The first step is to submit a written preliminary and formal letter of inquiry to Journal Editor Lisa Y. Flores. Letters of inquiry will be reviewed by the senior editorial team (i.e., associate editors and the editor) for relevance, potential impact, and scientific merit. Special sections will be guest-edited by the person submitting the theme under the direction of the editor or a designated associate editor.
The letter of inquiry should include:
- A brief vision statement (approximately 1 page) describing the general focus of the special section, and title. This statement should articulate the importance of the topic, as well as what competing journals might also devote attention to this topic.
- A curriculum vitae for the guest editor. We strongly encourage a team of 2-3 guest editors that includes guest editors representing different career stages (senior, middle, and early) and positionalities.
- A tentative list of example topics that might be included in the special issue.
In evaluating the letter of inquiry, the senior editorial team will consider the extent to which the topic represents an important and timely topic of interest to the readership of JLP, whether there is likely to be sufficient research on the topic to lead to enough quality submissions to form coherent issue, and whether the guest editor(s) has the qualifications and reputation to oversee the special issue.
After the letter of inquiry is approved, the guest editor(s) of the special issue must prepare and submit a formal proposal.
A formal proposal should include:
- Description of Introduction: a brief description of the guest editor(s)’s introduction that highlights evidence for importance and relevance of topic. Special issues typically begin with an introduction by the guest editor(s) that includes a preview of the manuscripts and a description of the basic rationale that connects them into a general theme. A concluding piece can also be used to recap topics and perspectives represented in the articles and suggests extensions of the concepts and findings presented in the various articles.
- List of possible paper topics: a list of possible paper topics, including a brief description of the balance between theoretical and empirical papers, and the potential focus of each of these.
- Timeline: a timeline for development of the special section, indicating the stage of development of the material underlying each article and when manuscripts are likely to be forthcoming. It is expected that the special issues will have a timeline from 15-24 months.
Approval of the formal proposal indicates JLP’s interest in publishing the proposed special section. However, it does not guarantee that JLP will publish the entire set of papers submitted. Each individual manuscript will be sent out for peer review by 2-3 experts in the field, and the result of the peer review process will determine acceptance for publication. It is important to note that the quality of the invited manuscripts must be comparable in quality as regular articles appearing in the JLP.
The guest editor(s) solicit full-length manuscripts once the formal proposal is approved. All manuscripts must be prepared following the guidelines to authors specified on JLP’s webpage and each author must submit their manuscript individually through the Editorial Manager manuscript submission portalopens in new window. When submitting their manuscript, each author should indicate that they would like it to be considered for the special issue. Authors are encouraged to suggest reviewers in the submission process. Manuscripts will then be sent out for peer review.
After each manuscript has completed the peer review process and has been accepted for publication, all manuscripts are sent to the publisher for copyediting in paper and electronic form. As with all manuscripts submitted to JLP, each author is responsible for submitting an abstract in English and Spanish for the final manuscript.
The publisher sends page proofs to the first author of each individual article; the publisher also sends a complete set of proofs for the entire special section to the special section guest editor(s).
Recommended timeline
- Letter of inquiry to editor: 1 month
- Formal proposal to editor: 1 month
- Open call for manuscripts and initial submissions: 3-9 months
- Peer-review feedback: 2-3 months
- Submission of revised manuscripts: 3 months
- Peer-review feedback of revised manuscripts: 1-2 months
- Final manuscript submission: 3 months
- Editor review and final decision: 1 month
Overall approximate timeline: 15-24 months
Special issues many only consist of articles that have been solicited via an open call. In an effort to generate as wide a call as possible, guest editors will develop a “Call for Authors” (see example below), which will be distributed through a variety of means, including the NLPA listserv and APA member database.
An example of the kind of “Call for Authors” we might use follows:
CALL FOR AUTHORS:
SPECIAL ISSUE ON “xxxx”
The Journal of Latina/o Psychology will feature a special issue related to XXXX.
We invite articles on all aspects of this topic with relevance to Latina/o psychology. We seek articles addressing psychological issues and interventions at the individual, family, community, and societal level, including topics of XXXX. (This section will include a more detailed description of the issue at hand and within the context of current research why it is a pressing and important issue that requires a special issue)
We will give priority to high quality research. We are particularly interested in quantitative and qualitative empirical studies, comprehensive literature reviews, conceptual pieces, and program and therapy outcome studies, although descriptions of innovative programs or interventions may be considered.
Please note in your cover letter that you are submitting for this special issue and send in attention to XXXX, Guest Editor. Guest Editors XXX from the Department of XXX will oversee the special issue.
All papers will be peer reviewed, and should be submitted through the Manuscript Submission Portal. Submissions should follow the standard APA guidelines for JLP. Please state in the cover letter that the manuscript is to be considered for publication for the special issue on XX.
The deadline for submission of papers is XXXXX, with the plan to publish the special issue in 20XX.
