Intersectional Apocalypse aims to uplift and nurture knowledge in all forms, including through our peer review process. To do this, we believe it is imperative to push the boundaries of what peer review is and how it is conducted. Intersectional Apocalypse’s peer review process offers a collaborative, workshop-like experience through open peer review. Rather than having papers reviewed by an anonymous “Someone,” peer review will be done by literal peers -- fellow journal contributors, encouraging contributors to engage with each others' work and to collaborate on the creation of the journal. Even still, we wish to emphasize that this process is completely optional, and no contributor is obliged to engage in this process of reviewing the other contributors’ work, although all submissions will be reviewed either by fellow contributors or outside peer reviewers. Using this process, we aim for contributors to have the opportunity to learn, share, and create knowledge, as well as gain new experiences and create networking connections.

*Note: Some of the submissions will be dealing with topics such as trauma, sexual violence, harassment, etc. If certain topics are potentially triggering for you please let us know. We will do our best to accommodate you.

Guidelines for Reviewers:

- In reviewing work, please think about the review as a conversation aimed at improvement and deepening knowledge rather than as “critique.”

-Consider your tone. Recognize and acknowledge what the author is trying to do with the piece without imposing your own ideas of what the piece should be.

-Don’t spend a lot of time on grammar and spelling. If grammar and spelling is a huge problem suggest the author use spell check or proofread the piece again.

-Strive to be both kind and critical keeping in mind that some of the pieces are deeply personal to the author.

-If possible, we recommend that you review the work at least twice before making comments, so you can fully process the piece.

-Identify what the main thesis or argument is (if it’s an academic text). Do the paragraphs follow a logical progression? Does it flow nicely throughout the work?

-If you can, proofread your comments. Writing and editing can be personal so pay attention to phrasing, and aim for your comments to be fully flushed out so the author can understand where you're coming from.

Tips for Authors When Reading Reviews:

-Our review process is aimed at helping improve work and in facilitating collaboration and growth.

-Acknowledge and recognize that peer-reviewers are giving you their time (they are not getting compensation for this work). Just keep in mind that most reviewers are there to help improve your work.

-Listen carefully to reviews even if some can be negative. They are not there to make you feel bad but are there to give you constructive criticism. Though you may not  agree with everything a reviewer says, we encourage that you keep it in mind.

-Share your review with friends and family. Your work can be deeply personal and sometimes when you read a review you can take comments personally. Sharing it with others can give you a different perspective.

-Take a step back in order to gain a new perspective. Sometimes we need a break to fully process the comments.