Special Issues
Serves as a platform for advancing knowledge and fostering dialogue on specific topics of interest within a field.
What is Special Issues?
A Special Issue is a collection of articles focused on a specific topic within the journal's broader field of interest. Special Issues are often curated by guest editors who are experts in the subject area and can include:
Thematic Focus:Articles that explore various facets of a particular theme, offering in-depth coverage and insights.
Guest Editors: Experts in the subject area who oversee the editorial process, ensuring the quality and relevance of the content.
Collaboration and Innovation: Special Issues often encourage collaboration among researchers and can highlight innovative and emerging trends in the field.
Timely Relevance: They can address current or emerging issues, providing timely and relevant information to the academic community.
Enhanced Visibility: Special Issues can attract more attention from researchers and practitioners interested in the specific topic, potentially increasing the impact and citation rates of the included articles.
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Publishing in a Special Issue offers several benefits for researchers and authors, including:
Focused Audience: Special Issues attract readers who are specifically interested in the topic, leading to increased visibility and engagement with your work.
Higher Impact: Articles in Special Issues often receive more attention and citations due to the concentrated focus on a particular subject area.
Networking Opportunities: Collaborating with guest editors and other contributors can expand your professional network and open up opportunities for future research collaborations.
Editorial Expertise: Special Issues are typically curated by guest editors who are experts in the field, providing valuable insights and feedback during the review process.
Timely Relevance: Contributing to a Special Issue allows authors to address current or emerging issues, positioning their work at the forefront of the field.
Increased Visibility: Special Issues are often promoted more heavily by journals, increasing the chances that your research will reach a wider audience.
Prestige: Being invited to contribute to a Special Issue can enhance your reputation and credibility within the academic community.
Thematic Coherence: Publishing alongside other articles on the same theme provides context for your work and highlights its relevance to the broader research landscape.
Overall, Special Issues offer a unique opportunity to showcase your research within a concentrated and highly relevant context, maximizing its impact and reach.
Submitting a Special Issue Proposal
The Journal Editorial Office frequently invites experts to guest edit Special Issues on relevant scientific topics. We also welcome proposals directly from our readers and authors on subjects within their fields of expertise. The Editorial Team and Editor-in-Chief will carefully review each submission to ensure it aligns with the journal's scope and standards. If you have a Special Issue idea, please provide all required details and submit your proposal via email.
Detailed Guide on Special Issue Proposals
The information provided below will guide you through the essential points to ensure the success of your Special Issue Proposal.
Components of a Special Issue Proposal
Journal Title
Ensure that the topic of your proposal aligns with the scope and focus of the journal to which you are submitting.
Tentative Title for the Special Issue
The title should reflect the subject matter and scope of the Special Issue.
Submission Deadline
Propose a submission window of 6–12 months to allow ample time for contributions.
Guest Editor(s)
- Include names, affiliations, email addresses, websites, research interests, and optional social media accounts, ORCID IDs.
- Leading a Special Issue can be demanding; consider inviting 1–3 colleagues or experts to co-edit the issue and clearly outline each person's responsibilities.
Summary of the Special Issue
- Provide a brief description (150–200 words) of the motivation behind the Special Issue, the main topics covered, and the types of submissions sought.
- Include 3–10 relevant keywords.
Planned Papers and Potential Authors
- List at least eight planned papers or 20 potential authors. Include names, emails, affiliations, and, optionally, the tentative titles of the planned papers.
- Note that not all planned papers may be accepted, so it’s advisable to propose more papers than you expect to publish.
Call for Papers
- Draft a Call for Papers letter to invite scholars to submit their research. This should include a brief description of the Special Issue and motivate potential contributors.
- The editorial office can assist in contacting scholars by providing a list of potential contributors or sending out invitations on your behalf.
Promotion Plan
- Outline your strategy to promote the Special Issue to ensure its success. Mention any specific channels or methods you plan to use to attract contributors.
- Let us know how we can assist you in promoting the Special Issue.
Previous Experience
If you have previous experience as a Guest Editor, particularly for ACW Press journals, please include details.
Submission Process:
To submit your proposal, please compile the above information into a document and submit it to the Editorial Office via email. Our Editorial Team and Editor-in-Chief will review your proposal for relevance and suitability. Successful proposals will be managed closely to ensure high-quality contributions and impactful publications.
For any questions or further assistance, please contact our editorial office. We look forward to your innovative ideas and contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Guest Editor Benefits
Professional Recognition
- Gain visibility and recognition within your field as a leader and expert on the Special Issue’s topic.
- Enhance your academic and professional profile through association with a respected journal.
Networking Opportunities
- Connect with leading researchers and scholars in your area of expertise.
- Build and strengthen professional relationships and collaborations.
Influence on Research Direction
- Shape the focus and direction of research within your field by curating relevant and cutting-edge articles.
- Highlight emerging trends and key issues that need attention.
Contribution to the Field
- Facilitate the dissemination of important research findings and advancements.
- Provide a platform for new and innovative research that might otherwise be overlooked.
Editorial Experience
- Gain valuable experience in the editorial process, including manuscript review and decision-making.
- Develop skills in managing submissions, coordinating with authors and reviewers, and ensuring the quality of published work.
Enhanced Research Impact
- Increase the visibility and impact of your own research by being associated with a Special Issue.
- Potentially boost citations and downloads for the articles within the Special Issue, including your contributions.
Academic Service
- Fulfill academic service responsibilities by contributing to the advancement of your discipline.
- Support the academic community by helping to maintain high standards of scholarship.
Professional Development
- Develop leadership and project management skills through the coordination of the Special Issue.
- Experience the satisfaction of successfully bringing a significant scholarly project to fruition.
Mentorship Opportunities
- Mentor emerging scholars by guiding them through the publication process.
- Provide support and feedback to authors, particularly early-career researchers.
Publication Opportunities
As a Guest Editor, you may have the opportunity to publish an editorial or a lead article in the Special Issue, further enhancing your publication record.
Organizing a Special Issue allows Guest Editors to make a meaningful contribution to their field while gaining valuable experience and recognition. It is a unique opportunity to collaborate with peers, shape the research agenda, and support the dissemination of significant scholarly work.
Guest Editor Duties
Responsibilities
Developing the Special Issue Proposal
Create a compelling title, summary, and set of keywords to effectively introduce the Special Issue to potential authors and readers.
Identifying and Inviting Contributors
Compile a list of potential contributors and actively invite researchers in the field to submit their work to the Special Issue.
Managing the Peer Review Process
- Pre-screen submissions for suitability and oversee the entire peer review process, ensuring the quality and relevance of the contributions.
- Make final decisions on the acceptance or rejection of manuscripts based on reviewer feedback and your expertise.
Promoting the Special Issue
Promote the Special Issue at relevant conferences, on social media, and through other appropriate channels to attract high-quality submissions and enhance visibility.
Goals and Recommendations
- A successful Special Issue typically includes 10 or more papers, along with an optional editorial written by the Guest Editor(s).
- To ensure sufficient content, aim to collect more than 10 planned papers, as some may not meet the peer review standards or may not be submitted as anticipated.
Considerations
As a Guest Editor, you are recognized as an expert in your research field. While you may involve early career researchers in your team for support, the responsibility for supervising the peer review process and making final manuscript decisions rests solely with you.
Your role as a Guest Editor is crucial in maintaining the high standards of the journal and ensuring the success of the Special Issue. Your expertise, leadership, and dedication are key to curating a collection of impactful research that advances knowledge in your field.
