Proposed Special Issue
Special issues highlight emerging questions in biosemiotics and create focused scholarly dialogue.
JBSR welcomes proposals from experienced researchers and interdisciplinary teams.
Why Propose A Special Issue?
A special issue can shape the direction of an evolving field by curating timely research around a shared theme. It helps researchers connect new theoretical frameworks with empirical studies, and it provides readers with a coherent, high impact collection of work. Special issues often generate higher engagement and targeted citations for contributors. For guest editors, it is an opportunity to build networks, mentor emerging scholars, and position the topic within a broader research conversation.
What A Strong Proposal Includes
Clear Theme
A focused topic with a strong biosemiotic rationale and relevance to current debates.
Guest Editor Team
Names, affiliations, and expertise that demonstrate leadership in the proposed area.
Scope And Contribution
A short summary of how the issue advances theory, methods, or applied research.
Potential Authors
A preliminary list of researchers or communities likely to submit high quality work.
Selection Criteria
Proposals are evaluated for originality, alignment with JBSR scope, feasibility, and the strength of the guest editor team. We prioritize themes that connect semiotic theory with living systems, communication, and meaning making across biological scales. Interdisciplinary relevance is essential.
Feasibility Matters
We consider expected submission volume and the ability to manage peer review within a clear timeline and standards.
We value proposals that reflect disciplinary and geographic diversity and that create space for both conceptual and empirical contributions. Guest editors should explain how potential conflicts of interest will be handled and how reviewer selection will remain balanced. Clear ethical oversight strengthens credibility and promotes community trust.
Guest editors are expected to support outreach by sharing the call across societies, mailing lists, and conference networks. The editorial office provides design and publishing support, but impact depends on active engagement with the research community.
Roles And Timeline
Guest Editors
Develop the call for papers, recommend reviewers, and oversee peer review in collaboration with the editorial office. Guest editors do not make final acceptance decisions but provide guidance on scope and scientific quality.
Editorial Office
Supports submission setup, handles production workflows, and ensures that ethical and peer review standards are applied consistently.
A typical special issue cycle runs 6 to 10 months from call release to final publication. Timelines can be adjusted for complex themes or extended submissions.
How To Propose
Send a short proposal (2 to 3 pages) outlining the theme, aims, guest editor team, and a preliminary timeline. Include a draft call for papers and a list of potential contributors if available. The editorial office will review and respond with feedback and next steps.
After approval, the editorial office will finalize the call, open a dedicated submission track, and confirm milestone dates. Guest editors receive guidance on reviewer selection, decision letters, and quality checks to keep standards consistent across the issue.
Submit Your Special Issue Proposal
Email your proposal and supporting details to the editorial office for review.
