Special Issue Guidelines

Special Issues bring together articles on a focused area of interest. They are led by a Lead Guest Editor and supported by the editorial team to ensure that the issue is planned, reviewed, and published systematically.

Topics

The Lead Guest Editor proposes a topic within the journal's aim and scope. Authors may also suggest topics for consideration. A topic should be distinct from previously published issues and suitable for the journal's readership.

Invitation Letter

After a topic is confirmed, the Lead Guest Editor should prepare a 200 to 300 word invitation letter with relevant keywords. It should explain the purpose and importance of the issue, its fit with the journal, and the types of papers invited.

Submitted Papers and Peer Review

Submitted papers must not have been published elsewhere or be under consideration by another journal. Authors must follow the publication ethics principles of COPE and ICMJE. All suitable submissions undergo a double-blind peer review process after editorial screening.

Article Processing Charges and Open Access

Article processing charges are communicated after final acceptance and before copyediting, typesetting, and publication. Accepted articles are published online in the journal and are also collected on the Special Issue page.

Visibility and Citations

Special Issue links may be shared through scholarly platforms, websites, and social media to improve visibility and accessibility. An e-book collection may be prepared for the issue, and print copies may be requested at the applicable cost.

Duties of the Lead Guest Editor

1. Provide a topic within the journal scope and prepare an invitation letter for contributors.
2. Prepare a list of potential contributors and share it with the editorial office.
3. Support editorial screening and administration of the peer review process.
4. Provide professional details, including name, affiliation, country, email address, and other requested contact information.
5. Provide a professional profile URL, photograph, and relevant biographical information.
6. Support the development of a Special Issue with a minimum of ten papers and provide an opinion letter for the issue.
7. Promote the Special Issue through relevant meetings, conferences, websites, and scholarly networks.

Benefits for Special Issue Editors

1. One paper may be published free of charge in a Grace Open Access journal.
2. A certificate is provided for successful handling of the Special Issue.
3. Special discounts may be offered to authors referred by the editor.
4. A print copy of the Special Issue may be provided without cost.
5. Research-related blog space may be made available on the website.
6. Further editorial opportunities may be considered after successful publication of a Special Issue with ten or more quality articles, subject to terms and conditions.