How to start a new Journal & Journal Supporting Software & DOI

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So based on Our experiences of this process, here are a few question on how to run a successful scientific journal:

  1. Define Your Journal's Scope and Objectives:
    • Determine the focus, subject area, and goals of your journal.
    • Identify the target audience and authors you want to attract.
  2. Assemble an Editorial Team:
    • Recruit editors, associate editors, and reviewers who are experts in your journal's field.
    • Define their roles and responsibilities.
  3. Develop Editorial Policies and Guidelines:
    • Create guidelines for manuscript submission, peer review, and publication ethics.
    • Establish publication frequency and submission deadlines.
  4. Choose Publishing Software:
    • Consider using journal management and publishing software. Popular options include:
    • Open Journal Systems (OJS): A widely used open-source platform for journal management and publishing.
    • ScholarOne Manuscripts: A commercial platform used by many journals for manuscript submission and peer review.
    • Editorial Manager: Another commercial platform for manuscript submission and peer review.
  5. Set Up a Journal Website:
    • Create a user-friendly, professional website for your journal using website builders or content management systems (e.g., WordPress).
    • Ensure the website includes information about the journal, submission guidelines, editorial board details, and contact information.
  6. Manuscript Submission and Peer Review:
    • Configure your chosen journal management software to accept manuscript submissions.
    • Establish a peer-review process to evaluate submissions.
    • Ensure transparency and adherence to your journal's editorial policies.
  7. Editorial Workflow:
    • Implement an efficient workflow for managing submissions, reviews, revisions, and decisions.
    • Monitor the progress of each manuscript in the system.
  8. DOI Registration:
    • Obtain a DOI for your journal and individual articles to enhance their discoverability and citation.
    • You can register DOIs through organizations like CrossRef (a common choice for academic publishing).
    • Consider working with a DOI registration service that integrates with your publishing software.
  9. Publication and Distribution:
    • Once a manuscript is accepted, move it through the production process (copyediting, typesetting, formatting).
    • Publish articles on your website and ensure they are indexed by academic databases and search engines.
    • Promote your journal to attract authors and readers.
  10. Ensure Sustainability:
    • Consider revenue models (e.g., subscription fees, publication charges, grants) to support the journal's sustainability.
    • Continuously update and improve your journal's processes based on feedback and experience. Starting a journal is a complex endeavor, but with careful planning and the right tools, it can be a rewarding contribution to your field of interest. The choice of journal management software and the process for obtaining DOIs will depend on your specific requirements and budget.