Since its inception, some of the most evocative, widely publicised and engaging content in Psychology & Sexuality has appeared in special issues of the journal. These collections of manuscripts, each pertaining to a common theme, have facilitated a growth in understanding, debate and critical consideration of topics that might otherwise have been unable to find publication in comparable peer-reviewed outlets. Notable examples include thematic issues emerging from the University of Michigan LGBT summer schools (2012), research on the topic of asexuality (2013) and a series of articles on gay male pornography (2015). As an editorial team, we are keen to continue Psychology & Sexuality’s growth and to crystallise its reputation as one of the leading journals for sex, sexualities and gender-identities based research, while maintaining its position as an outlet for novel topics, alternative theoretical positions and work not commonly published in traditional psychological journals. We are also pleased to announce that Psychology & Sexualityhas recently been included in the Calrivate Analytics' Social Sciences Index, Journal Citation Reports (Social Sciences Edition) and Current Contents (Social and Behavioural Sciences).
Psychology & Sexuality is now in a position to welcome proposals for future special issues of the journal. We encourage proposals from individuals or teams and anticipate four to six issues being dedicated to thematic topics between now and the end of 2021. Currently, there is no restriction on thematic focus for proposed special issues; however, we are keen to maintain the journal’s position as an outlet for novel, niche and emergent topics of enquiry. Individual manuscripts can include theoretical, review, quantitative and qualitative empirical studies centred on a common unifying theme. Further, we would welcome submissions for inter-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary collections on topics that fit within the remit of Psychology & Sexualityand are particularly interested in receiving proposals from early-career or recently established scholars.
Primary editorial control will rest with guest editor(s) who will be responsible for: (1) identifying and receiving prospective submissions; (2) soliciting independent, blind, peer-review of manuscripts by at least two reviewers; (3) making editorial decisions and providing constructive feedback to manuscript authors and (4) ensuring timely submission of complete issues to the co-editors for final review and approval. Special issues will typically account for a single issue of the journal which amounts to 96 journal pages, typically consisting of an editorial, 6–7 full manuscript submissions of 6000–8000 words and any subsequent commentaries or rebuttals.
Proposals for special issues should be directed to the Co-Editors in Chief (Dr Daragh T. McDermott and Prof Todd G. Morrison) and should provide a brief précis of the intended submission. In describing proposed special issues, prospective guest editors should outline: (1) the names and contact details of the proposed editorial team; (2) a rationale for the issue outlining the scope and significance of the topic or theme and (3) a preliminary time-line for the preparation and submission of the special issue. We anticipate that accepted proposals will take 12–18 months to complete.
Review of special issue proposals will begin in February 2018 and will continue on an on-going basis. We anticipate that decisions will be made within 3 weeks of submission and, once accepted, it will be the responsibility of the guest editor(s) to maintain progress according to the agreed upon time schedule. We very much look forward to receiving proposals.