Before You Submit

Ensure that your proposed theme addresses a clear gap in the field and includes a realistic plan to attract strong submissions. We recommend reviewing the Proposed Special Issue guidance before preparing your package.

Proposal Package Checklist

• Proposed special issue title and short description.
• Rationale and clinical or translational importance.
• Guest editor names, affiliations, and brief bios.
• List of planned topics and potential contributors.
• Estimated timeline for call for papers and reviews.

Suggested Timeline

A realistic timeline improves author participation and keeps the special issue on schedule. Most collections follow a structured sequence from announcement to final publication.

• Announcement and call for papers distribution.
• Submission window and initial editorial screening.
• Peer review, revisions, and acceptance decisions.
• Rolling publication and final issue compilation.

Guest Editor Responsibilities

Guest editors collaborate with JBMB to shape the issue while maintaining journal standards. A clear plan for reviewer engagement and decision support is expected.

• Recommend qualified reviewers and advise on scope fit.
• Support timely reviews and reviewer follow ups.
• Contribute an editorial or introduction when appropriate.

Marketing and Visibility Support

JBMB promotes approved special issues through targeted announcements, indexing visibility, and editorial networks. This helps attract strong submissions and increases citations for the collection.

Evaluation Criteria

JBMB evaluates special issue proposals using clear editorial criteria to ensure quality and feasibility.

• Alignment with bone marrow biology and hematologic research priorities.
• Evidence of strong editorial leadership and reviewer access.
• Potential to attract high quality manuscripts and citations.
• Feasible timeline and ethical oversight plan.

Quality Expectations for Submissions

Special issue manuscripts must meet the same scientific and ethical standards as regular JBMB submissions. Guest editors should encourage authors to submit rigorous, well documented studies with clear translational relevance.

• Transparent methodology and data availability statements.
• Ethics approvals and consent documentation where required.
• Clear reporting of clinical or mechanistic impact.

What Happens After Approval

Once approved, JBMB coordinates the call for papers, provides submission templates, and sets a timeline with guest editors. Articles are reviewed individually and published as they are accepted to keep momentum and visibility high.

• Dedicated landing page for the special issue.
• Coordinated marketing and outreach announcements.
• Editorial support throughout peer review and production.

Submit Your Proposal

Send your completed proposal package to [email protected]. The editorial team will confirm receipt and share next steps. We aim to provide initial feedback within a reasonable timeframe. If you need support preparing the proposal, contact us before submission.