Writing for an MAA Periodical

Introduction

When the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) established its by-laws in 1920, the organization identified its “object” as “to assist in promoting the interests of mathematics in America, especially in the collegiate field…by the publication of mathematical papers, journals, books, monographs and reports….”⁠¹ From the start, then, the MAA has emphasized the publication of mathematics in various forms.

¹

Cairns, W. D. and H. E. Slaught, “The Incorporation of the Association,” The American Mathematical Monthly, 27 (1920) no. 11, 394–398, p. 395 (our emphasis).

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Today, the association maintains communication as a core value and, in particular, aims to advance “creative discoveries in mathematics” and communicate “the role of mathematics in a changing society.”⁠² In alignment with these goals, the MAA provides seven publication venues for writing about mathematics. The different periodicals feature a broad array of articles, from ground-breaking mathematical research to day-to-day tips for improving mathematical education, from interviews with notable mathematicians to puzzles and problems, and from connections between mathematics and art to book reviews.

²

https://www.maa.org/about-maa

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Overview of MAA Publications

The oldest publication of the MAA, predating the MAA itself, is the American Mathematical Monthly. The Monthly features manuscripts appropriate for a broad audience of professional mathematicians presented in an engaging manner. The main types of submissions to the Monthly include articles (of more than five pages), notes (under five pages in length), filler (very focused articles of less than a page), problem proposals and solutions, and book reviews. (If you have questions or submissions, contact editor Della Dumbaugh at monthly@maa.org.)

The College Mathematics Journals (CMJ) started as a journal for faculty at two-year colleges, but has evolved into a publication that focuses mainly on mathematics encountered during the first two years of college. The CMJ publishes well-written articles (under twelve pages in length) designed so that a junior or senior in college can read them, classroom capsules (under three pages in length), problems and solutions, book reviews, and media highlights. (If you have questions or submissions, contact editor Tamara Lakins at cmj@maa.org.)

Mathematics Magazine publishes content of all types that would appeal to a broad mathematical audience that includes strong undergraduate students. Submissions may focus on mathematics or math education, math and the humanities, the history of math, mathematics and art, or many other related fields. (If you have questions or submissions, contact editor Jason Rosenhouse and editor-elect Gordon Williams at mathmag@maa.org.)

The MAA’s undergraduate magazine, Math Horizons, targets enthusiastic undergraduate-level readers at any stage of their mathematical careers with a wide variety of articles, interviews, puzzles, book reviews, and career opportunities. Math Horizons is particularly interested in self-contained articles that promote reader engagement. Although the magazine aims to reach an undergraduate audience, the magazine is widely read by professional mathematicians as well. The best submissions have a maximum of 2200 words and should include colorful images. (If you have questions or submissions, contact editor Tom Edgar at mh@maa.org.)

MAA FOCUS is the news magazine of the MAA and is provided in print to all nonstudent members. Authors can submit articles with up to 1600 words or write for one of the eight columns (such as Section Happenings, Toolkit, or Spotlight on SIGMAAs) with up to 1200 words. Submissions on innovative pedagogical ideas, inspiring outreach activities, or current issues facing the mathematics community are welcome. FOCUS also accepts submissions of puzzles, cover art, suggestions of MAA members to profile, and more. (If you have questions or submissions, contact editor Allison Henrich at maafocus@maa.org.)

MAA Convergence (https://www.maa.org/press/periodicals/convergence) is a refereed, open-access, online journal on the history of mathematics and its use in teaching subjects typical for grades 8-16. Submissions can include historically based classroom activities, translations of primary sources, expository articles on the history of topics in the grades 8-16 mathematics curriculum, or images for classroom use. (If you have questions or submissions, contact editors Amy Ackerberg-Hastings and Janet Heine Barnett and editor-elect Daniel Otero at convergence@maa.org.)

The MAA’s blog site, Math Values (https://www.mathvalues.org), explores the diverse voices of mathematics and discusses topics related to and affected by mathematics. The blogs are guided by the values of the MAA: Inclusivity, Community, Teaching & Learning, and Communication. Submissions can include thought-provoking essays, inspiring teaching tidbits, stories of the people or communities in mathematics, or ideas for making mathematics more inclusive. Blogs are generally about 1000 words. (If you have questions or submissions, contact editor Kira Hamman at blogs@maa.org.)

Getting Started

The best way to gain familiarity with a particular periodical is to read several recent issues of the publication. This will help you understand the audience, the style of the publication, and the level of mathematics. If you are a member of the MAA, you have access to all of these journals when you log into the MAA website. A university or college library may also subscribe to some or all of these journals. Convergence (https://maa.org/press/periodicals/convergence) and Math Values (https://www.mathvalues.org) are available without an MAA membership.

If you want to learn more about a publication before you submit to it, offer your services as a referee. If you are invited to referee a submission, you will receive a letter with guidelines for reviewing the paper. These instructions will help you learn how to evaluate the paper in your care and guide you in the future if you decide to submit to the journal. Serving as a referee will also improve your own writing and enhance your expository skills.

When you write your article, remember that you are probably writing about ideas your audience has not seen or thought of before. This novelty often creates an exciting manuscript; however, it will only engage your audience if you keep your prospective readers in mind. After you write and edit your article, have your colleagues and friends give you feedback on its clarity, style, and correct use of grammar and punctuation.

Once you determine the most appropriate periodical for your work, read the submission guidelines at https://maa.org/press/periodicals/submissions-to-maa-periodicals. The Monthly, CMJ, and Math Magazine all use a double-blind review process to evaluate submissions so make sure you remove all identifying information from your article before you submit it to one of these journals. Once you submit your article, you should hear back about receipt of your publication within a few weeks.

The Evaluation Process

The Monthly, CMJ, and Math Magazine will send your article out for double-blind review. This process typically takes three to six months, although it can take more or less time depending on referees, exam schedules, holidays, pandemics, etc. The editors and editorial boards of Math Horizons, FOCUS, Convergence, and Math Values all do their own reviewing so a decision is usually forthcoming within a few weeks.

When the editorial board makes a decision, they will send you a message that typically outlines the reason for the evaluation of your manuscript. If you receive a rejection, you may need to set it aside for a few days before you are ready to clearly read the feedback. Once you have put the necessary distance between the referee reports and your (beloved) manuscript, you will often be able to view the comments and insights as guideposts for improving the article and, perhaps, find a better fit for it in another publication. (For the very brave, this can also be a teachable moment for your students to show that not everything comes easily for you, either.) If you receive a decision of “revise,” you will often need to make adjustments or rewrite parts of the article. These recommendations come from dedicated colleagues who have taken on extra work on your behalf to improve the quality of your mathematics and your writing. This process helps ensure that MAA periodicals remain among the leading producers of award-winning exposition. And if you receive a decision of “accept,” well, congratulations!

Publication Begins with Submission

It can be daunting to submit a paper for publication. However, the variety of MAA periodicals offers the opportunity to write about mathematics at many different levels and about many different aspects of the profession. Leverage your strengths, determine where you feel comfortable, and start there. No matter what the outcome, the review process will provide you with helpful feedback that you can use the next time.

Leave your mark on the history of mathematics; publish in an MAA periodical.