Special Issues vs Regular Issues: A Guide for Early‑Career Researchers

Introduction

Early‑career researchers often wonder whether submitting to special issues offers advantages over regular journal issues. While special issues can provide visibility, they also carry risks.

This article compares both options to help early‑career researchers make informed decisions.

What Are Special Issues?

Special issues:

• Focus on a specific theme
• Are often guest‑edited
• Operate on fixed timelines

They attract concentrated scholarly attention.

Advantages of Special Issues for Early‑Career Researchers

Benefits include:

• Thematic visibility
• Networking opportunities
• Potentially faster timelines

Risks and Limitations

Potential drawbacks:

• Higher competition
• Editorial variability
• Delays if contributors are late

Regular Issues: Stability and Predictability

Regular issues offer:

• Established editorial processes
• Rolling submissions
• Broader scope

How to Decide

Consider:

• Research fit
• Career timelines
• Guest editor credibility

Conclusion

Both special and regular issues can benefit early‑career researchers when chosen strategically.