Publishing "articles, notes, research, and reviews of literary, historicist, and theoretical work by established and emerging scholars in the field of women's literature and feminist theory",[1] it has been described as the "longest-running academic journal focusing exclusively on women's writing".

[3] Following her tenure, Shari Benstock (1983–1986), Mary O’Toole (1986–1988), Holly Laird (1988–2005), and Laura Stevens (2005-2016) each served as the journal's editor.

Board members include Nina Auerbach, Marilyn Butler, Carol T. Christ, Helen Cooper, Sandra M. Gilbert, Susan Gubar, Peggy Kamuf, and Jane Marcus.

[5] In addition to articles, notes, research, and reviews, Tulsa Studies in Women's Literature has published numerous forums and special issues during its twenty-eight-year run: The journal has developed two new features over its history: the Archives and Innovations sections.

"Toward a Gendered Modernity" (1988), edited by Holly Laird, was also a finalist for the Best Special Issue Award.