Call for special issues

The Journal of Psychosocial Studies welcomes proposals for Special Issues

What are we looking for in a Journal of Psychosocial Studies Special Issue? 
The aim of a Special Issue is to bring together a set of articles that develops a specific debate or topic on a theme relevant to the remit of the Journal of Psychosocial Studies. This may include articles presenting theoretical, conceptual and/or empirical material.  A Special Issue should be integrated around a common theme, and take forward debate in that area. It may be internationally comparative or may focus on one specific region of the world.

How to present a Special Issue proposal for the Journal of Psychosocial Studies
A Special Issue proposal must include the following information:

1. 1. Title: This should clearly reflect the field and content of the proposed Special Issue. 
   2. Details of Guest Editor(s): Provide contact details, institutional affiliations, and a short academic profile (of up to 150 words) for each proposed Guest Editor. 
   3. Description: In no more than 500 words, outline the intellectual focus of the proposed Special Issue, how its proposed content engages with significant issues, and the contribution it will make to the field.  
   4. Draft contents page: This should set out the structure of the Special Issue, listing the titles and authors of each proposed article and stating clearly whether named contributors are already confirmed, or are speculative.  
   5. Article abstracts: A 150-word abstract for each article to be included in the collection must be provided. (Special Issues should include an Editor(s)’ introduction and around 5-7 articles. of approximately 5-7,000 words.  
   6. Open Space Contributions and Book Reviews: Proposers should consider how they might include items relevant to the theme of the Special Issue that would be available for these sections of the journal, by suggesting topics for the Open Space and Book Review sections (with names/institutions of potential contributors), and listing 2 recently published (or forthcoming) books for review.
   7. Timetable statement: Please include an approximate timetable that would follow from acceptance of the proposal to initial submission (including times for reviewing, re-submission, copy-editing, etc).  
   8. Maximising impact: Please consider how you intend to promote and disseminate the Special Issue (blogs, events, conferences, other social media, etc.). An editorial statement outlining ten useful ‘top tips for impact’ is available at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/journals/author-toolkit/maximise-your-impact

How will proposals be assessed? 
The Editors will review all proposals received and, in consultation with the Editorial Board make decisions based on the following criteria:  

1. Intellectual significance, originality and rigour

• • Does it aim to fill a significant gap in the current literature that is relevant to the concerns of the Journal of Psychosocial Studies?
  • Does the proposal seek to challenge dominant disciplinary assumptions?
  • Will it help set the agenda in terms of future debates, or open up new avenues of enquiry?
  • Does it have novel, timely or innovative dimensions? 

2. Profile of contributors 
The Journal of Psychosocial Studies is committed to supporting scholars from all backgrounds, disciplines and parts of the world. Proposals which include a mix of established scholars, ‘rising stars’, new voices and marginalised voices are particularly welcome.  Overall, we aim to encourage good quality work, regardless of the status of authors.

3. International appeal
We welcome international contributions and contributions that engage with international debates.  

4. Editorial leadership

• • Do the proposed Editors have experience to draw on of producing published work?
  • Do the proposed Editors have a track record of involvement in this field?
  • Is the timetable realistic?
  • Do the Editors of the Special Issue intend to play a proactive role in steering and managing the development of the Special Issue?
  • Do they have the time and capacity to dedicate the required level of attention to this project? 

The editorial process 
If a proposal is accepted, a clear time-line will be established in agreement with the Editors.
The Guest Editor(s) will normally manage the process of: 

• • Initially considering papers.
  • Identifying reviewers and sending the papers out to review, in consultation with the Journal Editors, using the journal’s ‘Editorial Manager’ system (training for this will be provided).
  • Communicating reviewers’ comments to the authors.
  • Deciding whether revised papers need to be reviewed again.
  • Making a provisional decision to accept or reject papers.

One of the Journal Editors will work closely with the Guest Editor/s in a supportive manner. The Editors will aim to publish the Special Issue according to the original agreed timeline, but proposers should note, and inform all potential contributors, that the Journal Editors may decide to:

• • Run the Special Issue in a later issue than originally planned.
  • Accept only some of the papers and put them instead in a Themed Issue, which also includes papers from elsewhere.
  • Accept only one or two papers and present them as regular contributions to the journal.
  • Determine that none of the papers meets the quality standards or targeted content of the journal.

Informal queries prior to submission of a proposal may be sent to the Journal Editors at jps.editors@gmail.com