After extensive searching on the Internet, I failed to find a venue for Hispanists to share with colleagues their myriad of experiences with publishing, particularly the handling of the review and publication processes by refereed journals. My motive is not to encourage irrational venting sessions for rejected authors, but to prompt an intelligent and useful exchange that might assist scholars with choosing prospective journals that exemplify professionalim and integrity; journals that conduct the entire review process expeditiously and provide authors with useful feedback for improving their manuscripts. Many true horror stories have been shared at academic conferences and within language and literature departments across the country, and these should indeed be shared here to help each other avoid potential pitfalls. Besides assisting our fellow scholars, if this blog also succeeds at ultimately improving the management of certain refereed journals, then many in the profession will benefit.
Symposium has indeed recently changed editorship and added more members to the Editorial Board to ensure expertise in all areas. Even though this is a Modern Literatures journal and includes articles in French, Italian, German as well as Spanish- there are usually one or two articles on Spanish and/or Latin Am. lit every issue and there recently have been special issues on Contemporary Peninsular Lit and Latin American Theater. Turn around time is within 4 to 6 months.
The good: lightning fast turnaround time. Relevant feedback on style.
The bad: Minimal review consisting of one brief paragraph. It dismissed the article in rather pedantic terms and left me with the impression that s/he had not read the paper.
Overall my experience with this journal was positive. I received timely feedback from three reviewers. Though they were split in their decision and the article was ultimately rejected, the feedback that I received from one reviewer in particular was extremely detailed and helpful. This person was very generous with his/her time. I wished I could have thanked them directly.
Not high profile but they publish an excellent mixture of cultural studies and more traditional literary studies articles. Was recommended by my advisor, a prominent hispanist.
This journal has recently changed editorship, which I believe will prove to be a very positive step for this sound journal.
ReplyDeleteSymposium has indeed recently changed editorship and added more members to the Editorial Board to ensure expertise in all areas. Even though this is a Modern Literatures journal and includes articles in French, Italian, German as well as Spanish- there are usually one or two articles on Spanish and/or Latin Am. lit every issue and there recently have been special issues on Contemporary Peninsular Lit and Latin American Theater. Turn around time is within 4 to 6 months.
ReplyDeleteThe good: lightning fast turnaround time. Relevant feedback on style.
ReplyDeleteThe bad: Minimal review consisting of one brief paragraph. It dismissed the article in rather pedantic terms and left me with the impression that s/he had not read the paper.
Overall my experience with this journal was positive. I received timely feedback from three reviewers. Though they were split in their decision and the article was ultimately rejected, the feedback that I received from one reviewer in particular was extremely detailed and helpful. This person was very generous with his/her time. I wished I could have thanked them directly.
ReplyDeleteIs this journal rated highly by Hispanists in the United States?
ReplyDeletein my experience, they do not publish a lot on relevant material for us, but when they do, it is generally good
ReplyDeleteNot high profile but they publish an excellent mixture of cultural studies and more traditional literary studies articles. Was recommended by my advisor, a prominent hispanist.
ReplyDelete