Invited Publication

The Manuscript’s Aim

Editors invite authors to submit manuscripts on specific topics for one or more reasons. These include synthesizing a theoretical or research literature, correcting a research practice or commonly held belief, stating an opinion on an important matter, challenging conventional thinking, clarifying or arguing for change in a methodology, advocating a new theoretical or empirical direction, or setting an agenda for future research or policy. The manuscript may take the form of a summary of the literature, case study, research study, or an editorial.

Author Selection

It is important for the author to consider the stated and unstated rationale for the editor’s invitation. The editor may expect the author to bring a particular perspective or flair to the publication given the author’s expertise and reputation. At the same time, authors should consider if they are able to devote the time necessary to develop a quality manuscript, if the publication will adequately promote their work, and if the rewards (e.g., prestige or compensation) associated with the invited publication are satisfactory.

Intended Audience and Guidelines

Although no one can know who will eventually read any publication, the journal or book editor is likely fairly good knowledge of the intended market. An audience of scholars who share the researcher’s basic area knowledge may be more likely to notice advertisements for the publication. In this case, the author’s writing can be replete with the field’s nuanced language. Yet, undergraduate and graduate students and those from other academic areas may need greater exposition. Those who hold a different theoretical or methodological paradigm are also likely to benefit from additional attention to definition, explanation, and examples.

The invitation to submit an invited publication will likely state a page or word count limit. These limitations are typically negotiated with the publisher. The editor may or may not have leeway should the manuscript exceed the stated length. The invitation may also restrict the number of references that the author may include.

Timeline and Feedback

It is important for the author to understand and comply with the stated timeline for submission. The editor’s timeline is likely driven by the publisher’s contract, which states when final manuscripts are to be submitted. The submission process may involve multiple feedback cycles, in which the author receives feedback on the manuscript content and style. In some cases, the editor may first invite the author to submit a prospectus, to be followed, upon review, with a formal invitation to participate in the project.

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