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Journal of Linguistic Anthropology seeking Editor-in-Chief

The Executive Board of the Society for Linguistic Anthropology invites applications for the position of Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Linguistic Anthropology. The editorship is a three-year term, beginning September 1, 2018.

Candidates are requested to submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae including names of two referees to asifagha@sas.upenn.edu. The deadline for applications is July 1, 2018. The Editor-in-Chief has the option of working with an associate editor; this option can be discussed during the selection process.

Job Description. The Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Linguistic Anthropology is responsible for:

Manuscript processing and evaluation: ensuring quality and timeliness

  • initial screening and evaluation of submissions for their suitability and quality (some may be rejected without review; others may be returned to authors for revisions before initial review).
  • Assigning the manuscript to an editor (if there is an Associate Editor)
  • the peer-review process: requesting reviews from scholars with relevant expertise, tracking responses and timely return of reviews.
  • assessing the submission in light of both the reviews and own reading
  • sending author a decision letter explaining the decision and, in the case of revisions, providing clear directions for what revisions must be made.
  • assessing revisions to make sure they have responded to directions provided in the editorial letter.
  • Managing book reviews and book review articles (via the book review editor).

The production process:

  • Working with Wiley-Blackwell (or other publishing) staff to provide final, accepted articles on a pre-determined schedule
    • insuring articles forwarded for publication meet all formatting requirements.
    • proof-reading typeset articles.
    • proof-reading final issue mock-up.
    • managing any typesetting/formatting problems with the publisher.

Advertising/promotion

  • Identifying newsworthy articles to AA staff for social media and other promotional activity
  • Proposing JLA articles for Open Anthropology and other similar online publications
  • Identifying issues/articles to be made available for free (open access)
  • Communicating with SLA Blog and newsletter when appropriate.
  • Soliciting other-language abstracts, video abstracts or other material.

Preparing journal annual report

Soliciting and or evaluating special issues, or special (non peer-reviewed) content, such as roundtables, forums etc.

Regarding selection of associate editor. The incoming Editor-in-Chief has the option of recommending an associate editor to the SLA board. The SLA board/President has final approving authority.

SLA Support. The SLA provides $10,000 for a course release and/or other support for the editor.

Institutional Support. Candidates should consider what institutional support might be available from their home institution.