Guidelines for Starting an Academic Journal

Creating your own academic journal is an ambitious yet rewarding endeavor that can significantly contribute to the dissemination of knowledge within a specific academic field. This guide provides a step-by-step roadmap to help you establish and run a successful academic journal. Let's delve into the process and explore the essential elements that you need to consider.

1. Conceptualization (Weeks 1-4)

Step 1: Define Scope, Mission, and Objectives

Begin by clearly defining the scope, mission, and objectives of your journal. This will serve as the foundation for your journal and guide all subsequent steps. Consider specific academic needs within your chosen field and determine how your journal can address these needs.

Step 2: Identify Target Audience and Disciplines

Identify the target audience and the specific disciplines or sub-disciplines that your journal will serve. Understanding your audience will help you tailor the content and marketing efforts to better engage and serve them.

Step 3: Conduct Market Research and Competitor Analysis

Thorough market research and a competitive analysis will help you understand the landscape of existing journals, identify gaps in the market, and distinguish your journal from competitors. This will also provide insights into potential collaborations or partnerships.

2. Team Assembly (Weeks 5-8)

Step 1: Recruit Editorial Board Members

Recruit credible academics who are experts in the field to serve on your editorial board. These individuals will play a crucial role in overseeing the review process and maintaining the high quality of the content.

Step 2: Appoint Core Staff

Appoint key staff positions such as the editor-in-chief, managing editor, and assistant editors. Clearly define their roles and responsibilities to ensure smooth operation.

Step 3: Establish an Advisory Board (Optional)

An advisory board can provide additional guidance and support. Members may come from outside the editorial board and can include experts in related fields, industry leaders, or public figures.

3. Journal Registration (Weeks 9-12)

Step 1: Register the Journal Name

Choose a unique and descriptive name for your journal that reflects its content and mission. Ensure that the name is not already in use to avoid legal disputes.

Step 2: Obtain an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number)

The ISSN is a unique identifier for serial publications. You can obtain an ISSN from the relevant national or international organization responsible for managing the ISSN system in your country.

Step 3: Obtain a DOI (Digital Object Identifier)

A DOI is a persistent identifier for academic publishing. It allows readers to easily locate and access the full text of your journal articles. You can obtain a DOI prefix from CrossRef or other similar organizations.

Step 4: Register with Relevant Indexing Databases

Register your journal with indexing services such as Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. This will enhance the visibility and credibility of your journal by making it discoverable to a broader audience.

4. Website Development (Weeks 13-16)

Step 1: Design and Develop the Website

Create a professional and user-friendly website that clearly presents the mission and goals of your journal. Ensure that it is accessible and easy to navigate for potential contributors, reviewers, and readers.

Step 2: Integrate a Submission and Peer-Review Management System

Consider integrating a system such as Open Journal Systems (OJS) or Editorial Manager. These platforms facilitate the submission, management, and review of articles, streamlining the entire process.

Step 3: Optimize for SEO

Optimize your website for search engines by using relevant keywords, meta tags, and structured data. This will improve your journal's visibility on search engine results pages, attracting more potential contributors and readers.

5. Publication Policy (Weeks 17-20)

Step 1: Establish Publication Ethics and Malpractice Policies

Develop clear policies on ethical publishing practices, including authorship guidelines, copyright policies, and protocols for handling misconduct.

Step 2: Define Article Types

Specify the types of articles that will be accepted in your journal, such as research articles, reviews, case studies, and editorials.

Step 3: Determine Publication Frequency

Decide on the frequency of publication (e.g., quarterly, bi-annually, or annually) based on the volume and demand for submissions.

6. Peer-Review Process (Weeks 21-24)

Step 1: Develop Peer-Review Guidelines

Create clear guidelines for peer reviewers, including the criteria for evaluation and the timeline for reviews. Ensure that the process is fair, transparent, and thorough.

Step 2: Recruit Peer Reviewers

Recruit highly qualified individuals who are knowledgeable about the subject matter and can provide credible and constructive feedback.

Step 3: Establish a Review Process Timeline

Define a clear timeline for the submission, review, and publication of articles. This will help keep the process organized and ensure timely publication.

7. Launch and Promotion (Weeks 25-28)

Step 1: Launch the Journal Website

Officially launch your journal website and registry. Make sure all the necessary information is available, and the site is fully functional.

Step 2: Announce a Call for Papers

Issue a call for papers to attract submissions from potential contributors. Clearly outline the scope of the journal and the submission process.

Step 3: Promote the Journal

Promote your journal through various channels, including social media, email marketing, networking events, and academic conferences. Engage with the academic community to generate interest and submissions.

Ongoing Tasks

Once the launch is complete, ongoing tasks will include soliciting and reviewing manuscripts, publishing and distributing issues, and conducting continuous evaluation and improvement. Regularly assess the performance and impact of your journal, making necessary adjustments to ensure its longevity and success.

Recommended Resources

Consider the following resources to guide you through the process and provide best practices: Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) International Society of Managing and Technical Editors (ISMTE) Open Journal Systems (OJS) documentation

Timeline

The initial setup for starting an academic journal can take approximately 6-12 months. Consult with experts and relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices throughout the process.

By following these guidelines, you can create a robust and credible academic journal that will contribute significantly to the dissemination of knowledge in your field.