|
Who should be an
editor?
Muhammad Aslam* Ph.D, FCPS
Many individuals who become
editors of medical journals have established scientific reputations as
investigators and authors. Furthermore, they have probably served as
reviewers and editorial board members. However, they may be unaware of
many of the responsibilities and duties of editors and many aspects of
the editorial process. This manuscript aims at assisting both potential
editors in assessing an opportunity to be an editor and newly appointed
editors as they prepare to assume the responsibility of editorship. The
following criteria put together perhaps provide answer to the question
i.e who should be an editor?
Any individual can be entitled to become an editor:-
* Who has inborn quality of curiosity
* Who possesses a kind of empathy, a bond with the reader
* Who is self-confident and strong enough not to be swayed
* Who is fearless whether dealing with pushy advertisers, pressurizing
publishers, many-hungry investment bankers or his own staff
*. Who has stamina to fill the grinding demands of the job.
* Who can learn about the needs and interests of the readers.
* Who can formulate policies for authorship and submission of
manuscripts
* Who can formulate the process of evaluation and reviewing of the
manuscripts
* Who can take the responsibility of the editorial contents (subject
matter) of the journal
* Who can maintain the integrity and confidentiality of authors work
* Who can safeguard the rights of study subjects and animals
* Who can make decision and stand behind them but willing to reconsider
whenever appropriate
* Who can work to improve the quality of research in the field.
* Who is prepared to deal with error and allegations of misbehavior
* Who can plan for the future of the journal.
*. Who can coordinate the training of the staff.
* Who can call and preside meetings of editorial board
* Who can ensure editorial freedom
* Who can serve as liaison between administration, faculty and the Law
review forum
*. Who cannot be misled with personal, financial or other relationship
* Who can handle academic or disciplinary problems
* Who has the authority to independently conduct editorial board
business
* Who can surround oneself with people more knowledgeable and more
talented
* Who has the capability to be a mentor
* The editor himself doesn’t need to be an outstanding writer.
If one is a real editor, one serves as a teacher and a role model. Many
staff members try to emulate him. They may even employ some of the
lessons, principles and practices. However, often the combination of all
such qualities becomes unexplorable.
REFERENCES
1. Marshall Loeb, Qualities of
successful editors. CJR Jan/Feb2000 back issues cjrarchives.org/year/00/1/10eb.asp
2. Robert D, Uriger MD, A syllabus for prospective and newly appointed
editor, 2005:
http://www.wame.org/syllabus.htm
3. ACS Publications, High quality, high impact. Ethical guidelines to
publications of chemical research, 2006 https;paragon.acs.org/paragon/show
Doc Servlet? Contant ID= paragon/memu – content/new to this site/eg-ethic
2000. part
4. Davidott F, Catherine D. De Angelis, Feffrey M Drazem, M. Nicholl J,
JHoey J, et al. Sponsorship, authorship and accountability, JAMC,
2001;165 (6):786-8.
5. Craig R. A combination of qualities make good copy editors great,
2007: @ http: www.island press.org/main.asp? section ID = 58 &
subsection ID = 222 & Article ID = 263
* Managing Editor,
Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal (PAFMJ)
Army Medical College,
Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
E-mail: maslam@nust.edu.pk
|
PDF