The Illustrated PhD Visual Stories of the (Un)Ideal Doctoral Journey
in Humanities & Social Sciences
This book investigates doctoral experiences through original drawings contributed by students, researchers, and academics. By combining visual and textual perspectives, it illuminates the challenges, dynamics, and fulfillment of the doctoral journey.
Why Illustrations?
As the academic environment evolves rapidly and becomes increasingly competitive on a global scale, emerging trends and challenges are transforming doctoral education. This book addresses the pressing need for a clearer understanding of what constitutes an (un)ideal doctoral experience by adopting a more engaging approach through illustration.
Contributors' drawings provide enjoyable and engaging perspectives on doctoral life. This distinctive combination of visual and textual elements fosters a more accessible and enjoyable reading experience for a wider audience.
Publisher
Peter Lang
Currently in discussion
Who Can Contribute
- Doctoral students
- Researchers and academics
- Humanities & social sciences
- Single or joint authorship
We particularly seek contributors from underrepresented disciplines.
Before You Apply
Before submitting your abstract, complete the Pre-Submission Enquiry Form and await confirmation. This helps the editors ensure disciplinary and regional balance among contributors.
Step 1: Complete the Pre-Submission Enquiry Form
Step 2: Await confirmation from Yusuke SAKURAI, PhD (he/him)
Step 3: Submit your abstract via the form below
No response within one week? Contact: sakurai@hiroshima-u.ac.jp
Download Full Guidelines (PDF) Submit Abstract →Meet the Editorial Team
How to Contribute
This book employs drawings and written narratives from doctoral students and researchers as its primary methodology to illuminate perceptions of ideal and non-ideal doctoral experiences.
Complete the Pre-Submission Enquiry Form
Before preparing your abstract, please complete the Pre-Submission Enquiry Form. This allows the editors to check whether space is still available and to ensure appropriate disciplinary and regional balance among contributors. Submissions will close once a sufficient number of contributors have been accepted.
Pre-Submission Enquiry Form →We will endeavour to respond as soon as possible. If you have not received a response within one week, please contact the lead editor, Yusuke SAKURAI, PhD (he/him), at sakurai@hiroshima-u.ac.jp.
Prepare your abstract
Submit a chapter abstract of 150 to 250 words that clearly describes the key features of the drawings and narratives you intend to include. You do not need to submit your drawing(s) yet, but you are encouraged to describe what you would like to draw.
Include author details
Alongside the abstract, provide a concise chapter title, a list of authors, their institutional affiliations, and contact details. No specific template is required for this information.
Submit online
Submit your abstract via the online form. If accepted, you will be invited to submit your full chapter. Note that acceptance of your abstract does not guarantee acceptance of the complete chapter.
Submit via Form →Drawings
A key component of your chapter will be the inclusion of 1 to 3 original drawings illustrating your ideas of the ideal and/or non-ideal doctoral experience.
- Must be entirely your own original work (hand- or computer-drawn)
- Photographs and AI-generated images are not accepted
- Use drawing tools that produce clear, visible lines
- Black-and-white drawings are preferred for print reproduction
Chapter Structure
A specific sequence must be observed to ensure consistency:
- General perceptions of doctoral studies in your field
- Your background — reasons for doctoral studies, pre-doctoral experiences, actual doctoral journey, and post-doctoral or current career trajectory
- Detailed explanation of your drawing(s), describing every element
- Description of the specific experiences that led you to each drawing
- Overall reflections and conclusions, including thoughts on the drawing and writing processes
You have flexibility to choose creative and engaging section titles within this structure.
Length & Style
Peer Review
All submitted abstracts and chapters will undergo a double-blind peer review process. All contributors (first authors) also serve as reviewers for one chapter. Chapters will be evaluated based on the quality of the text and its alignment with the aims of this call.
No Deadline Extensions
Please note that no deadline extensions will be granted. We encourage you to submit well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues, including potential ICT problems.
No Fees
There are no submission or acceptance fees for manuscripts submitted to this book.
AI Tools Policy
Please follow the publisher's policy on AI tools. Review Peter Lang's official AI statement before submitting.
Pre-Submission Enquiry
Before preparing your abstract, please complete the Pre-Submission Enquiry Form. The editors will use your responses to check disciplinary and regional balance and confirm whether space is available for additional contributors.
Why this step is required
This book aims to represent a diverse range of disciplines, career stages, and geographic contexts within the humanities and social sciences. The Pre-Submission Enquiry allows the editors to maintain that balance and to avoid inviting more contributors than the volume can accommodate.
Completing this form does not guarantee acceptance. You will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.
Pre-Submission Enquiry Form
Complete the Enquiry FormAfter receiving confirmation from the editors, proceed to abstract submission.
Submit Your Abstract
Once you have received confirmation from the editors following your Pre-Submission Enquiry, prepare your abstract (150–250 words) and submit it via the form below.
Not yet submitted your enquiry? Complete the Pre-Submission Enquiry Form first →
Submit Your AbstractNo submission fees · Double-blind peer review · Open to all HSS disciplines
Expected Timeline
Inviting Chapter Authors
We are actively seeking contributors from diverse disciplines within the humanities and social sciences.
Abstract Submission
Submit a 150–250 word abstract describing your intended drawings and narratives via the online form.
Before submitting, complete the Pre-Submission Enquiry Form and await confirmation. No reply within one week? Contact Yusuke SAKURAI, PhD (he/him) at sakurai@hiroshima-u.ac.jp.
Submit Abstract →Abstract Peer Review & Feedback
Accepted contributors will be notified and invited to submit their full chapters.
Full Chapter Submission
Submit your complete chapter (3,000–4,000 words) with original drawings via the designated submission system.
Chapter Peer Review & Feedback
Double-blind peer review with detailed feedback provided to contributors.
Revised Chapter Submission
Final Acceptance Notification
Editors' Chapters
Introductory, analysis, and concluding chapters (5,000 words each) by the editorial team, including mutual review.
Photo-Ready Review
Contributors review copy-edited content provided by the publisher.