Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Our editing team uses the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), which is currently in its seventh edition. Our dictionary of choice is the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary (11th edition).
How do I submit a manuscript?
Send a blinded copy of your manuscript and a completed Manuscript Submission Form to tpcjournal@nbcc.org. A cover letter is not necessary. Be sure to read our Manuscript Submission Guidelines and Policies and Procedures before submitting, as they provide vital information on formatting and subject matter.
How do I resubmit for a second review after revisions?
If you have completed the revisions requested by the editor and your peer reviewers, you can resubmit and your manuscript will either go out for a second peer review or be sent directly to the editor for a final decision. Please send a new, clean copy (no track changes) of your revised manuscript, as well as a fully completed Author Revisions Form, to tpcjournal@nbcc.org.
What is the standard turnaround time for manuscripts?
TPC is proud to have almost all manuscripts back with an initial editor’s decision within around 60 days of submission. There is also a 60-day schedule for manuscripts from acceptance to publication.
What are the three types of rejection and what do they mean?
If your manuscript is rejected, one of three boxes will be checked to indicate the type of rejection you have received. The first type is “Rejected: Manuscript requires major revision before further consideration,” which indicates that you should review all of the edits provided by the peer review and attempt to revise the manuscript for resubmission to TPC. The second type, “Rejected: Manuscript is unlikely to reach TPC standards after revision,” indicates that although you can make all of the revisions and resubmit your manuscript, the gap between your manuscript and a paper publishable in TPC is very wide, and you might want to consider either a complete overhaul of the manuscript or exploring a different publication for submission. The final option, “Rejected: Manuscript content is not suitable for TPC,” indicates that your manuscript does not contain the material necessary to make it appropriate for our readership. One major reason that authors receive this rejection type is that their manuscript does not explicitly discuss implications for the profession of counseling in relation to their research findings.
What is an open-source / open-access journal?
An open-source or open-access journal is a publication whose characteristics include no paywall or subscription fees for readers and no fees for authors (not pay-to-play).
Do TPC’s authors retain their copyright to their published work?
Yes! Our copyright agreements allow for the author(s) of a published paper to retain their rights to their research and written material. Reproduction of the TPC article or its contents must include the original TPC publication citation.
Who are the members of TPC’s Editorial Review Board?
Our peer reviewers are some of the brightest minds in the counseling profession and are located all over the United States. They are professors and practitioners, and all of them hold a PhD and the National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification.
Does the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. and Affiliates (NBCC) decide what gets published in the journal?
No. Although NBCC is the publisher of the journal, the editorial staff and peer reviewers do not consult with NBCC Board members or other NBCC executives about the articles published in the journal, so the journal maintains scholarly integrity and does not reflect the views of NBCC.
Can I earn continuing education (CE) clock hours for reading TPC articles?
Yes! Every article published in TPC has a corresponding test on i-counseling.net. See our Continuing Education page for more details on getting started.
Does TPC offer annual awards?
Yes! Check out our Scholarship Awards page for information on the awards, how to apply, and past winners.
Other questions? Email us at tpcjournal@nbcc.org.