Why Researchers Choose Learned Publishing for High-Impact Publications
Learned Publishing stands as a cornerstone in the field of scholarly communication, offering invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of academic publishing. Established in 1988 by the Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP), this quarterly journal provides a platform for professionals, editors, and researchers to explore trends, challenges, and innovations in publishing practices. With a focus on publications and editing, it addresses critical topics such as open access models, peer review processes, digital dissemination, and ethical considerations in scholarly output.
The journal's prestige is underscored by its consistent inclusion in major indexing databases, ensuring wide visibility for published articles. Researchers value Learned Publishing for its rigorous editorial standards and its role in bridging theory and practice in academic dissemination. Whether you're navigating the complexities of journal management or seeking to enhance your publishing strategies, this resource delivers evidence-based guidance tailored to the modern academic environment.
For those interested in career opportunities within higher education, exploring higher ed jobs can complement your engagement with publishing trends. Additionally, tools like Rate My Professor offer perspectives on academic roles, while checking the academic calendar helps align submission timelines with institutional cycles. Dive deeper into academic jobs to find positions in editing and publishing sectors.
Overview & History
Founded in 1988, Learned Publishing has evolved alongside the digital transformation of scholarly communication. Initially launched to support ALPSP members, it quickly became a global forum for discussing publishing innovations. Over the decades, it has chronicled shifts from print to electronic formats, the rise of open access, and the impact of metrics on journal evaluation. Today, under Wiley's publishing umbrella, it maintains its quarterly rhythm, delivering peer-reviewed articles that inform policy and practice in academic publishing.
The journal's history reflects broader industry changes, including the standardization of DOIs and the integration of altmetrics. Its enduring relevance stems from contributions by leading figures in the field, making it a historical archive as much as a current affairs outlet.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
Learned Publishing encompasses a broad yet focused scope on scholarly publishing ecosystems. It covers topics from editorial workflows and author guidelines to marketing strategies and legal frameworks in dissemination.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Scholarly Publishing | Trends in journal production, open access, and subscription models. |
| Editing and Peer Review | Best practices for manuscript handling and quality assurance. |
| Digital Communication | Technologies for online dissemination and data sharing. |
| Publishing Ethics | Addressing plagiarism, conflicts of interest, and inclusivity. |
| Metrics and Impact | Analysis of citation indices and alternative measures of influence. |
These disciplines align with the primary focus on publications and editing, attracting contributions from librarians, publishers, and academics worldwide.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2022) | 1.9 | Clarivate Journal Citation Reports. |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 2.1 | Reflects sustained influence. |
| CiteScore | 3.2 | Scopus-based metric. |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 40% | Based on publisher data; selective process. |
| Time to First Decision | 2-3 months | Average peer review duration. |
These metrics highlight Learned Publishing's solid standing, with steady growth in citations reflecting its relevance to ongoing debates in scholarly communication.
Indexing and Abstracting
Learned Publishing is indexed in prestigious databases, enhancing discoverability. Key inclusions are Scopus, Web of Science (Emerging Sources Citation Index), DOAJ for open access aspects, and Google Scholar. Abstracting services like EBSCO and ProQuest ensure broad accessibility. This comprehensive coverage supports researchers tracking publishing trends across disciplines.
For global reach, its presence in Sherpa/RoMEO aids compliance with funder mandates on self-archiving.
Publication Model and Fees
The journal operates a hybrid model, offering both subscription access and open access options via Wiley's OnlineOpen. Article Processing Charges (APCs) for open access are $3,200, with discounts for ALPSP members or through institutional agreements. No fees apply for subscription-based publication, making it accessible for a range of contributors. This flexibility aligns with evolving funder requirements for immediate open access.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through Wiley's ScholarOne Manuscripts portal at the journal's official site. Authors must adhere to guidelines emphasizing originality, structured abstracts, and adherence to COPE ethics. Manuscripts typically range from 5,000-8,000 words, with a double-blind peer review process. Initial checks focus on scope fit, followed by expert evaluation. Resources for preparation include author toolkits on the Wiley platform.
Prospective authors can explore PhD programs in communication to build expertise before submitting.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial team is led by Editor-in-Chief Pippa Smart, with expertise in global publishing strategies. Board members hail from institutions like Oxford University Press and Elsevier, bringing diverse perspectives on digital innovation and policy. Their collective experience ensures balanced, forward-looking content that addresses real-world challenges in editing and dissemination.
Why Publish in Learned Publishing?
Publishing here offers exposure to a targeted audience of publishing professionals and academics. The journal's niche focus amplifies impact within scholarly communication circles, fostering citations from policy documents and industry reports. Its association with ALPSP adds credibility, while hybrid options maximize reach. Contributors gain networking opportunities through conference tie-ins and enhanced CV profiles for roles in tenure-track positions.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal of Scholarly Publishing | 0.8 | North American publishing trends | University of Toronto Press |
| Publishing Research Quarterly | 0.5 | Commercial and trade publishing | Springer |
| Learned Publishing | 1.9 | Global scholarly communication | Wiley |
| Serials Review | 0.7 | Serials management and e-resources | Taylor & Francis |
This comparison positions Learned Publishing as a leader in impact and international scope, ideal for high-visibility contributions.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, align your manuscript with current calls, such as those on AI in peer review. Use clear, concise language and support claims with data. Engage with recent issues for context, and consider co-authoring with practitioners for practical insights. Pre-submission inquiries to the editor can refine fit. Track progress via the portal, and leverage academic calendar events for timely preparation. Finally, review feedback iteratively to strengthen future work.