Murrillia: Southeastern Journal of Amateur Mycology
Manuscript Submission Protocol
Updated June 2025
About the Journal:
Murrillia is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to promoting mycological discovery, education, and conservation across the Southeastern United States. The journal welcomes contributions from both amateur and professional mycologists, with an emphasis on field-based observations, taxonomy, ecological studies, citizen science initiatives, and regional fungal diversity.
1. Types of Submissions Accepted
Original Research Articles
* Field-based species surveys
* New species descriptions
* DNA-based fungal identifications
* Culturing or ecological interaction studies
Field Notes & Observational Reports
* Brief writeups of interesting fungal finds
* Habitat observations with ecological notes
* Seasonal fruiting trends
Taxonomic Treatments
* Morphological or molecular taxonomic reviews
* Provisional species with full metadata and sequences
Educational Articles
* Fungal teaching strategies
* Microscopy guides
* Identification walkthroughs
Conservation Essays or Proposals
* Regional protection efforts
* Case studies of at-risk fungi
* Citizen science programs
Photography Features or Art Essays
* Macrofungi photography with ID notes
* Artistic mycology inspired by native fungi
If you are unsure if your publication will be accepted, reach out via email at murrilliajournal@gmail.com
2. Authorship & Eligibility
* Both amateurs and professionals may submit. No institutional affiliation is required.
* Group authorship is allowed if contribution is documented.
* Submissions must be original, unpublished, and not under review elsewhere.
3. Formatting Guidelines
General Format:
* Submit as a DOCX, or Google Docs link
* Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt
* Double-spaced text
* Page numbers in the footer
* English language only
Sections (For Full Articles):
1. Title and Author(s)
2. Abstract (≤ 250 words)
3. Introduction
4. Materials & Methods
5. Results
6. Discussion
7. Acknowledgments
8. References
9. Figures and Tables (submit separately)
Field Notes Format (Shorter Submissions):
* Title
* Author(s)
* Date and Location
* Habitat and Host
* Macroscopic and Microscopic Description
* DNA sequence data if available
* Notes/Discussion
* Photos
4. Species Descriptions
For *new species* or provisional designations:
* Follow MycoBank and Index Fungorum naming rules
* Indicate holotype (and collection deposit)
* Include full description (macro + micro)
* Include sequence data and GenBank accession numbers
* Provide photographic evidence
If a new combination or nomenclatural change is proposed, include a clear justification and citation of relevant code articles.
5. Figures, Tables, and Media
* Submit figures as high-resolution JPG or PNG files
* Label all figure files as: `Lastname_Fig1.jpg`
* Captions should be listed at the end of the manuscript
* Tables must be editable (not embedded as images)
* Up to 10 figures allowed per submission; more upon request
---
6. Sequence Data Guidelines
For DNA-based work:
* Include GenBank accession numbers
* Provide the gene region(s) sequenced (e.g., ITS, LSU, RPB2)
* Indicate extraction and PCR protocols if relevant
* Provide raw alignment files if describing new taxa
7. Ethics and Copyright
* Authors retain copyright but grant Murrillia non-exclusive rights for publication
* Any species collection from protected lands must include permit documentation
* Submissions must not plagiarize or misrepresent data
* Citizen scientists must give credit to collaborators or guides
8. Submission and Review Process
Step 1: Submission
Email your manuscript and media to: murrilliajournal@gmail.com
Subject line: *Submission: Last name/Publication title (ie Cook/Pluteus xxxx)
Step 2: Initial Screening
Editors review for formatting, clarity, and completeness. Incomplete submissions may be returned for revision before peer review.
Step 3: Peer Review
* Reviewed by at least one person. If reviewed before submission the person(s) who reviewed the publication must have their information along with review included along with contact information. Editor will verify review.
* Feedback is constructive, supportive, and aimed at building amateur capacity
* Review timeline: As soon as possible
Step 4: Editorial Decision
You will receive:
* Accept
* Accept with Minor Revisions
* Revise and Resubmit
* Reject (with feedback)
Step 5: Publication
Accepted papers will be published online under Creative Commons BY-NC license and archived by the Florida Mycological Society.
9. Style and Citation
Use the following citation style:
Smith, J.A., Cook, J.P. (2025). *A new Pluteus species from Florida scrub habitats*. Murrillia 1(1): 5–12.
* Use italics for genus and species names
* List all references alphabetically at the end
* Use DOI links when available
---
10. Questions & Contact
For questions or guidance on submissions (especially first-time authors):
Email:murrilliajournal@gmail.com
Website:
---
Appendix: Optional Submission Checklist
[ ] Cover letter (optional)
[ ] Complete manuscript (DOCX)
[ ] Separate figures (JPG/PNG)
[ ] Captions and tables included
[ ] GenBank accession numbers (if applicable)
[ ] Permits or ethical clearance noted (if needed)