Notes for Contributors to the DMBI

The Dictionary of Methodism in Britain and Ireland (DMBI) began with a volume edited by Dr John Vickers and published by the Epworth Press in 2000. This print edition formed the basis of the online DMBI, now overseen by the Wesley Historical Society: an evolving resource for scholars and general readers investigating all aspects of Methodism. We are grateful to all who assist in expanding and refining the coverage of people, places, and topics, and we hope that the following brief notes will be of use to those planning or researching articles for the Dictionary.

Articles commissioned by the Editor

As the DMBI develops, the Editor will commission new articles and revisions of existing articles to expand and improve the Dictionary. The scope and length of such articles will be discussed by the Editor and the contributor, with an agreed timescale for submission of the text.

Articles not commissioned by the Editor

Suggestions for new or revised articles are warmly encouraged. Articles addressing the under-representation of particular categories of persons will be particularly welcome. Early liaison with the Editor is recommended, and all suggestions should bear in mind the existing contents of the online DMBI so that appropriate connections can be made and overlapping, repetition, or duplication avoided. The Editor cannot guarantee to include every article submitted.

Writing the article

Articles should be accurate, clear, engaging, and interesting to read: informative and accessible to scholars and to the general reader.

DMBI articles typically comprise three elements:

  1. The body of the text;
  2. Extended quotations by or about the subject;
  3. Sources used in writing the article.

Quotations

Brief quotations enhance articles and may be included in the body of the text; longer quotations should be appended to the article.

Illustrations

Appropriate Illustrations are welcome. It is the responsibility of the contributor to ensure that copyright permission has been obtained for such material and to confirm this in writing to the Editor.

Sources and References

Although footnotes are not required, references are needed to identify direct quotations in the text. Articles should include a list of sources, to enable the reader to pursue the subject further.

Submitting the article

Please submit your article/s electronically as email attachments to the Editor.

If you have any further questions about what to include in your article, or its content (including word length), then please do contact the Editor.