27 Feb Writing for Proteus: Calling for Submissions

Writing for Proteus: Calling for Submissions

By: The NAJIT Observer

Proteus is NAJIT’s quarterly publication, providing judiciary interpreters and translators with an avenue to explore complex industry topics.

What Sets Proteus Apart?

While both Proteus and The NAJIT Observer serve NAJIT’s mission of promoting professional excellence, they differ in tone, content, and purpose:

• • The NAJIT Observer: A more informal, conversational space for quick insights, personal anecdotes, and community engagement.
  • Proteus: A formal, reflective publication featuring research-driven articles, industry analysis, and long-form discussions that require structured exploration.

Quarterly Themes, Editorial Focus, Submission, and Deadlines

The power of precision—where research, analysis, and expertise come together in written form

For 2025, Proteus will launch its first-quarter issue with a special theme—Past, Present, and Future—honoring its legacy and role in shaping the judiciary translation and interpretation profession. This theme will allow contributors to reflect on NAJIT’s history, celebrate milestones in Proteus, and reintroduce the people behind the work.

• • Q1: Special Theme – Past, Present, and Future: Reflecting on the evolution of judiciary translation and interpretation, celebrating Proteus and NAJIT’s milestones.
  • Q2: Global Legal Landscapes: Examining cross-jurisdictional challenges, legal frameworks worldwide, and strategies for working in international judiciary contexts. (Submissions due: May 31, 2025)
  • Q3: AI and the Future of Legal Language Work: Investigating the role of artificial intelligence, ethical concerns, and the adaptation of professionals in the age of digital transformation. (Submissions due: August 31, 2025)
  • Q4: Cultural Relaxation and Creative Legal Expressions: Exploring the human and cultural dimensions of judiciary work, from linguistic creativity to storytelling in judiciary interpretation and translation. (Submissions due: November 30, 2025)

Contributors are also welcome to propose topics beyond these themes!

Writing for Proteus: A Deeper Commitment to the Field

Contributing to Proteus allows authors to shape discussions within the field of judiciary translation and interpretation. It is a space for thoughtful analysis, scholarly discussions, and impactful storytelling.

Who Should Write for Proteus?

Bringing ideas to life—brainstorming, analyzing, and refining concepts in the creative process

• • Experienced professionals sharing advanced insights and research findings.
  • Emerging scholars and students offering unique perspectives on legal language work.
  • Interdisciplinary voices interested in law, technology, ethics, and linguistics.

How Writing for Proteus Benefits You

• • Enhance Your Professional Profile – Establish yourself as a thought leader in the judiciary interpretation and translation industry.
  • Contribute to Professional Development – Help shape best practices and industry standards through well-researched articles.
  • Expand the Community’s Knowledge Base – Provide valuable insights that may inform policy, practice, and advocacy efforts.

Potential Sections in Proteus

While the newsletter structure is evolving, we hope to incorporate sections that ensure consistency and relevance:

• • Editor’s Letter – Introducing the quarterly theme and its significance.
  • Feature Articles – Long-form explorations of relevant issues within judiciary translation and interpretation, following quarterly themes.
  • SSTI Corner – Highlights from the Society for the Study of Translation and Interpretation (SSTI), including research and ongoing projects.
  • Book Reviews & Letters to/from Editors – In-depth critiques of industry-related publications and open correspondence that fosters discussion, debate, and professional engagement within the judiciary translation and interpretation community.
  • Creative and Visual Elements – Cultural spotlights, infographics, and interactive visuals.
  • Event Calendars – Upcoming professional development opportunities, training sessions, and networking events.

Submission Guidelines & Style Guide

To ensure consistency and readability, all Proteus submissions must follow NAJIT’s editorial standards. Articles should be approximately 2,000 words, adhere to The Chicago Manual of Style, and be formatted in 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, with no paragraph indentations. For full details on formatting, citation requirements, and submission procedures, please refer to the Proteus Submission Guidelines.

Submission Process

1. 1. 1. Prepare your article following the formatting and citation guidelines.
      2. Email your submission to proteus_editor@najit.org with your contact details in the email body.
      3. Submissions are reviewed by the editorial team, and authors will have the opportunity to review final edits before publication.

Please note: Submission does not guarantee publication. Articles are selected based on relevance, quality, and adherence to Proteus’s editorial standards.

A moment of reflection—engaging with industry news and insights over coffee

Be Part of the Conversation

Proteus is more than a publication—it’s a collective effort to push the boundaries of judiciary translation and interpretation. Whether you contribute an article, engage with existing discussions, or explore our archives, your voice matters in shaping the future of our profession.

We encourage professionals, educators, and students to contribute their insights to Proteus or The NAJIT Observer.

If you or someone in your network is interested in contributing, please reach out at editor@najit.org to discuss ideas.

Start writing today, your insights could be the next Proteus feature!

Keep the Conversation Going

If this topic resonated with you, be sure to check out our previous blog posts for more insights on the realities of our profession, and the evolving world of judiciary translation and interpreting:

• • The Failings of the Ivory Tower — A critical look at the disconnect between academic institutions and the practical realities of the judiciary translation and interpretation profession.
  • The Couch: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome — Exploring the challenges of self-doubt in the interpreting profession and strategies to build confidence.
  • Listen to Your Body: Rest Now or Pay Later — A reminder of the importance of self-care and recognizing when to rest
  • A Year of Growth, Gratitude, and Community – Welcome to 2025 — A reflection on the past year and a look ahead at the values shaping our community in 2025

You can find these and more in our blog archives!

Interested in sharing your insights with our community? Check out Writing for The NAJIT Observer to learn how you can contribute.

The images used in this post are sourced from Unsplash. They are used for illustrative purposes only.