Getting published in Professional School Counseling - From The Editor

Professional School Counseling, June, 2003 by Pamelia E. Brott

The ASCA National Model (2003) is providing an exciting: opportunity for professional school counselors and supervisors, counselor educators, and researchers to learn what is effective in school counseling programs; in other words, to answer the question, "how are students different because of the school counseling program?" Through the four components of Foundation, Delivery System, Management System, and Accountability that are held together in the themes of Leadership, Advocacy, Systemic Change, and Collaboration and Teaming, our profession can embrace a framework that places school counseling in a proactive position to positively support that no child will be left behind in our schools.

The articles that are included in the current issue of Professional School Counseling reflect components of the National Model (i.e., leadership, accountability) as well as approaches to responsive services, specifically by incorporating an existential approach in working with at-risk youth and by understanding the legal distinctions between rape, statutory rape, and child abuse. Our contributing authors provide us with information and application on vital topics that contribute to our professional practice.

Speaking of authors, it is important that a few words be said about the publishing process for Professional School Counseling. This is a blind peer-reviewed journal for professional school counseling. The multi-tiered process that brings a manuscript from initial submission to publication is necessary and vital to the rigor of our professional literature. Although only a fraction of the submitted manuscripts are actually published in Professional School Counseling, many of the manuscripts are referred to other journals that may be more appropriate outlets for the authors.

The members of the Editorial Board volunteer for a three-year term of service and are asked to review numerous manuscripts throughout the year; some manuscripts are initial submissions while others are revised manuscripts. As Editor, I rely on the professional expertise of the Editorial Board members to review manuscript content, to review the literature supporting the manuscript content, to identify writing style problems that do not conform to the APA Publication Manual 5th Edition (2001), and to express a professional opinion on the appropriateness of the subject for our professional readers. My review of the manuscript determines if it will be accepted, returned to the authors for revisions, or rejected. Rejection decisions are made on the basis of multiple reviews that have deemed the manuscript is either unacceptable to our publication standards or referred to another professional journal that may be more appropriate for the content of the manuscript.

When manuscripts are returned to the authors for revisions, this is a necessary process for both the authors and for our reviewers. Authors are informed of the specific concerns expressed by the reviewers and are asked to complete the revisions and resubmit the manuscript. We need to be assured that the content is appropriate for our readership and that the standards for publication are upheld. When authors resubmit a revised manuscript, they are asked to include an explanation of the revisions that have been made and to explain if revisions were not completed. The revised manuscripts are then sent to members of the Editorial Board for further review. The revision process continues until the reviewers and I are satisfied that the content and writing style meet our editorial standards and that the content of the manuscript contributes to our professional literature. How long does this process take from initial submission to acceptance? At one end of the spectrum, manuscripts are accepted after minor revisions have been completed; at the other end of the spectrum, manuscripts may be in the revision process for over one year.

For us to maintain a viable and well-respected peer-reviewed journal for professional school counseling, it is imperative that the rigor of the review process be maintained and that all published manuscripts have been properly reviewed. Although we strive for a timely process, it also is important to recognize that the process does take time.

So, what should you expect as an author? You will be asked to submit a manuscript that meets three standards. First, the manuscript must adhere to the APA Publication Manual 5th Edition. Second, the content of the manuscript is to be written for our readership, namely professional school counselors, supervisors, and counselor educators. Third, the review process is rigorous and takes time so be patient and meticulous in your authorship.

How else can you become involved in the editorial process? Become a member of the Editorial Board. Each year a call is put out for applications to the Editorial Board. You will be asked to review a sample manuscript and provide your comments regarding content, writing style, and appropriateness of the manuscript for our readership. Appointments begin July of each year and each appointment is for a three-year term. It is a voluntary position but one that will certainly enhance your professional advocacy for professional school counseling.