Problems with proposed universals should be roughly 250-500 words in length (not counting works cited). They should begin by identifying the proposed universal at issue. They should go on to explain the problem.

Examinations of individual literary works in relation to universals should be roughly 2,000-3,000 words in length and should indicate how the use of universals illuminates the literary work in new ways or how the application extends our understanding of the universal.

Surveys of research traditions on literary universals should be roughly 2,000-3,000 words in length (not counting works cited).

To propose suggestions for new essays on describing, explaining, or extending literary universals, please submit a brief abstract, rationale for inclusion, and statement of the author’s qualifications.

To propose an interview, please submit the name of the person to be interviewed along with a brief statement of his or her relevance for the Literary Universals Project and his or her accomplishments.