How to Edit and Manage a Successful Scholarly Journal: Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences(How To Guides)

Drawing on the insights and experiences of authors, editors, and publishing professionals across the humanities, arts and social sciences, this How to guide offers practical advice on how to successfully navigate scholarly journal editorial work. From outlining the motivations to take on editorial positions to charting the key responsibilities of an editor, this book outlines the steps to success for aspiring editors. Authors delve into the role and importance of scholarly journal editing in the contemporary academic landscape, providing guidance on the peer review process, how to manage editorial boards, and the ethical considerations of publishing. Consideration is also given to understanding and customizing manuscript management systems, how to navigate emerging publishing trends, and strategies for amplifying the impact of your journal beyond metrics. Expert authors indicate how to manage global shifts in knowledge production and journal geopolitics, emphasizing the ways editors can make a difference to society and practice. This How to guide is an engaging resource for both seasoned editors wishing to reflect on their practices and aspiring editors taking their first steps towards this form of scholarly leadership. It is also beneficial to early career academics and academic publishing professionals looking to successfully navigate scholarly journal editorial work.

Table of Contents:
Contents PART I BUILDING AND THRIVING IN YOUR EDITORSHIP 1 Leading scholarship: a guide to editing academic journals in the humanities, arts and social sciences 2 Gerti Szili, Gareth Butler and Iain Hay 2 Why edit a journal? 9 Dallen J. Timothy 3 Becoming an editor and how to build an effective editorial management team 19 Catheryn Khoo, Gareth Butler and Paolo Mura 4 Managing associate/commissioning editors and your editorial board effectively 31 Guy M. Robinson 5 Guest editing journal special issues: triumphs, tribulations and tips to maximise the former and minimise the latter 47 Matthew W. Rofe and Michael Ripmeester 6 Understanding and customising manuscript management systems as a journal editor 59 Allison McCann 7 Designing journal peer review: diverse expectations, procedures and concerns 68 Willem Halffman and Serge P. J. M. Horbach 8 Rebound and renewal: strategies and tactics for journal revitalisation 79 Jay Gatrell, Nancy Hoalst-Pullen and Mark W. Patterson PART II MANAGING RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN JOURNAL EDITING 9 Working with authors to improve their journal manuscripts 97 David Higgitt and Derek France 10 Open access: definitions, issues and trends 108 Simon Wakeling 11 Empowering editors to select the right publisher and software for their journals 120 Gerti Szili, Katie Sanderson and Danielle Padula 12 Identifying ethical malpractice by authors and journal editors 127 Loreta Tauginienė 13 Questionable (including predatory) publisher and publishing behaviours 136 Johann Mouton and Marthie van Niekerk 14 Navigating your journal through a dynamic academic publishing landscape: an evolutionary case study 146 Marié Kirsten 15 How as an editor to manage global shifts in knowledge production and journal geopolitics 158 Elaine Stratford 16 Managing an academic journal with care 169 Matej Blazek 17 How to make a difference to society and practice through your journal 180 Jan McArthur 18 Reflecting on editorial transitions: the case of Modern Chinese Literature and Culture 193 Kirk A. Denton Index 202

About the Author :
Edited by Iain Hay, Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor Emeritus, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Gareth Butler, Associate Professor, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and Gerti Szili, Senior Lecturer, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia

Review :
‘At a time of ongoing turmoil in academic journal publishing norms, this book will endure - as a treasury of advice, experience and reflection - upon which journal editors can draw. For other readers, such as those starting out in seeking to publish their work in journals, or aspiring to become a journal editor, this readable book is full of sound advice and will help them to “see like an editor”’ ‘I highly recommend this book. Not only to those already in editorial positions or aspiring to lead a journal in the future but also to all those keen to reflect on the importance of knowledge communication. This is a book that goes beyond the basic ideas of journal management, challenging us to think about how the publishing system should move forward. Editors from different backgrounds and areas of research provide readers with a variety of interesting and thought-provoking perspectives. Finally, I hope this book will also be useful for publishers in their endeavour to keep improving research communication.’ ‘This is an engagingly written and insightful book. A must read for any scholar taking on the role of editing an academic journal or with an interest in better understanding how the editorial, manuscript management and review processes of journals work and how they are affected by new technological developments.’