Virtual University Journals

Submission Guidelines for Authors

Submission Categories

  • Research Articles (5,000–8,000 words)
  • Theoretical or Conceptual Papers (4,000–6,000 words)
  • Book/Film Reviews (1,000–2,000 words)
  • Creative Work (Poetry, Short Stories, Translations, etc.)
  • Cultural Commentaries and Essays (1,500–3,000 words)
  • Interviews and Dialogues

Formatting

  • File format: MS Word (.doc or .docx)
  • Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced
  • Citation Style: MLA (9th edition) or APA (7th edition) — indicate your preferred style in the submission
  • Abstract: 150–250 words with 5–7 keywords
  • Author Info: Full name, institutional affiliation, email, and a 100-word bio

Title

The article's title must be written in bold, centered, and capitalized using a 14-point Times New Roman font. The title should be brief yet informative, accurately reflecting the paper's content. Since titles are frequently used by readers to find specific content, it's advisable to avoid using formulas, abbreviations, and specialized language whenever feasible.

Author(s) Name and Affiliation

The author(s)' name should be written legibly, including the last name. Just under the author's name, provide information about their affiliation and address – where the actual research was conducted. Use a small, raised letter in lowercase, placed right after the author's name, to indicate each affiliation and link it to the corresponding address. These details about the author(s) should use a 10-point Times New Roman font and be centered beneath the title.

Corresponding Author

Clearly specify who is available to manage communication throughout the process of review, publication, and even after publication. Make certain to include phone numbers (including country and area codes) in addition to the email address and full mailing address.

Sequence 

Section Purpose / Description
Title Page Contains a concise and informative title reflecting the study’s focus; author name(s), institutional affiliation(s), and corresponding author’s email address. ORCID iD(s) may be included.
Abstract A 150–250 word summary outlining the research problem, objectives, methodology, and key findings or arguments. Should reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the journal where applicable.
Keywords 4–6 relevant keywords representing the core themes of the article within Language & Linguistics, Literary Studies, Cultural Studies, or interdisciplinary research.
Introduction Introduces the research context, states objectives or research questions, and explains the study’s relevance to current scholarly debates within the journal’s scope.
Literature Review / Theoretical Framework Reviews relevant scholarship and theoretical perspectives; identifies research gaps and situates the study within existing academic discourse. May be combined with the introduction if appropriate.
Methodology (Where Applicable) Describes research design and methods (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods), including data sources, analytical procedures, and ethical considerations. Textual, discourse, ethnographic, or archival methods should be clearly articulated.
Findings / Results (If Applicable) Reports empirical findings in a clear and systematic manner. May be integrated with the discussion section depending on disciplinary conventions.
Analysis / Discussion Presents detailed analysis, interpretation, or critical discussion of data or texts using appropriate linguistic, literary, cultural, or interdisciplinary frameworks. Demonstrates originality and analytical rigor.
Conclusion Summarizes key arguments or findings, discusses theoretical, pedagogical, or cultural implications, and suggests directions for future research.
Acknowledgements (Optional) Recognizes funding sources, institutional support, or scholarly assistance.
References Lists all sources cited in the manuscript, formatted according to the journal’s prescribed citation style and applied consistently.
Appendices (If Applicable) Includes supplementary materials such as datasets, questionnaires, interview guides, transcripts, or extended tables that support the main text.

 

Submission Process

  • Visit journal.vu.edu.pk and submit via our online portal.
  • Ensure before you submit: