Recruiting for Book Reviews Editor

Journal of Medieval History

Deadline
18 October 2023

About the role

Journal of Medieval History is seeking to appoint a Book Reviews Editor from January 2024. This is a new position and the successful candidate will oversee the creation of a book reviews section, managing the commissioning, selection and acceptance process for book reviews submitted to the journal.

This position provides the chance to gain a greater oversight of relevant academic publications being published by presses worldwide. The role is a great opportunity for an academic with a research background in medieval history, and who has commitment, drive and ability to help develop the book reviews section of the journal. Acting as a Book Reviews Editor is a rewarding and fulfilling experience where you have the opportunity to draw on and build your own networks, develop and promote the research in the field of medieval history, and be recognised as a leading figure within the academic community. While the position carries no remuneration, the editor will have an annual budget to cover expenses.

The journal is committed to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion across the editorial team, editorial board, reviewer network and decision-making processes, to represent the diverse research community working in this field. Applications are welcome from scholars at all stages of their career.

The main duties of the Book Reviews Editor are:

  • To identify books for review and liaise with international publishers
  • To identify potential book reviewers and to commission book reviews, ensuring that the range of reviews covers the breadth of the journal’s remit
  • To correspond with book reviewers and provide feedback, e.g. providing clear instructions as to the format of the book review and submission process, acknowledging receipt of submitted book reviews, providing guidance for any revisions, etc.
  • To edit book reviews for content, style, and grammar
  • To approve book reviews on a rolling basis for publication in the journal
  • To ensure that book reviewers and publishers are informed when reviews have been published online on the journal homepage
  • To develop and maintain a stable and diverse pool of book reviewers
  • To keep accurate records to ensure there is a sufficient flow of book reviews
  • To use the ScholarOne system to keep records of the commissioning process
  • To communicate regularly with the Editors of the journal
  • To work closely with first time reviewers

About the journal

Cover image - Journal of Medieval History

The Journal of Medieval History is a major international periodical devoted to all aspects of the history of Europe in the Middle Ages.  Founded in 1975, it has a distinguished record of publication encompassing research articles, as well as historiographical essays, ‘state of research’ studies, editions of short texts and review articles on all aspects of historical enquiry between the fall of Rome and the Renaissance. The geographical scope of the Journal is Europe, broadly defined, from Iberia to the Urals, and from the Mediterranean littoral to Scandinavia and the North Atlantic.  Most issues comprise around six articles.  The Journal also publishes special issues and longer pieces of scholarship that stimulate exchange and debate. The Journal has published many contributions from Early Career Researchers and continues to encourage these submissions.

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Key Skills and Attributes

Ready to apply? Here are the skills and attributes we are looking for in a successful applicant:

  • Excellent grasp of the field, as evidenced by an advanced degree in medieval history or a related discipline, or by commensurate experience
  • Experience of reviewing and writing for journals
  • The capacity to devote time each week to the role, and to attend an annual Editorial Board meeting (in person/remote)
  • The ability to ensure all submitted book reviews are considered in a prompt, consistent and professional manner.
  • A commitment to communicating promptly, consistently, and professionally with book reviewers, publishers and the wider editorial team
  • A commitment to engaging promptly and efficiently with Taylor & Francis staff and suppliers to implement necessary processes and improvements
  • A strong commitment to ethical rigour as well as knowledge of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines and commitment to ensure that the book review section adheres to strict ethical standards at all times
  • Enthusiasm for the continuous development of the journal

Shortlisting will take place in October, and you may then be contacted for an online interview. The role is planned to formally begin in January 2024.

Application Instructions

Applications should include your CV and a one-page covering letter describing your interest in the post and relevant experience, with specific mention of how you would work with book reviewers and attract a good quality and quantity of book reviews.

For any questions, please contact Portfolio Manager, Emma Grylls at [email protected].

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The journal is committed to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion within its editorial team and decision making processes. All applications will be treated as strictly confidential, and each will be judged on its merits without bias for seniority of institutional affiliation. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or protected veteran status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics.