Submit Special Issue
How to submit a special issue proposal
Submit a focused proposal that outlines scope, editors, and timeline.
The editorial office will review and provide guidance on next steps.
Required Details
- 300 to 500 word summary of the theme
- Guest editor bios and affiliations
- Draft call for papers and topic list
- Estimated submission volume and timeline
- Funding or sponsorship details if applicable
Proposals should explain how the theme advances addiction research and why the topic is timely for clinicians, researchers, and policy teams.
Submission Path
Submit proposals through the special issue form or email the editorial office with a complete proposal package.
Prepare proposal
Compile theme summary, editor bios, and topic list
Submit details
Send the proposal through the special issue route
Editorial review
Editors assess scope, feasibility, and timeline
Launch planning
Finalize call for papers and promotion plan
After Approval
Approved issues receive journal support for promotion, review coordination, and publication scheduling. Guest editors receive templates for calls for papers and decision letters.
Guest editors should provide periodic updates on outreach progress and expected submissions.
Quality Expectations
Guest editors should invite submissions with robust methodology and transparent reporting. The journal maintains consistent peer review standards across all special issues.
Communication Plan
Guest editors should outline outreach timelines, reviewer recruitment plans, and expected submission volumes. Clear communication keeps the issue on schedule.
Review Outcome and Next Steps
The editorial team will confirm acceptance, request revisions to the proposal if needed, or provide feedback for resubmission. Approved proposals move into launch planning with defined milestones.
Proposal File Preparation
Combine proposal materials into a single document when possible to streamline review. Include clear section headings and contact details for the lead guest editor.
- Draft call for papers with topic list
- Guest editor bios and affiliations
- Estimated timeline with milestones
- Planned outreach channels
Strong Proposal Indicators
Successful proposals include a focused scope, an engaged guest editor team, and a plan to attract submissions from diverse regions and disciplines.
The editorial office aims to acknowledge proposals promptly and will provide feedback or next steps once the initial review is complete.
Proposals that include a realistic review timeline and a clear plan for reviewer recruitment are more likely to move forward quickly.
Clear milestones for submission, review, and publication improve planning and help maintain quality standards.
Well defined scope and topic boundaries improve reviewer matching and author guidance.
Focused proposals help maintain consistent review standards.
Clear scope also helps attract the right submissions.
This supports a smooth editorial workflow.
Submit Your Special Issue Proposal
Start with a concise outline and our editors will guide the process.