Guest Editor Guidelines
Journal Information
Guest Editor Guidelines
To enhance the visibility of the journal and provide fresh perspectives on emerging and high-impact research topics, Biotechnology Archives – An International Journal regularly invites distinguished researchers to serve as Guest Editors for Special Issues. Special Issues focus on timely and innovative themes within the journal’s scope and aim to attract high-quality contributions from leading experts worldwide. These guidelines outline the responsibilities of Guest Editors and the procedures involved in managing a Special Issue.
Proposal Submission
We welcome proposals from Editorial Board Members, experienced authors, reviewers, and external experts with recognized expertise in relevant research areas. In some cases, the Editor-in-Chief or Editorial Board may invite a qualified researcher to serve as Guest Editor based on their academic background and scholarly contributions. Alternatively, researchers may independently propose a theme that aligns with the journal’s aims and scope.
The proposed Special Issue topic should be of strong current interest and scientific relevance. It should be broad enough to attract a substantial number of high-quality submissions, yet sufficiently focused to maintain thematic coherence.
Researchers interested in serving as Guest Editors should submit a detailed proposal to the Editorial Office at editor@crcjournals.org. Proposals are evaluated by the Editor-in-Chief in consultation with Editorial Board Members, and applicants will typically receive a decision within two weeks of submission.
The proposal should include a current curriculum vitae and brief bibliography demonstrating expertise and visibility in the proposed topic, along with any prior editorial experience. If applicable, the names and contact details of up to two co-Guest Editors should be provided. The proposal must clearly state the proposed title of the Special Issue, its background and scientific significance, the scope and six concise keywords reflecting its focus, and the expected number of submissions. A tentative timeline for manuscript solicitation and peer review should also be included. Additionally, applicants must disclose any real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest related to the proposed theme, including patents, non-disclosure agreements, ongoing collaborations, or institutional affiliations that may influence editorial decisions.
Promotion and Invitation of Submissions
Once a Special Issue proposal is approved, the Guest Editor is responsible for drafting a Call for Papers. The Call for Papers should clearly describe the theme, objectives, scope, and submission deadlines. Guest Editors are expected to actively promote the Special Issue through their professional networks, academic mailing lists, conferences, workshops, and relevant social media platforms to attract high-quality submissions.
Simultaneously, the Editorial Office will support promotion efforts by publishing the Special Issue announcement on the journal website and circulating the Call for Papers among the Editorial Board, targeted mailing lists, and social media platforms. Both invited and unsolicited submissions are welcome, provided they align with the Special Issue theme and meet the journal’s quality standards.
Oversight of the Peer Review Process
All manuscripts submitted to a Special Issue must meet the same rigorous quality standards as regular submissions. Except for invited Editorials, every manuscript undergoes a thorough and independent peer review process.
Submissions are first screened by the Editor-in-Chief for suitability and compliance with journal policies. Manuscripts deemed appropriate for review are then assigned to the Guest Editor, who typically acts as the Academic Editor for the Special Issue. Before handling a manuscript, the Guest Editor must declare any potential conflicts of interest involving the authors or subject matter. If a conflict exists, the Editor-in-Chief will assign an alternative Academic Editor to ensure impartiality.
The Guest Editor is responsible for selecting qualified independent reviewers and overseeing the review process. During this stage, the Guest Editor must ensure the scientific rigor, objectivity, and validity of reviewer reports, identify potential conflicts of interest, and report any suspected ethical concerns or misconduct. Based on reviewer feedback and their own evaluation, the Guest Editor makes a recommendation—Acceptance, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Rejection—to the Editor-in-Chief. The final publication decision rests solely with the Editor-in-Chief and may differ from the Guest Editor’s recommendation if deemed necessary.
To maintain independence and credibility, manuscripts authored or co-authored by the Guest Editor are handled by another qualified Academic Editor. Furthermore, contributions from the Guest Editor should not exceed 25% of the total number of papers published in the Special Issue, ensuring transparency and impartiality.
If a manuscript submitted to a Special Issue is found to fall outside the scope of that issue but within the journal’s general scope, it may be considered as a regular submission.
For detailed information regarding review standards and procedures, Guest Editors should refer to the journal’s Peer Review Policy and Editorial Process.
Benefits of Serving as Guest Editor
Serving as a Guest Editor offers several professional advantages. Guest Editors gain valuable editorial experience that can strengthen their academic portfolio and curriculum vitae. Each Guest Editor will be featured on the Special Issue webpage with a professional profile outlining their academic background, current research focus, and contact details, enhancing their international visibility. Outstanding Guest Editors may also be considered for invitation to join the journal’s Editorial Board.
Support Provided by the Editorial Office
The Editorial Office actively supports Guest Editors throughout the Special Issue process. This includes publishing the Special Issue announcement on the journal website, circulating the Call for Papers through targeted mailing lists and social media platforms, and promoting the Special Issue upon publication to maximize its visibility and impact.
Upon completion of the Special Issue, Guest Editors will receive complimentary PDF copies of the published issue, featuring their profile on the cover page. A formal Certificate of Recognition will also be issued in acknowledgment of their editorial contribution.
Researchers interested in proposing or discussing a Special Issue are encouraged to contact the Editorial Office at editor@crcjournals.org.