, each with specific expectations:

News & Updates

Timely information about APA initiatives, policy changes, conference summaries, or new research highlights. Content must be factual, clear, and free of jargon.

Feature Articles

Indepth pieces (8001,200 words) that explore a psychological concept, emerging trend, or methodological advance. Feature articles should include:

• A compelling abstract (150200 words).
• At least two peerreviewed citations.
• Practical implications for practitioners or educators.

Columns & Opinion

Short opinion pieces (300500 words) offering perspective on ethical dilemmas, policy debates, or professional practice. Authors must disclose any conflicts of interest and present arguments supported by evidence.

Announcements

Calls for papers, workshop notices, award recognitions, or member achievements. Include date, location (if applicable), and registration details.

Multimedia

Audio clips, video excerpts, or interactive graphics can accompany written pieces. Provide a short transcript or caption and ensure all media meet accessibility standards (e.g., captions for videos).

Ethical Standards

All content must conform to the APA Ethics Code. Key obligations include:

• Obtaining informed consent for any participant data or images.
• Avoiding plagiarism; all borrowed material must be properly cited.
• Disclosing financial or professional conflicts of interest.
• Ensuring language is inclusive and free of bias.
• Respecting confidentiality and privacy of individuals mentioned.

Review & Publication Process

Submitted items undergo a twostage review:

1. Prescreening: The editorial team checks for compliance with formatting, word limits, and basic ethical standards.
2. Peer Review: For feature articles and substantive columns, two qualified reviewers evaluate the manuscript for scientific accuracy, relevance, and readability.

Authors receive feedback within ten business days. Accepted pieces are copyedited, proofread, and scheduled for the upcoming issue. The final layout is sent to authors for a brief proofing window (48 hours) before publication.

Helpful Resources

• APA Style Official Website Guidelines for citations, references, and manuscript preparation.
• APA Ethics Code Full text of ethical standards for psychologists.
• Publishing Resources Tips on writing, peer review, and openaccess considerations.
• Contact the Newsletter Team Direct email form for inquiries and support.