Journal Special Issues: How to Submit

Journal special issues represent focused collections of articles addressing specific themes, emerging topics, or multidisciplinary challenges within academic fields. For researchers, these targeted publications offer unique opportunities to contribute to concentrated scholarly conversations and increase the visibility of your work. Understanding the submission process for special issues can significantly enhance your publication success and academic impact.

Understanding Journal Special Issues

Before submitting to a special issue, it's essential to grasp what distinguishes these publications from regular journal submissions. Special issues are typically curated by guest editors who are experts in a particular subfield or topic. These collections aim to provide comprehensive coverage of emerging research areas, controversial debates, or interdisciplinary intersections that warrant dedicated attention.

Special issues often attract higher citation rates due to their thematic coherence and concentrated readership. They also provide networking opportunities, as your work appears alongside contributions from other specialists in the same niche area. For early-career researchers and PhD students, special issues can offer a more accessible entry point into competitive journals, particularly when the theme aligns closely with your research expertise.

Finding Relevant Special Issue Calls

The first step in the submission process is identifying appropriate special issue opportunities. Several strategies can help you locate calls for papers that match your research interests.

Regular Journal Monitoring

Subscribe to email alerts from journals in your field and regularly check their websites for announcements. Many publishers, including Ivory & Finch Publishers, feature dedicated sections highlighting upcoming special issues with detailed calls for papers, submission deadlines, and guest editor contact information.

Academic Networks and Societies

Professional associations, academic societies, and research networks frequently circulate calls for special issue submissions among their members. Engage actively with these communities through conferences, mailing lists, and social media channels to stay informed about emerging opportunities.

Research Database Alerts

Platforms such as ResearchGate, Academia.edu, and specialized databases in your discipline often feature special issue announcements. Setting up keyword alerts ensures you receive notifications when relevant opportunities arise.

Evaluating Special Issue Fit

Not every special issue call warrants your submission. Critical evaluation ensures you invest time and effort strategically.

Carefully read the call for papers to assess thematic alignment. Your research should contribute substantively to the special issue's focus rather than tangentially relate to it. Consider whether your work addresses the specific questions or gaps the guest editors have identified.

Verify the journal's reputation and indexing status. Ensure the journal maintains rigorous peer review standards and is indexed in relevant databases for your field. Check the journal's open access policies, article processing charges, and publication timelines to confirm they align with your needs and funding availability.

Review the guest editors' credentials and research backgrounds. Established experts leading special issues typically ensure higher quality standards and better promotional efforts for the published collection.

Preparing Your Submission

Timing Considerations

Special issues operate on specific timelines with firm deadlines. Note the submission deadline and work backwards to ensure adequate time for manuscript preparation, internal review, and potential revisions. Many special issues also list expected publication dates, which may be crucial for career milestones such as thesis submissions or promotion applications.

Manuscript Preparation

Your manuscript must adhere to both the journal's standard author guidelines and any additional requirements specified in the special issue call. Pay particular attention to formatting requirements, reference styles, word limits, and structural expectations.

Explicitly address how your research contributes to the special issue theme. Consider including a brief statement in your cover letter or introduction that positions your work within the special issue's scope and highlights its relevance to the collection's objectives.

Contacting Guest Editors

If you have questions about your manuscript's suitability, don't hesitate to contact the guest editors before submitting. A brief, professional inquiry can save time and help you determine whether to proceed with a full submission. When reaching out, provide a concise abstract and explain how your research addresses the special issue's themes.

The Submission Process

Most special issue submissions follow the journal's standard submission procedures through online manuscript management systems. When submitting, you'll typically select the specific special issue from a dropdown menu or enter a special issue code provided in the call for papers.

Your cover letter should acknowledge the special issue submission and reference the specific call. Briefly explain why your research fits the collection and mention any prior communication with guest editors.

Ensure all co-authors have approved the submission and agreed to the journal's policies. Verify that you've included all required supplementary materials, such as data availability statements, ethics approvals, and funding declarations.

After Submission: What to Expect

Special issues may have different review timelines compared to regular submissions. Guest editors typically handle the initial screening, followed by the standard peer review process. Be prepared for potentially longer review periods if the special issue has received numerous submissions.

If you receive a revise-and-resubmit decision, respond promptly and thoroughly. Special issues work to strict publication schedules, and delays in revisions may result in your manuscript being moved to a regular issue or rejected.

Maximizing Your Success

To increase your acceptance rates, ensure your research presents novel findings or perspectives that advance the special issue's focal topic. Strong methodological rigor, clear writing, and comprehensive engagement with relevant literature remain essential regardless of the special issue theme.

Consider the interdisciplinary potential of your work. Special issues often welcome contributions that bridge traditional disciplinary boundaries, offering opportunities to reach broader audiences.

Finally, remember that special issue submissions compete with other themed contributions. Demonstrating how your research uniquely contributes to the collection's objectives can distinguish your work from other submissions addressing similar topics.

By approaching special issue submissions strategically and preparing your manuscripts thoughtfully, you can leverage these opportunities to enhance your research impact and contribute meaningfully to focused scholarly conversations in your field.