Managing a journal involves making lots of decisions, some big and some small. This can include anything from rejecting a manuscript to streamlining operations without cutting corners. These are decisions that are fundamental to the maintenance of your journal. But how can editorial decisions build your journal’s reputation?
Editorial decisions focus on selecting and publishing the best possible publications for your journal, including how best to promote these publications. From identifying high-impact opportunities to considering patient reputation-building and quick visibility tactics, we’ll run through decisions that could elevate your journal.
What is an editorial decision?
An editorial decision is an action taken by an editor for the benefit of a journal. Editorial decisions typically concern the selection, editing, and publication of high-quality and relevant research, as well as its promotion online. Ultimately, these decisions should aim to help build the reputation of your journal.
A lot of factors need to be considered when making an editorial decision. Does the quality of the research you’re considering match your journal’s standards and meet its ethical requirements? Is it within the scope of your journal? These are questions to keep at the forefront of your mind during editorial decision-making.
Other editorial decisions may be conducted based on previous experience or present circumstances. For example, there may be an editorial decision that has worked for you in the past with an author but may not be appropriate for another. A journal editor needs to be flexible and sensitive to the context in which the decision is made.
Identifying high-impact opportunities
Being a journal editor doesn’t just involve selecting appropriate manuscripts, dealing with authors, or overseeing revisions, however. Yes, these are vital parts of building your journal’s reputation. But being a journal editor also means being able to identify high-impact opportunities by using your initiative and vision.
Identifying landmark papers
One example of demonstrating such initiative and vision is being able to identify the potential in an academic paper.
Landmark papers are papers that become highly influential in their field and even beyond, with the potential to positively impact society and policy. Usually, this is research that generates high visibility and impact due to the forward-thinking, far-reaching nature of its findings. This kind of research is unique because it advances the knowledge base of relevant fields by disproving or developing previously established theories and principles. Not only that, but it will help in building your journal’s reputation.
Academia is slow-moving, and these landmark papers are rare. On top of that, it’s difficult to foresee just how impactful a paper will be before it’s published. So, how do you identify a landmark paper during the submission process? There’s no definitive way to do so, but you can look out for certain signs which may suggest a paper could have landmark potential.
First and foremost, the paper should demonstrate originality and significance in its findings. Secondly, it should be written in a style that is clear and concise. Less significant indicators include the author having a proven track record of high-quality or impactful research. While this latter factor isn’t directly indicative of success, it still suggests that the author is familiar with the benchmarks for academic achievement.
Special issues
Special issues are collections of scholarly articles focusing on a specific topic, generally collated by guest editors. The articles found in these collections tend to have a huge impact on the visibility of journals. As a study has highlighted, more than 75% of journals obtain a higher average impact factor for their articles published in special issues than for regular issue articles.
These figures demonstrate the potential of special issues. As a journal editor, there are several things to consider when overseeing the construction of special issues to try and maximize their impact.
A good place to start is selecting topics that feel relevant or timely. From advancements in sustainable technology to epidemiological breakthroughs, certain topics may resonate with academics and readers because of current concerns within society. Contributing to the discourse surrounding these topics ensures that your journal’s output remains topical.
Don’t forget to identify leading experts in relevant areas. These voices carry authority and unparalleled insight into pressing issues, helping to build the legitimacy and reputation of your journal.
Policy innovations
Society faces complex challenges. Adaptability regarding policies is necessary to work through such issues towards a better way of living for all. That’s why transformative change needs to be supported and highlighted at every turn.
As a journal, emphasize novelty and impact when looking for submissions. Position your journal as a leading voice when it comes to publishing research that demonstrates transformative change, addresses complex challenges, and seeks new ways of improving society and livelihood.
If you have published research that appeals to current debates around specific types of policy innovation, curate a list and promote it online. This will open important dialogues surrounding such policy innovation and draw attention to your journal’s expertise in these areas.
Patient reputation-building vs. quick visibility tactics
Building the reputation of your journal is no easy task. Additionally, there are different ways to do so. For example, there’s patient reputation-building on one hand, and quick visibility tactics on another.
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Patient reputation-building
This is arguably the most reliable way to build the reputation of your journal. Patient reputation-building involves:
- Establishing close connections with authors
- Proactive engagement with scholarly communities and institutions
- Being transparent about your submissions process, including peer review
- Formulating communication and marketing strategies that firmly establish and widely promote your journal identity
The long-term aim of building your journal’s reputation this way is to acquire and consistently hold onto reliable, like-minded authors and stakeholders who share in your journal’s vision.
Quick visibility tactics
In contrast to patient reputation-building, quick visibility tactics are often employed to increase the visibility and impact of your journal in the short term. They can include:
- Making your articles freely available through open access
- Creating topical, striking content on social media
- Optimizing SEO for your journal website
In principle, quick visibility tactics aim to increase your readership and submissions dramatically and at a much faster pace. However, this doesn’t always guarantee loyal or appropriate readers and authors, nor are quick visibility tactics certain to be successful.
Generally, patient reputation-building should take priority over quick visibility tactics, with the latter being utilized for broadening your appeal and remaining topical.
Choose an approach that suits your journal’s needs and capabilities
Ultimately, every good editorial decision you make will help build the reputation of your journal. Knowing what opportunities and tactics to utilize and when depends on the needs and capabilities of your journal.
Play to your journal’s strengths. If your journal focuses on a topic that’s widely useful in the public sphere, communicate the significance of your research to the public through targeted marketing strategies. If you run a niche, small-scale journal, ensuring that you’re building strong lines of communication with authors is key to success.