Leading scholarship: a guide to editing academic journals in the humanities, arts and social sciences

This chapter introduces How to Edit and Manage a Successful Scholarly Journal - Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, a comprehensive handbook born from the experiences of the book’s three editors, addressing the complexities of academic journal editing. Filling a significant gap in existing literature, the book offers practical guidance for both seasoned and aspiring editors, divided into two parts. The book’s first section delves into the mechanics of editorial work, covering topics like motivations for editorial roles, building effective teams, managing boards, handling guest editorships, utilising manuscript management systems, and emphasising the critical role of peer review. Drawing on the experiences of international experts, these chapters provide concrete advice for managing editorial responsibilities. The second part focuses on the intricacies of managing relationships in editorial roles, exploring editor-author dynamics, providing insights into constructive feedback, discussing the role of open access, and addressing ethical concerns such as bias and predatory publishing. Case studies and reflections offer unique perspectives on the evolving landscape of academic publishing. This book serves as a valuable resource for editors refining practices and emerging leaders in the humanities, arts, and social sciences, aiming to inspire and guide their scholarly leadership.