Format for Starting a Scholarly Journal with SPJ Publications

1. Introduction

This document outlines the necessary steps and requirements for those interested in starting a scholarly journal with SPJ Publications. As an integral part of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), SPJ Publications is dedicated to supporting high-quality academic research and innovation in the field of petroleum engineering, energy, and related disciplines.

2. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to start a new scholarly journal with SPJ Publications, the following conditions must be met:

• The journal must focus on an area related to petroleum engineering, energy, or a related field with a clear academic and professional audience.

• There must be a demonstrated need for a new publication in the area of focus, with evidence of interest from researchers, industry professionals, and academic institutions.

• The applicant must have a committed editorial team with relevant academic and professional expertise.

3. Application Process

Step 1: Proposal Submission
To initiate the process, the applicant(s) must submit a detailed proposal to SPJ Publications. The proposal should include the following elements:

1. Journal Title and Scope

   • A clear and descriptive title for the journal.

   • A brief overview of the journal’s subject focus, research areas, and scope.

   • A description of the academic and professional audience.

2. Rationale for the Journal

   • Explanation of why the new journal is needed and how it will contribute to the field.

   • A discussion on the current gaps in scholarly research and how the journal will fill those gaps.

3. Editorial Board

   • A list of proposed editorial board members, including their qualifications and roles.

   • The editorial board should consist of recognized scholars, researchers, and professionals in the field.

   • A commitment to editorial independence and academic rigor.

4. Publishing Model

   • Whether the journal will be open access or subscription-based.

   • Expected frequency of publication (e.g., quarterly, semi-annually).

   • The review and submission process (peer review model, open submissions, etc.).

5. Content Types and Themes

   • Types of content the journal will publish (e.g., original research articles, review articles, case studies, technical papers).

   • Potential themes and issues for the first few volumes.

6. Editorial Policies and Ethics

   • A description of the journal’s editorial policies (e.g., conflict of interest policy, plagiarism policy, ethical standards).

   • Details on the peer review process (e.g., double-blind, open review).

   • A commitment to maintaining academic integrity and ethical publishing standards.

Step 2: Review of the Proposal
Once the proposal is submitted, SPJ Publications will review it for alignment with the goals and mission of SPE. This review process will include an evaluation of the journal’s focus, editorial team, and overall feasibility.

Step 3: Approval and Agreement
If the proposal is accepted, SPJ Publications will draft a formal agreement outlining the terms of the partnership, including:

• The responsibilities of both the journal and SPJ Publications.

• The role of SPJ Publications in terms of infrastructure, marketing, and distribution.

• Financial arrangements (if applicable).

Step 4: Journal Launch
Upon the signing of the agreement, the journal can officially begin accepting submissions. SPJ Publications will provide support in areas such as:

• Manuscript submission and peer review management.

• Marketing and promotion of the journal.

• Hosting the journal on the SPE digital platform or a similar platform.

4. Journal Requirements and Responsibilities

Journal Responsibilities:

• Maintain high academic and ethical standards for all publications.

• Ensure a rigorous peer-review process for all submitted manuscripts.

• Regularly publish issues of the journal in accordance with the agreed-upon frequency.

• Develop and update editorial guidelines, including author instructions and submission protocols.

• Collaborate with SPJ Publications for the promotion and dissemination of journal content.

SPJ Publications’ Responsibilities:

• Provide editorial and technical support, including manuscript management systems, online hosting, and publication tools.

• Facilitate promotion through SPE’s global network and marketing channels.

• Provide access to the SPE community for reviews, calls for papers, and announcements.

• Offer support for the journal’s operational needs, including financial management (if applicable).

5. Financial Model and Funding

• Publishing Fees: If the journal adopts an open-access model, there may be Article Processing Charges (APCs) for authors. These fees should be clearly communicated to prospective authors.

• Sponsorships: Opportunities for sponsorship from industry stakeholders or academic institutions may be explored.

• Revenue Sharing: If the journal generates revenue (e.g., through subscriptions), the revenue-sharing model will be detailed in the partnership agreement.

6. Marketing and Dissemination

• SPJ Publications will work closely with the journal to promote it within the SPE community and beyond.

• Journals will be included in the SPE’s marketing materials, newsletters, and social media platforms.

• Outreach will include efforts to ensure that journal content is indexed in relevant databases (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science) to increase visibility.

7. Review and Evaluation

• Regular reviews of the journal's progress, performance, and editorial content will be conducted.

• The journal's impact will be assessed based on factors such as readership, submission volume, and citation metrics.

• SPJ Publications will support the journal in making any necessary adjustments to improve performance and ensure continued academic rigor.

Starting a scholarly journal with SPJ Publications offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the petroleum engineering and energy sectors. By collaborating with SPJ, journal founders will gain access to world-class support in publishing, promotion, and distribution, ensuring the journal’s success in both academic and professional communities. Interested individuals or institutions should submit their proposals to SPJ Publications for review. For more information on the proposal process, please contact the SPJ Publications team at nj@spjinternational.co