Sawchuk2011
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Canadian Journal of Communication Editor’s Report, 2009, Kim Sawchuk, Concordia University May 10, 2010
Publication details for the year 2009. Note: most of the data for this report will address the last 4 issues published: 34.1- 34.4 (inclusive). This is my final report as Editor.
This past year we had no special issues, which is unusual. However we did have 2 sub sections in two issues.
- 1 (Subsection on Neo-liberalism and Provincial Cultural Policy, edited by Sabine Milz, U of A) 34.2 33.3 33.4 (Subsection: Media Convergence in Quebec, edited by Colette Brin, Laval)
Numbers of articles published 33 peer reviewed pieces published since January, 2009. (1 down from previous year’s 34, but same as 2009; 33, and more than previous year 30)
- letters of decline sent out 14 accepts and 8 resubmits = for a 31% rate of publication for peer reviewed articles Now at the copy editors: 17 (7 book reviews; 10 articles).
Plus: 13 Book reviews were published (down from previous year when we had 22)
Last year, we received 109 + 40 (149) papers in the period we usually look at, down by about 24 papers (2 less a month, per year). So instead of the average 14-15 papers a month, we have received 12. Our publishing rate remains consistent at 31 percent. We now have 46 papers that are in review (although we have 4 declines to write this week that are set to go out) 17 are in editing.
As mentioned, the number of submissions was little lower than it has been in the past few years. I believe that this may reflect the absence of any “call for papers” in the past years. Even with minimal hustle, we have been getting enough work of a decent quality for us to process. We are working closely with the incoming editor, Michael Dorland, on the 47 or so submission under review and have slowly been introducing him to the process.
The next 3 issues (34.2, miscellaneous) are in the works and while the next one is late (apologies to Marilyn and Anne) the next 3 will be out in close succession by the end of the year. The Senses of Technology (eds. Sawchuk/Josgrilberg is essentially complete articles revised and all but one are at copy editor). A 2nd of miscellaneous that I am working on with incoming editor , MD, is in the works and we have 2 articles uploaded for that one and a number to review (Andrea and I have a chart that I will be going over with Michael in the coming week to make decisions about what he would like to bring to the next level of completion. A final issue of largely commissioned pieces, that I am guest editing, will e the last issue, MARS, or Media Arts Revised. 5 papers that have been commissioned, one is already in review. Over 20 short reports (1-2K in length) on the state of media arts in communications have been commissioned. July 1 from writers in communications from across the country. All will be peer-reviewed (submitters have been requested to participate in the peer-review process).
Genres of articles/peer-review and non-peer review While most of our papers are articles (24 this year up from 27 last year) we have continued to publish RIB (5 this year, 3 last year); and commentaries 2 (2same as last year).
Our book reviews were down: 13. Last year we published (22) are up from last year (16).
Number of submissions of all material (including reviews articles etc).
One of the clear trends I have noticed, is that we are getting many more papers dealing with health, perhaps reflecting trends in CIHR funding reaching communications but as well several key pieces we have published in the past years on health-related matters, including the special issue, communicating health.
Universities represented We continue to receive submissions from across the country, most of these from within the field of communications. If anything, there seem to be even greater numbers of submissions and publications from a wider range of institutions. The trend towards more international submissions is continuing, and the increase in French-language submissions, as well as submissions in English from the Francophone Universities, continues to grow.
Here are the different Universities represented in the last 4 issues.
2010: Concordia (4); McGill? (3);U of O (3); SFU (2); UQAM (2); Carleton (2); Laval (2); Ryerson (1); St Mary’s (1); Windsor (1); Laurier (1); U de M (1); Winnipeg (1); Fraser Valley (1); UBC (1); U Vic (1); U of A (1); International (4)
2009: Concordia (6); SFU (5); Carleton (3); Ryerson (3); McMaster? (2); Calgary (2); U of O (2) Athabasca (1) UNB (1); Windsor (1) Wilfrid Laurier (1); U de M (1); McGill? (1); International: 5
Covers Matt Soar was appointed as the art director for the journal. Since 34.1 he has done a wonderful job transforming the look of the Journal. In (2010) Matt did an overhaul of the typography used in the publication (as discussed in 35.1). Michael will need to find a new art director as Matt won’t be staying on. Thank you Matt, for your contributions to the CJC these past 3 years.
Editorial Board: No changes. Michael and I have been strategizing on reformulating the Board.
Rate of turnover of articles: We have been moving at a consistent pace: 99 days for review; 176 to publication. T compare with last year’s data. On average in 2009 it took 97 days for reviews to come through, and 235 days to publication. Of course these are averages. Some articles move through the system very quickly; others take forever. Michael and I have been strategizing on cutting the timing down on the review process, as well as providing a more precise set of directions to reviewers.
Numbers of on line hits I have received a preliminary table from Michael. Interestingly, the top hit seems to be an article published in 1990 titled “Strategies Informatiques et Incidences Bancaires: Ou Pourquoi Desjardins a-t-il cherche a etre a l'avant-garde de l'Informatique?”. I am trying to get the times an article is viewed as a part of my “user” privileges but this function doesn’t seem to be working. Michael is going to look into it
French-language This is up again. 4 French-language articles were published last year. In 2009: 2 articles were published in French. There continue to be a significant number of francophone scholars who publish with us, but in English.
SSHRC I have begun the process of doing the next SSHRC grant, due June 30. I will work on it the week I return from the CCA in New Brunswick. I have the last grant to call upon, as well as the yearly reports that I write. I have contacted Michael about the data needed, and of course Rowly will do the finances. I will also consult with Michael D, about his plans for the journal as some mention of the editorial change must be included in this grant.
Staff My heratfelt appreciation to the entire staff for six wonderful years of collaboration. Most notably, a thank-you to Marilyn Bittman. Professional, good-humoured, simply marvelous, she has shown incredibly patience with our perennial lateness in the production schedule. Please know we tried. As well a huge appreciative thanks to Anne Carscallen, who has done an amazing job with subscriptions and really made the journal circulate in ways that have made us relevant and of interest to a wider constituency, beyond academic. Michael Felczak, who ensures the system works, of course does a marvelous behind the scenes job. Finally, thank you to Andre Zeffiro, editorial assistant extraordinaire.
My editorial term is over this year. I can’t believe how quickly six years has zoomed by.
In closing, I welcome the incoming editor, Michael Dorland who is doing a stellar job already. We have been in conversation about what to change and how to keep the momentum we have been building over these past years growing.
Montreal, 2011