Special Issues
Collaborating to Produce Special Themed Issues
Exchanges has partnered with academic scholars around the UK and the world in producing special themed issuesLink opens in a new window since 2019. Previous issues have often drawn on conferences and workshops, as well as open calls and author invitations, as routes to gather each one's contents.
Special issues provide a great opportunity for the journal and its collaborators to produce a tangible and exciting contribution to the research discourse. Like regular journal volumes special issues normally include some content written by early career and post-graduate researchers, in keeping with the journal's focus. These issues additionally provide opportunities for post-graduate researchers to gain valuable editorial experience as associate editors.
Special issue production typically lasts in excess of 12 months from inception to publication and hence is a considerable commitment for the journal and proposing scholars. All published material is produced under Exchanges' standard publication policy environmentLink opens in a new window, and is therefore compliant with funder requirements.
Associate Editors
Due to the additional demands on the journal’s infrastructure, Exchanges normally recruits doctoral researchers to provide active editorial and production support for special issues. Typically drawn from collaborating institutions, associate editors each receive training and support and gain vital professional skills.
Associates normally serve for the duration of the special issue’s production, with suitable candidates identified through open calls and/or personal recommendations. Special issue proposers are expected to also act as associate editors themselves within this context.
Additional Information
The following are additional resources related special issue proposals which interested parties are strongly advised to review before approaching the journal.
Past Special Issue OverviewLink opens in a new window
Exchanges Author Guide: FormatsLink opens in a new window
Next Steps
Before contacting Exchanges, individuals interested in proposing a special issue with the journal should:
- Review the additional information materials,
- Carefully consider the checklist questions below.
Only then should they contact the Editor-in-ChiefLink opens in a new window with an outline of their issue proposal, and to arrange a follow-up conversation.
In response to approaches the Editor-in-Chief’s decision is final and Exchanges regrets it cannot accept all special issue proposals.
Checklist
The following are key questions which proposing scholars should be ready to explore in any outline conversation with the Editor-in-Chief.
While there is no requirement to have an initial answer to every one of these questions, each must be clarified to the satisfaction of the journal and its Board before any commitment to producing an issue can be agreed.
Note: Exchanges is an anglophone journal, whose primary publishing language is English. As such we would expect all content to be normally written in this language.
Personnel: Who are the proposers: e.g., their backgrounds, qualifications, current roles and publishing experience? Do they have a prior relationship with Warwick and/or Exchanges?
Institutions: Which university(s) or organisations will be involved? Do they have already have links to Warwick?
Theme: Briefly (100-300 words) What is the outline theme for the issue, and how does it tie in to Exchanges' mission, broad audience and interdisciplinary scope?
Rationale: Why is Exchanges a suitable special issue partner for your proposal? Have you considered any other partners before us?
Timescale: What is the anticipated/desired publication schedule? (a minimum of 12-18 months is usually required, so some flexibility is imperative)
Funding: Is this proposal linked to any funding call and if so, has funding been already granted? How will this funding be used to support the issue’s production?
Call: How will the call for papers work? E.g., is it envisaged there be an open call? Are there selected authors who will be approached?
Scale: What are the anticipated number of articles and what article format are they likely to be? Has any material already been written or developed?
Demographics: How will contributors be attracted from the widest possible community? Will under-represented regions or specialties be involved?
Editors: How will sufficient associate editors be recruited and supported?* How will participating institutions recognise or reward their involvement?
Events: Is the issue linked to an event (forthcoming or past)? In the former case is there anyway for the journal to participate, contribute or otherwise be involved?
*It is normal practice to recruit 1 associate editor for every 3 submitted papers