Editorial Board Policies

Editorial Boards

The majority of journals work under the guidance of an Editorial Board, which provides expert advice on content, attracts new authors and encouraging submissions. The Editorial Board, is a team of experts in the journal's field. Editorial Board members:

  • Review submitted manuscripts.
  • Advise on journal scope and policy.
  • Choose the subjects for any special issues that they may guest edit.
  • Attract new authors and submissions.
  • Promote the journal to their colleagues and peers.
  • Assist the editor(s) in decision making over issues such as plagiarism claims and submissions where reviewers can’t agree on a decision.

Selecting Editorial Board members

Editorial Board members are selected by the journal’s editor(s), with input from the publisher. Editorial Boards generally undergo a complete revision every two or three years, with members joining, stepping down or continuing for another term. Changes also occur in the interim, for example if a member resigns.

A journal’s Editorial Board can affect its quality, so editors should consider the following:

  • The location of Board members should represent the reach of the journal.
  • Board members' expertise should represent the journal's scope.
  • Representatives should be appointed from key research institutes.
  • Former guest editors of special issues, and authors of key reviews, and top reviewers may be suitable.
  • Existing Board members may have suggestions for new members.

The main roles we offer are:

Editor-in-Chief: Is the head of the journal and ultimately responsible for its content and editorial processes. Supported by a wider team, the Editor-in-Chief assesses incoming submissions, makes decisions and manages the peer review process as well as promoting the journal and representing it at conferences and other events. Together with the publishing team at International Journal of Scientific Research in Dental and Medical Sciences (IJSRDMS), the Editor-in-Chief determines and implements the strategic direction of the journal, defining its scope, recommending new team members and soliciting content to ensure the journal grows and develops. Previous experience in another editorial role is highly recommended and may be required before taking on the responsibilities of an Editor-in-Chief.

Associate editor, Senior editor, Section editor: Depending on the size of a journal, the Editor-in-Chief might be assisted in their editorial duties by one or more additional editors. Whether they screen incoming submissions, oversee the peer review process for certain manuscripts, make decisions, or do all the above (and more) depends on the specifics of the journal in question and the structure of its editorial team. Establishing experience as an Editorial Board member or as a keen reviewer before embarking on one of these positions will help you get up to speed quickly.

Guest editors: Usually a temporary role responsible for inviting content and/or coordinating on a specific topic of great interest to the journal. Guest editors are mostly involved with special issues which bring together a number of contributors all writing on the same theme. Guest editorships are ideal positions to explore and learn what it’s like to be an editor and may lead to a more permanent role on the journal’s editorial team.

Editorial Board member: Editorial Board members support the Editor-in-Chief and other editors by reviewing manuscripts, promoting the journal, advising on journal strategy and development, and generally supporting the journal wherever possible. Editorial Board member positions are a great starting point for gaining reviewing and publishing experience, and testing out your interest in editorial work.