Editing medical journals - short course
The 2012 course dates are now set: 7-9 November 2012.
Last year we had 25 delegates from all over the world (USA, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Europe and the UK). 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.
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 succeeding in print and electronic publishing,
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
Programme
1. The relationships between owners, publishers and editors
- understanding the fast-changing world of medical journals, building strategies for dealing with owners and publishers, getting to the heart of what being an editor means.
- View a sample presentation and a
sample exercise.
2. Provide services to readers
- choosing the 'right' balance of contents, using design to influence readership, improving the likelihood of text being read and understood.
3. Attract good quality authors
- setting up smooth production and reviewing systems, improving strategies to deal with authors and attract good authors.
4. Keep the public's trust
- managing pressures from a range of outside sources, managing time as an editor, writing and implementing personal action plans.
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: Starting with dinner on Wednesday 7th November (at 8pm), all day Thursday 8th November, and all day Friday 9th November, finishing at 4.30pm
Cost: GBP900 to include all course materials and full accommodation (including food) from the evening of Wednesday 7th November until the afternoon of Friday 9th November
-- For further information or to book a place, please contact
us.
