Hints for Success
A 12-step checklist for a polished, on-deadline paper submission. Start here if it's your first time submitting.
The Playbook
Start early
Two months before deadline, not two weeks.
Read the eligibility and guidelines
They change year to year — verify the current cycle’s rules.
Pick your strongest work
A paper you genuinely want to discuss for 15 minutes is more compelling than one you wrote because it was assigned.
Talk to your Chapter Sponsor
Sponsors have read more convention submissions than anyone in your department.
Revise for the 15-minute format
2,000 words is shorter than most term papers — cut what doesn’t advance the argument or carry the voice.
Strip identifying info
Submissions are evaluated anonymously. Header, footer, file name — all should be clean.
Pick keywords carefully
Reviewers self-select on keywords; the closer your match, the more aligned your reader.
Check formatting against the guidelines
12pt, double-spaced for prose, abbreviated title in the file name.
Proofread twice and have someone else read it
Mechanical errors hurt — fix them.
Submit early
The portal slows down on deadline day. Don’t be the person racing the clock.
Confirm receipt
If you don’t get the confirmation email, contact Central Office.
Plan for acceptance
Register, book travel, and prepare your reading once decisions land.