ARTICLES

Section default policy

BOOK REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW GUIDELINES

Lapis Lazuli: An International Literary Journal (LLILJ) invites scholarly and critical reviews of recently published books in literature, literary criticism, cultural studies, comparative literature, and related fields.

1. Eligibility

• Books should normally have been published within the last three years.
• The book should be relevant to the scope of LLILJ.
• Reviews of significant older works may be considered at the discretion of the Editorial Board.

2. Length

• Standard book review: 1,200–2,000 words.
• Review essays covering two or more books: up to 3,000 words.

3. Format

• Submit in MS Word (.doc/.docx) format.
• Follow MLA 9th Edition.
• Use the journal's prescribed manuscript format.
• Include the reviewer's name, institutional affiliation, and email address.

4. Bibliographical Information

Begin the review with complete details of the book:

Author/Editor. Title. Publisher, Year. ISBN, number of pages.

5. Content

A book review should:

• Briefly introduce the author and the book.
• Identify the book's central argument, themes, or objectives.
• Provide a concise overview of its contents.
• Critically evaluate its arguments, methodology, organization, and originality.
• Discuss its strengths and limitations.
• Assess its contribution to the field.
• Identify its relevance and potential readership.

A review should provide critical evaluation, not merely a summary of the book.

6. Originality

• The review must be original and unpublished.
• It must not be simultaneously submitted to another publication.
• Plagiarism or substantial reproduction of another review is unacceptable.

7. Conflict of Interest

Reviewers must disclose any personal, professional, financial, or academic relationship with the author or publisher that could affect their objectivity.

8. Use of Quotations

• Quotations should be limited and directly relevant to the reviewer's argument.
• All quotations must be accurately reproduced and properly cited.
• Reviewers must respect applicable copyright and fair-use/fair-dealing requirements.

9. AI Use

Authors are responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of their reviews. AI tools may be used for limited language or proofreading assistance but must not replace the reviewer's independent critical analysis or generate fabricated information, quotations, or references. Significant AI assistance should be disclosed to the Editor.

10. Editorial Process

All submissions are subject to editorial evaluation. The Editor/Editorial Board may:

• Accept the review;
• Request revisions;
• Seek expert assessment where necessary; or
• Reject the submission.

The Editorial Board's decision shall be final.

11. Ethical Standards

Reviews must maintain a professional, respectful, objective, and scholarly tone. Personal attacks, defamatory statements, discriminatory language, fabricated information, and conflicts of interest that are not disclosed are unacceptable.

12. Submission

Authors should submit their book reviews through the journal's designated submission channel and ensure that the manuscript complies with these guidelines before submission.

LLILJ welcomes reviews that offer insightful, rigorous, and independent critical engagement with significant new publications in literary and cultural studies.

POETRY

Poetry Submission Guidelines

Lapis Lazuli: An International Literary Journal (LLILJ) welcomes original poetry in English that engages creatively and thoughtfully with literary, cultural, social, personal, or contemporary concerns.

• Submit 1–5 original poems in a single Word document.
• Poems must be unpublished and not under consideration elsewhere.
• Each poem should be submitted with its title and author’s name.
• There is no prescribed theme or length, but submissions should demonstrate literary quality, originality, and coherence.
• Use Times New Roman, 12 pt, with clear spacing and formatting.
• The poet should provide their name, institutional affiliation, and email address.
• All submissions must be the author's original work. Plagiarism or unauthorized reproduction will not be accepted.
• Previously published poems may be considered only if the author holds the necessary rights and clearly discloses the publication history.
• The Editorial Board reserves the right to accept, reject, or request revisions.
• By submitting, authors confirm that the work is original and that they have the necessary rights to publish it.

Submission of poetry does not guarantee publication. Final selection rests with the Editorial Board.

SHORT STORIES

Short Story Submission Guidelines

• Submit original, unpublished short stories that are not under consideration elsewhere.
• Stories should be literary, creative, and relevant to the journal’s broad literary scope.
• Submissions should generally be 3,000–7,000 words.
• Submit in MS Word, Times New Roman, 12 pt, with 1-inch margins.
• Use MLA 9th Edition where citations or references are required.
• Include the title, author’s name, affiliation, email address, and a brief bio.
• Previously published work must include written permission from the copyright holder.
• All submissions are subject to editorial review and acceptance is at the discretion of the journal.

TRANSLATION

• Translation Submission Guidelines

• Submit original, unpublished translations that are not under consideration elsewhere.
• Provide the original title, author, language, and source/publication details.
• Obtain copyright/translation permission where required and provide proof of permission.
• Submit the original text alongside the translation, where possible.
• The translation must accurately convey the meaning, tone, style, and cultural context of the original.
• Include a brief Translator’s Note where necessary to explain significant linguistic or cultural choices.
• Follow MLA 9th Edition for citations and documentation.
• Submit in MS Word, Times New Roman, 12 pt, with 1-inch margins.
• Include the translator’s name, affiliation, email, and brief bio.
• All translations are subject to editorial and peer review.

AUTHOR INTERVIEWS

Author Interview Submission Guidelines

• Submit original interviews with authors, scholars, poets, or literary figures.
• Interviews should be relevant to literature, literary studies, culture, or related fields.
• Obtain the interviewee’s consent for publication.
• Clearly identify the interviewer and interviewee, with their affiliations where applicable.
• Include a brief introductory note and relevant biographical information.
• Submit in MS Word, Times New Roman, 12 pt, with 1-inch margins.
• Follow MLA 9th Edition for any citations or references.
• Previously published interviews require appropriate permission from the copyright holder.
• All submissions are subject to editorial review and acceptance by LLILJ.