Special Issue Process
1
Proposal
Submit to journal
2
Approval
Editorial review
3
Call for Papers
Announce promotion
4
Submissions
Peer review
5
Publication
Online publication
What is a Special Issue?
A Special Issue is a collection of articles focused on a specific emerging research topic, thematic area, or interdisciplinary field. Special Issues are organized by Guest Editors who are recognized experts in the field. They provide a platform for researchers to present cutting-edge findings and foster collaboration within the scientific community.
Focus on Emerging Topics
Highlight new and rapidly developing research areas
Expert Guest Editors
Led by recognized experts in the field
Increased Visibility
Special promotion and indexing benefits
Timely Publication
Fast-track peer review process
Proposal Requirements
Your proposal should include:
1
Proposed Title - A clear and concise title for the special issue
2
Rationale and Scope - Explanation of the topic's significance and timeliness
3
Guest Editor Information - CVs and qualifications of proposed editors
4
Potential Topics - List of suggested themes and subtopics
5
Proposed Timeline - Submission deadline, review period, publication date
6
Potential Contributors - List of invited authors (if any)
Guest Editor Responsibilities
Promotion
Promote the special issue through networks and conferences
Reviewer Assignment
Suggest qualified reviewers for submissions
Editorial Decisions
Make recommendations on manuscript acceptance
Quality Control
Ensure all articles meet journal standards
Typical Timeline
1
Proposal Submission
Submit proposal for editorial board review
2
Approval (2-4 weeks)
Editorial board evaluates and approves proposal
3
Call for Papers (3-6 months)
Open submission period for manuscripts
4
Peer Review (2-4 months)
Rigorous peer review of all submissions
5
Publication
Online publication and indexing
Peer Review Process
All submissions to special issues undergo the same rigorous peer review process as regular submissions. Guest Editors manage the review process, but final acceptance decisions are made in consultation with the journal's Editor-in-Chief to ensure quality standards.
Review Criteria:
✓
Scientific quality and methodological rigor
✓
Relevance to the special issue theme
✓
Originality and novelty of findings
✓
Clarity of presentation and writing
✓
Ethical compliance and integrity
Publication Fees
Special issue articles are subject to the same Article Processing Charges (APCs) as regular submissions. Guest Editors may be eligible for discounts on their personal submissions. Fee waivers are available for authors from low-income countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit a special issue proposal?
Submit your proposal through our online proposal system or email it to specialissues@scipublications.com. Include all required information as outlined in the Proposal Requirements section.
Can I be a Guest Editor for multiple special issues?
Yes, experienced Guest Editors may be invited to organize multiple special issues. However, we recommend focusing on one issue at a time to ensure quality and timeliness.
How many articles are typically in a special issue?
Special issues typically contain 8-15 articles, depending on the topic and submission volume. We can also publish smaller collections (5-7 articles) as focused issues.
Can I publish my own article in a special issue I edit?
Guest Editors may submit their own articles to the special issue, but they must recuse themselves from the editorial process. An independent editor will handle the review of their submission.
How are special issues promoted?
Special issues receive dedicated promotion through social media, email campaigns, journal websites, and academic networks. We also highlight special issues at relevant conferences.