Co-Editors: How do they work together?

Debra H. Brandon PhD, RN, CNS, FAAN

Jacqueline M. McGrath, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN

Co-Editors in Chief; Advances in Neonatal Care

At the Trailhead

Why this matters: A co-editor model can strengthen a journal by combining complementary expertise, sharing workload, and providing continuity in editorial leadership.
What judgment this supports: Determining whether a co-editor model is appropriate for a journal and, if so, how responsibilities, communication, and decision-making should be structured to ensure effective editorial leadership.
How an editor might use this: Use this guidance when establishing a new co-editor partnership, redefining responsibilities within an existing editorial team, or evaluating whether shared editorial leadership could better meet the needs of the journal.

This content is part of the Working Guide to Editorial Systems.

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How should editors treat experienced authors?

Leslie H. Nicoll, PhD, MBA, RN, FAAN

At the Trailhead

Why this matters: Editorial decisions must remain consistent regardless of an author’s reputation or status.
What judgment this supports: Fair, rigorous, and unbiased editorial evaluation of all manuscripts.
How an editor might use this: Apply standard editorial and peer review processes consistently—even when working with highly experienced or well-known authors.

The Temptation to Treat Some Authors Differently

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Do I need an editorial in every issue?

Leslie H. Nicoll, PhD, MBA, RN, FAAN

At the Trailhead

Why this matters: In an article-first environment, the purpose of the editorial is no longer assumed.
What judgment this supports: Whether an editorial adds value—and when it should be included.
How an editor might use this: To decide when to publish an editorial and how to position it as part of the journal’s voice.

This content is part of the Working Guide to Editorial Systems.

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What qualifications do peer reviewers need to have?

Linda Laskowski-Jones, MS, APRN, ACNS-BC, CEN, NEA-BC, NREMT, FAWM, FAEN, FAAN

At the Trailhead

Why this matters: Editors often default to academic credentials when selecting peer reviewers, but this approach may overlook people with valuable content expertise and lived experience.
What judgment this supports: Matching reviewer qualifications to manuscript type, purpose, and content rather than relying solely on formal academic degrees.
How an editor might use this: To broaden reviewer pools, strengthen manuscript evaluation, and develop new reviewers through mentorship and guided participation.

This content is part of the Working Guide to Editorial Systems.

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How should editors work with publishers?

Diane B. Monsivais, PhD, CNE, ANEF

At the Trailhead

Why this matters: Clear role expectations are the foundation for the editor-publisher partnership
What judgment this supports: Collegial relationships are essential for an editor to be successful
How an editor might use this: Maintain frequent communication to strengthen the partnership

This content is part of the Working Guide to Editorial Systems.

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What authority does an editor actually have within a publishing system?

Lisa Marshall, BA

At the Trailhead

Why this matters: Editors are expected to uphold scholarly standards, ensure research integrity, and guide the intellectual direction of a journal, but their authority within the publishing system is often misunderstood.
What judgment this supports: The editor occupies a position of delegated academic authority within a broader publishing system. Fluid or “fuzzy” boundaries can lead to confusion or even disputes over the balance between scholarly and commercial priorities.
How an editor might use this: Editors will understand where their authority lies within a broader publishing system.