The implementation of this new workflow has no impact in the editorial workflow for editors, guest editors and authors, the impact is on the way articles are displayed online and on the print version of the journal, where SIs will not be clustered in one single issue. This also means that we would not send a print copy to the guest editors anymore, instead we will offer them Share Links for all SI articles once the issue is complete. This is ideal for sharing articles via email and social media. Where necessary we can always request to process a SI in the traditional way, having them clustered together.
Q: Can I still publish regular Special Issues after the new workflow is implemented?
A: The journal will use SI as the default publication process for all special content. In limited cases exceptions may apply, such as a mandatory or commercially driven print requirement. In these cases, the single issue based SI workflow can be followed.
Q: Will the SI have a volume and issue number?
A: Same as regular issue papers, the SI articles disseminated in different volumes have their own volume and page number. However, when virtually grouping the articles into SI, the SI will not have a dedicated volume and issue number. This also means that pages will not be sequentially numbered.
Q: Can section headings be added in a SI?
Q: Can the order of articles be updated in a SI?
A: Yes, the ordering of articles can be changed and the addition or deletion of articles is also possible.
Q: What about copies for GEs?
A: We are offering Guest Editors ShareLinks (of 50 days) for all VSI articles once the SI is complete.
Q: What about GE editorials?
A: ScienceDirect has provided a field for which GEs can provide a short, introductory text piece.
The introduction text acts as a placeholder for the SI and the idea behind it is to give context to the SI in the absence of or in advance of the editorial. This intro text gives the GEs an opportunity from the outset to provide a short description (2000 characters max limit) of the SI, so that readers have context for the VSI while it is still in progress. This text piece can replace the editorial or be a temporary feature until the editorial is available online.
If you are interested in proposing a special issue, please fill in this questionnaire and send it to the Editor(s) in Chief of the journal.