Editing medical journals - short course
Next course: 6-8 November 2013
Last year we had 26 delegates from all over the world and there was a great buzz to the two days with wide-ranging discussions. Feedback showed that not only did the delegates think it was inspriring, but the course also gave them ideas and practical information for their own journals. Networking and participation were key and everyone agreed that the opportunity to discuss large and small issues and to learn from each other was one of the key strengths of the two days. (A short walk around Oxford and one of the colleges was also very appreciated!)
If you would like to receive more information or enquire about running the course in-house for your own editorial team, please contact Pippa Smart.
About the course
The world of medical publishing is facing huge changes and this is putting additional pressures on the journal editors. Editors must ensure that their journals satisfy their owners, their authors and their readers: however most editors are full-time scientists and clinicians and have had little formal training in the craft of editing. This two-day course, now in its eleventh year, looks at the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to run a successful publication.
By the end of the course participants will be able to:
1. understand the roles of editor in relation to the journal owner/publisher, their authors, and the public,
2. identify strategies for improving the success of their journal,
3. use a range of techniques to increase the chances of the journal being read and understood,
4. set up copy flow and reviewing systems that will meet the needs of journal, authors and readers,
5. apply a range of techniques to attract - and keep - high calibre authors,
6. understand and meet ethical responsibilities to a number of different publics,
7. have a clear action plan for the coming year.
Programme
Who should attend
What form does the course take
Course tutors
Dates, cost and venue
Other events of interest
Programme
1. Editors & the world of publishing
- Understanding the world of medical journals; building strategies for dealing with owners and publishers; what being an editor meanss.
- View a sample presentation and a
sample exercise.
2. Ensuring quality
- Getting the best out of the peer reviewing system; ethics and the responsibilities of editing; choosing the 'right' balance of contents.
3. Attract good quality authors
- Setting up strategies to find good authors and to keep them.
4. Visibility and readership
- Improving the likelihood of the journal articles being discovered, read, understood and cited.
The course starts on Wednesday evening with dinner and a short introductory talk. At the Thursday dinner there is a guest speaker. |
Who should (and should not) attend
This course has been designed for those who want to learn how to be a successful medical journal editor. It is particularly suitable for those in the early stages of their careers as an editor. Clinicians and scientists who plan to get involved with medical journals, or editorial staff involved in a supporting role (e.g. managing editors), will also benefit.
The course is not aimed at meeting the needs of those looking for training on writing articles for publication, technical editing or peer review/critical appraisal. For information and training on editing and writing, see the site of EMWA (European Medical Writers Association) or the association of Mediterranean Editors and Translators (MET, www.metmeetings.org) who hold regular training events.
What form does the course take
The course will concentrate on group and practical work rather than formal lectures, and active participation is encouraged. Participants will be provided with a course folder with extensive notes and background reading for use after the
event
Course tutors
Pippa Smart is a publishing consultant with many years' experience of providing training to editors and publishing staff. After starting life as a medical copyeditor she has had experience in journal production, design and managing lists of medical journals. She has also spend several years working with editors and publishers in less developed countries on establishing and implementing strategic plans for their journals.
Dr Domhnall MacAuley is the Clinical Editor (Primary Care) with the BMJ, and was previously the editor of the British Journal of Sports Medicine, during which time he rejuvinated and raised the profile of this journal, increasing submissions and impact factor along the way. He was previously Professor of Primary Care (Research) at the University of Ulster, and has extensive experience as an author, having published seven books and over 70 original papers.
The course dates, cost and venue
Where: Oxford, UK at the Cotswold Lodge Hotel, a comfortable country-style hotel within walking distance of the centre of Oxford
When: from the evening of Wednesday 6th November to c.4.30pm, Friday 8th November 2013
Cost: £900 (to include all accommodation, meals and course materials)
-- For further information or to book a place, please contact
us.
Other events of interest
Train the Trainers course, 22-24 May 2013, Dorking, Surrey. A three-day course that teaches participants how to run the long-established and well-regarded one-day course Writing a journal article and getting it published. At the end of the course participants will have the knowledge and skills required, as well as all course materials and a licence to use them. Inquiries to Tim Albert tim@timalbert.co.uk
The Seventh International Congress on Peer Review and Biomedical Publication
This will be held September 8-10, 2013, in Chicago, USA. As with the previous Congresses, our aim is to improve the quality and credibility of biomedical peer review and publication and to help advance the efficiency, effectiveness, and equitability of the dissemination of biomedical information throughout the world. See the website for more information.
