The focus of The Chronicle is on 19th century United States postage stamps and postal history. We interpret this scope broadly. Our primary interest is in new discoveries, new insights and new information but we are equally interested in articles (of any length) that shed new light on old information. In addition to providing new information or insight, the ideal Chronicle article should be enjoyable, well illustrated and easy to read. Our mission is to support and promote the collecting of classic United States stamps and covers.
The Google-era digitization of primary sources has added a new dimension to historical research. But the gear in this new toolbox can lead would-be contributors down roads that are inappropriate to our pages. Without drawing hard-and-fast lines, a good rule of thumb is that any Chronicle article must be largely devoted to philatelic matters, rather than conventional history. Our focus in The Chronicle is steadfastly on collectible objects: the stamps, markings and covers that our collector readers can accumulate in their albums, or at least fantasize about accumulating. That’s the grist for our mill.
We have prepared a document that provides hints for authors who wish to submit their work for possible publication in The Chronicle. Following these guidelines will reduce the amount of work an author needs to do prior to completion of an acceptable manuscript. It will also help our Section Editors – and me – by limiting the need for extensive reformatting.
To download a pdf file of Guidelines for Authors, CLICK HERE for the “Chronicle Style Guide, Jan 2020”.
Thank you for your interest in contributing to The Chronicle.
Michael Laurence
Editor-in-Chief
