Guest editing journal special issues: triumphs, tribulations and tips to maximise the former and minimise the latter

This chapter discusses the role of guest editors in academic journal special issues and provides insights into the process, challenges, and opportunities involved. It emphasises that publishing is a core responsibility for academics and that, instead of a mere requirement, publishing should be viewed as an internally motivated engagement, part of a constructive and positive dialogue within scholarly communities. Divided into four sections, and drawing from the experiences of Matthew Rofe and Michael Ripmeester, the chapter begins by first addressing the importance of topic development and journal identification. It advises academics to prioritise topic development over targeting prestigious journals and encourages budding editors to choose journals aligned with their topic's relevance and intended audience. The second section focuses on developing and pitching a proposal and effectively targeting potential contributors. Next, the chapter outlines the benefits of making an open call for contributors and discusses the responsibilities of guest editors during the publication process. It emphasises the importance of clear communication and efficient management. The chapter concludes by encouraging academics to embrace the challenge of guest editing as a way to engage with their academic community and flourish through publishing. It highlights that serving as a guest editor is more about service and dialogue leadership than individual achievement.