Is anyone out there listening?

Abstract

A lot of work goes into publishing a scholarly journal. It starts with the laborious work of planning and conducting research and writing the final manuscript. Once the manuscript is submitted to a scholarly journal, the process of evaluating the scientific rigour and contribution to science will start. This involves administrative staff, editors and peer reviewers. Once accepted for publication, the process of editing, page layout and proofreading follows involving copy-editors and layout artists. Behind all this is the business of running the journal. It is like any other business involving strategy, planning, resources and working with other people to make the enterprise a success. It is hard work and it can be risky, particularly in times of economic recession when sponsors, advertisers and authors are cutting back expenses.