Guest Editors and Special Issues

I. Special Issues

A special issue consists of a collection of articles focused on a specific theme or topic related to the journal's scope. Guest editors manage the process, coordinating with potential authors for manuscript submissions. To apply as a guest editor, send an email inquiry to the Editor-in-Chief.

While there is no strict limit on the number of manuscripts in a special issue, JHHWB typically aims for 10–12. However, if there are at least 3–5 high-quality papers, the journal may consider publishing them as a mini-thematic issue.

II. Advantages of Contributing to a Special Issue

Increased Visibility

Special issue articles are more accessible and visible, often receiving higher citation rates due to the focused collection of papers.

Simplified Navigation

A focused collection on a particular topic in a single issue makes it easier for researchers to find and engage with the content.

Promotion

Special issues are actively promoted by the journal on social media, increasing their visibility and readership, which can boost citation rates.

Collaboration Opportunities

Contributing to a special issue provides authors with opportunities to connect with other experts in their field.

Latest Research

Special issues offer an excellent platform for publishing cutting-edge research in emerging fields, keeping the community updated on new developments.

Rigorous Peer Review

All special issue submissions undergo the same rigorous peer review process as regular articles, overseen by guest editors and reviewed by vetted experts.

III. Proposal Submission Guidelines

A thematic/special issue proposal must include:

• A tentative title aligned with the journal's scope.
• A submission deadline.
• Details of the guest editor(s) and their qualifications.
• A summary explaining the issue's aims, scope, and areas to be covered.
• A list of potential contributing authors and their affiliations. Guest editors should ensure diversity among authors, with contributions from different regions.

IV. Special Issue Policy

Guest editors must submit a proposal before working on a special issue, and the number of guest editors is capped at five. The proposal must be approved by the Editor-in-Chief and posted on the website. Authors should be diverse, and no individual should contribute to more than one manuscript. Guest editors must also contribute an editorial for the issue.

All manuscripts for special issues shall be submitted through the online system (or through email). Guest editors may suggest reviewers, but final decisions regarding their use are made by the Editor-in-Chief. The guest editor's own paper will be handled independently by the editorial office. Ultimately, all final decisions about the acceptance or rejection of manuscripts lie with the Editor-in-Chief.

V. Ethical Responsibilities of Guest Editors

Artificial Citation Boosting

Guest editors must not artificially increase citation counts by adding irrelevant citations. Promotion should be done ethically via professional channels and social media.

Scope-Appropriate Content

Manuscripts must align with the journal's scope, and authors should be field experts.

Confidentiality

Guest editors must maintain confidentiality throughout the process, keeping manuscript details and reviewer identities private.

Conflict of Interest

Both guest editors and authors are required to disclose any conflicts of interest, which should be reported to the Editorial Office.

VI. Responsibilities of Guest Editors

Guest editors are expected to work closely with the editorial team, ensuring timely manuscript submissions and adherence to deadlines. Responsibilities include:

• Preparing the special issue proposal (title, keywords, deadline, etc.).
• Compiling a list of expert authors for manuscript contributions.
• Pre-screening manuscripts before sending them for peer review.
• Ensuring manuscripts meet international standards and guidelines.
• Overseeing the peer review process, with reviewers approved by the Editorial Office.
• Promoting the special issue at conferences and on social media.
• Arranging for extra articles to account for possible rejections during peer review.
• Submitting an editorial relevant to the thematic issue, reviewed solely by the Editor-in-Chief.

VI. Submission Process

Guest editors should refer to the Editorial Process page to understand how manuscripts are handled from submission to publication. Manuscripts for both regular and special issues must be submitted online (or through email).

Initial Manuscript Decision

The guest editor reviews the initial submission to ensure it fits the journal's scope. Based on this, they may forward it for peer review, request revisions, or reject it. They should evaluate relevance, quality, ethical standards, and ensure no plagiarism or unethical citations.

Peer Review

Reviewer details must be submitted to the Editorial Office for verification. The peer review process must adhere to journal policies, ensuring reviewers have no conflicts of interest.

Revision and Final Decision

Manuscripts may undergo revisions based on reviewers' feedback. The Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision regarding manuscript acceptance or rejection.

Publication

As soon as an article is finalized, it will be uploaded to the special issue section of the website. This section will feature the guest editors' details, table of contents, submission deadline, and author information.