Call for Editors: Transactions of the RHS

 

The Royal Historical Society seeks to appoint two academic Editors to lead on the scholarly oversight and development of its journal, the Transactions of the Royal Historical Society (TRHS), published by Cambridge University Press. The two new appointments take effect from 1 January 2022 and coincide with the journal’s move, in 2021, to accepting external submissions of articles, for peer review and publication.

We are looking for editors with complementary research expertise, one in medieval or early modern, the other in any field of modern history, with at least one specialising in European or Global History. Given the nature of this dual appointment, and the need for collaborative working, we welcome joint applications from two potential editors to work together; however, individual applications are equally encouraged. Applicants must be Fellows of the Royal Historical Society.

A full editorial board will be appointed from early 2022 to assist the two Editors in developing the Transactions to reflect the research interests and priorities of the Society’s membership. Those interested in joining the new editorial team but currently lacking the experience or time required to take on an editorial role are invited to use the RHS application portal (see below) to submit an expression of interest in joining the Transactions editorial board.

This is an exciting new phase for the journal as we extend its scale and scope. If you wish to discuss the journal or the Editor posts in advance of an application, please contact Professor Emma Griffin, RHS President (president@royalhistsoc.org) or Professor Andrew Spicer, RHS Literary Director (aspicer@brookes.ac.uk).

The deadline for applications, via the RHS Applications Portal, is 11:59PM, Friday 15 October 2021

 

About the Transactions

The Transactions of the Royal Historical Society is the flagship journal of the Royal Historical Society (RHS).  It has been publishing the highest quality scholarship in history for over 150 years. The journal publishes articles dealing with any geographical area from the early middle ages to the very recent past, and is interested in articles that cover entirely new ground, thematically or methodologically, as well as those that engage critically on established themes in existing literatures. Alongside research articles, contributions that engage with pedagogy and key issues facing the profession are welcomed. In line with the RHS’s commitment to supporting postgraduate and early career historians, the journal encourages submissions from younger scholars and seeks to engage constructively and positively with new authors.

Traditionally edited by the trustees of the RHS, and confined to publishing articles based on lectures presented at RHS events, the Transactions has recently opened its pages to external submissions. The Society is now seeking two external editors to take on the work of editing the journal. We are looking for editors with complementary research expertise, one in medieval or early modern, the other in any field of modern history, with at least one specialising in European or Global History. Applicants must be Fellows of the Royal Historical Society. Given the nature of this dual appointment, and the need for collaborative working, we welcome joint applications from two potential editors to work together; however, individual applications are equally encouraged.

The Transactions is currently published once per year by Cambridge University Press, and we have plans to increase the size and scope of the journal. As a member of the new editorial team, you will have a strong commitment to helping us realise that ambition. It is vital that the successful candidates have genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for the broad, interdisciplinary scope of the journal and creative, imaginative and sustainable ideas for its further development. Applicants must be able to demonstrate an interest in taking part in methodologically diverse historical debates, in connecting with new authors and new audiences, and in actively promoting the Transactions as a home for research articles that are novel and accessible in equal measure.

The position attracts an annual honorarium linked to the volume of submissions and currently set at £500. Ideally, the successful candidates will be able to take up the position on 1 January 2022. They will be fully supported by the outgoing editors, by trustees, the RHS’s Academic Director and other staff at the Society, as well as, in due course, an editorial board. The successful candidates will have a six-month trial period before committing to take on their positions.

 

TRHS Editorial Board: expressions of interest

As part of our redevelopment plans, we will also be establishing an active editorial board to assist the editors in their work. This too is a new development for the journal. The new editors will, in collaboration with the RHS, help to define and appoint this editorial board. We expect to have at least the first set of editorial members in post by early 2022, with remaining members appointed later in the year.

Those interested in joining the new editorial team but currently lacking the experience or time required to take on an editorial role are invited to use the same ‘Editors, TRHS’ application form via the RHS portal (see below) to submit an expression of interest in joining the Transactions editorial board.

 

 

About the two Editorship roles

Responsibilities of the editors include:

  • Developing and implementing a strategy to grow the journal, further enhance the position of the journal both in the academic community and in relation to other leading journals
  • Reading submissions in a timely fashion and deciding whether the article should be rejected or continue to external peer review
  • Organising the peer-review process, all conducted through the online system, Scholar One, including identifying appropriate reviewers and ensuring that reports are received in a reasonable timeframe
  • Making timely decisions, based on peer-review reports, as to whether an article should be accepted for publication
  • Commissioning and overseeing the production of occasional alternative formats, such as Special Issues, relevant to the journal’s aims and scope
  • Reporting to the RHS President and trustees (principally the Society’s Publication Committee as well as Council) on editorial strategy, progress, and proposed developments; attending Publication Committee meetings held 2-3 times / year
  • Taking initial responsibility for any authorial disputes or concerns as the lead figures for the Society’s journal, and on behalf of trustees
  • Collaborating with the social media team at the RHS to help promote the journal and its authors
  • Building the journal’s community of contributors and reviewers, including establishing the Editorial Board and periodically reviewing it
  • Attending editorial team meetings
  • Acting as a liaison between the journal and the broader academic community, including identifying promising contributors and/or commissioning articles
  • Participating in conversations and negotiations with the journal’s publisher
  • Representing the journal and promoting it when possible, with the support of the RHS and the publisher

 

Specifications

In appointing the two Editors, the RHS seeks applicants who have:

  • Experience of academic editorial work, broadly defined
  • Expertise in some field of interest in the journal’s scope, as well as a willingness to work beyond their own specific expertise
  • Existing scholarly networks and experience of academic collaboration and/or organisation
  • Flexibility to be able to support the journal’s editorial process throughout the calendar year
  • Has knowledge and experience of academic publishing and editing processes
  • Has a PhD or similar in a relevant field. We anticipate that this position might be of interest to both early and mid-career academics; we are happy to receive applications from individuals at different career stages.
  • Can attend regular editorial and RHS Publication Committee meetings (potentially online).

 

How to apply

Submission must be made via the Society’s applications platform.

 

Two Editors posts

Those interested in making an application for one of the two Editors posts should send:

  • a CV (no more than 3 pages)
  • a letter / statement outlining their ability to perform the role and relevant experience
  • a summary of no more than 500 words outlining their plans for developing the journal in terms of extent and intellectual ambition
  • The name of two referees. We will not contact referees without prior permission

 

Expressions of interest for the Editorial Board

Those expressing interest in joining the new editorial board (also from January 2022), should use the same application link and form. In this case please provide us with:

  • a CV (no more than 3 pages)
  • a statement of no more than 500 words setting out your interest in the board, your suitability, and what you would bring to the role and development of the journal

Applicants are very welcome both to apply for the Editor roles and express an interest in the editorial board. Please make this clear in you application and you will be considered for both positions.

Informal enquiries about the role may be made to: Professor Emma Griffin (president@royalhistsoc.org) or Professor Andrew Spicer (aspicer@brookes.ac.uk).

Questions about the application process may be sent to: administration@royalhistsoc.org.

Deadline for applications: 11:59PM, Friday 15th October 2021