Guidelines for Authors of APSnet Features

One new APSnet Feature is prominently presented each month on the home page of APSnet. The Features are thus the "first impression" of APSnet, and their monthly character encourages visitors to return periodically to the website. Past Features are permanently archived in the Online Resources section of APSnet.

APSnet Features summarize a topic related to plant pathology for those who are not specialists in the article's subject matter. The editor of APSnet Features seeks articles on a broad spectrum of topics involving plant pathology research as well as related societal, ethical, and economic issues. Because APSnet Features are often read by teachers, journalists, and others outside of plant pathology, they should be as free as possible of specialized jargon. The authors should have considerable experience with the subject, and be willing to share insights and impressions wherever appropriate. Features also typically provide in a sidebar supplementary material such as links to other resources on the world wide web and PDF or other files containing additional information. Authors will be asked to transfer to APS the copyrights for the Feature.

Authors now have the option of choosing to have their APSnet Feature peer-reviewed before publication. The review process can be overseen by the editorial board of either the APS-published Plant Health Progress or the APSnet Education Center. If the Feature will be peer-reviewed, authors should closely follow the detailed submission guidelines to be found at Plant Health Progress or the Education Center. Authors should take into consideration the time required for peer-review when planning the submission of a Feature manuscript.

Authors contemplating submission of an APSnet Feature should contact the Feature Editor prior to beginning preparation of the article.

Dr. Monica L. Elliott, APSnet Feature Editor
University of Florida - IFAS
Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center
3205 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314-7799

Phone: (954) 577-6315
Fax: (954) 475-4125
Email: melliott@ufl.edu

As a preliminary step in development of an APSnet Feature, the preparation of a summary of the article’s content (approximately one page or 300-words) is encouraged. The summary can be in the form of email inquiry. The summary allows the Feature Editor to comment on the author's approach and make suggestions at an early stage in manuscript development.

If the feature will not be peer-reviewed, please consult the Guidelines for Authors of Non-Peer-Reviewed APSnet Features.