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2 years ago in Scholarly Communication By Kushi Gupta
What is the purpose of an “Editorial Board” for a journal, and how much influence do they really have on what gets published?
I’ve been invited to join an editorial board for a relatively new journal. Before accepting, I want to understand what the role typically involves beyond having my name on the website. How much do board members shape the journal’s direction and the peer review process?
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By Phoebe Answered 3 weeks ago
Serving on several boards, I've seen their influence vary widely. In a well-run journal, the board is a strategic asset, not just a prestige list. Your core duties likely will include: advising on journal scope and special issue topics, occasionally handling peer review for complex manuscripts, and promoting the journal within your network. Some editors-in-chief actively seek board input on policy changes. However, influence is often indirect; your primary power is ensuring review quality when you’re assigned a paper. Before accepting, ask the Editor-in-Chief about expected time commitment, frequency of meetings, and specific areas where they seek input. A good board appointment is a valuable service that expands your network and deepens your understanding of publishing, but set clear expectations to ensure it's a meaningful, not just ceremonial, role.
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