Associate Editors

Nomination of Associate Editors

Each new editor nominates a slate of individuals to serve as associate editors of the journal in question. (Occasionally, too, in the course of an editor's tenure, an associate editor (AE) withdraws and a replacement is proposed by the editor.) Qualifications of prospective associate editors, as well as details on the approval process, are outlined below. Most journals assign associate editors to specific substantive areas, but other organizational structures, such as associate editors for certain "features" or "departments," are also acceptable.

The procedure for nomination is simply to present to the Publications Board a curriculum vitae for each nominee and an oral or written statement in support of the nomination. It is customary for the Publications Board to consider an incoming editor's nominations of associate editors via email communication or a conference call before the November meeting during the editor's incoming transition period. (Occasional nominations of an associate editor in the course of an editor's term are considered by the Board as they occur.) Associate editors, once approved by the Publications Board, serve at the discretion of the editor. Editors may extend or limit the terms of associate editors. An associate editor for an ASHA journal may not serve in that capacity at the same time for another journal.

Qualifications/Approval of Associate Editors

Qualifications for associate editors are similar to those for editors except that less experience with the publication process is acceptable. At the very least, nominees should have a strong publication record in the area to which they are nominated and should have at least some experience in the editorial process as a reviewer. It is preferred that the nominee has published in relevant journals within the last 5 years.

Associate editors are nominated by their respective editors for consideration by the Publications Board. The only supporting documentation required is a current curriculum vitae (CV). It is the responsibility of the nominating editor to inform each associate editor candidate that the Board reviews the qualifications of each nominee and has final approval for all appointments.

New editors send a CV of each associate editor nominee to the National Office by October 1. Then, in advance of the November face-to-face meeting at which the Board approves/disapproves associate editor candidates, the National Office distributes these CVs to all Board members, including all incoming editors (those whose official terms have not yet begun). A date is specified by which one must communicate any concerns about a nominee to the Chair so that if necessary a conference call can be arranged to discuss the matter before the November meeting.

The associate editor candidate must be approved by a majority of the voting members of the Board. If a nominee is not approved, the editor will be contacted immediately by the Chair so that another candidate may be selected. This will allow each incoming editor to begin his or her tenure with a full slate of associate editors.

Clinical Forums

The Publications Board agreed by consensus that being the one proposing a series of articles and potential authors comprises a conflict of interest for that person to act as guest AE for the papers.

Inflammatory Language in Reviews

Advance Copies of Journals

AEs are strongly encouraged to utilize online access to the journals through their existing ASHA member subscriptions in lieu of advance copies.

AEs who are not ASHA members may request a complimentary online-only subscription to all four ASHA journals to last during her/his tenure. Such requests can be directed to Taniza Holmes-Craggette at tholmes@asha.org.

If an AE still wishes to receive an advance hard copy of their respective journal, then she/he may request one through the Editorial Administrator for that journal. Include your mailing address in the request and please no post office boxes.