Amplify your research — publish in a special issue
A special issue isn't just another publication slot — it's a focused conversation at the frontier of your field.
Publishing in a special issue
Contributing to a special issue puts your work in the company of research tackling the same questions, reaching the readers who care most about them. Whether you're invited to contribute or considering proposing an issue yourself, here's what you need to know.
More visibility, more impact
The ten benefits of publishing in a special issue are:
Reach more readers through ScienceDirect - Your article joins the world's leading research platform — 2.6 million unique daily visitors, 38 article downloads every second. Special content articles are downloaded twice as often in their first 24 months than articles in regular issues*
Get published faster - Special issue articles typically move through the editorial process more quickly than standard submissions
Attract more citations - Special issues draw focused readerships — and the data bears it out. Special content articles attract 20% more citations in their first 24 months than regular issue articles*
Benefit from targeted promotion - Elsevier promotes special issues through subject-specific social media channels, putting your work in front of the right audience at the right time
Trust the peer review process - Every special issue article is reviewed by at least two independent experts. Elsevier's commitment to rigorous, independent peer review doesn't change for special issues
Work with world-class editors - Your article is supported by the journal's regular editorial team alongside the guest editors — experience and expertise working in your corner
Publish alongside your peers - Special issues bring together multiple expert perspectives on a single theme — creating synergies and cross-examination that standalone articles rarely achieve
Be discoverable on search - Elsevier optimizes published content for search engines so your work is easy to find, long after publication
Build longer-term impact - A curated article collection keeps your work visible and connected to related research — making it easier for the right readers to find you over time
Publish open access - Whatever your discipline, there's an open access home for your research at Elsevier. With over 2,600 journals offering gold open access options, special content articles in gold OA journals attract twice as many citations and 74% more downloads in their first 24 months than regular articles in the same journal.*
*Data sourced from Scopus and ScienceDirect comparing the performance (citations and downloads) of special content compared with that of regular articles
Ready to explore publishing in a special issue? You can read about the special issues being organized by journals and find out how to submit on the relevant journal homepage. Find a journalopens in new tab/window
You can also check out our new call for papers page where you can filter by subject and browse calls from your selected subject domain: Browse calls for papersopens in new tab/window
Shape the conversation — become a guest editor
Guest editors are the driving force behind a great special issue. You curate contributions, guide the editorial review process, and set the intellectual direction of the collection. There are two ways to take on this role:
When the journal comes to you - If you're a recognized expert in your field with a strong author and reviewer network, a journal editor may approach you directly to lead a new special issue. It's a sign that your work is shaping the conversation in your discipline
Bring your vision to a journal - Have an idea for a special issue? Submit a proposal directly to the journal. The senior editor will review it in consultation with the Editorial Board — and if accepted, you'll lead the development of the issue and the editorial review process from start to finish.
Got an invitation to contribute to a special issue and not sure what to do next? Whether you're checking submission deadlines, comparing publishing options, or wondering about article charges, you'll find the answers here.
Frequently asked questions
Journal publishing supportse abre en una nueva pestaña/ventanaopens in new tab/windowVisit the journal's submission website and select the special issue you're interested in, along with the correct article type. You'll find the article type listed in the call for papers page linked at the end of your invitation.
You can also browse all currently open special issuesopens in new tab/window and search by keyword to see where your research fits. Before submitting, read the call for papers carefully to make sure your work aligns with the aims and scope of the special issue.
Each journal has its own submission website with everything you need to know about scope, article types, and editorial approach. You can also access any journal's homepage via ScienceDirect's calls for papers pageopens in new tab/window or through a search engine.
Read the call for papers on the relevant journal homepage. It sets out the open special issue topics, scope, and related keywords — giving you a clear picture of whether your research is a good fit before you invest time in a submission.
Hybrid journals support both open access and subscription publishing — and the choice is yours. You'll be asked to indicate your preference early in the submission process, but you don't need to commit until your manuscript is accepted.
If you publish under the subscription model, no publication fee applies. Whichever route you choose, it has no bearing on the peer review process or the outcome of your submission.
Many special issues offer discounted article publishing charges (APCs) for gold open access journals. If you've received an invitation from Elsevier, any available discount will usually be included in that email. Once you submit, you'll see the exact amount payable if your manuscript is accepted.
Your final discount may also reflect any agreement between your research institution and Elsevier — find out more about institutional agreements. Depending on your location, you may be eligible for significant discounts through our Geographical Pricing Pilot — see full details here [check URL - https://www.elsevier.com/open-access/geography returns 404].
Once you submit, we'll always show you the highest discount available based on your location and institution. For questions about publishing support, contact our teamopens in new tab/window. Please note that APC waivers and discounts are assessed only after acceptance — our support team is unable to make preliminary determinations.
For more information read the article 'A helping hand with your open access journey'.
Journals that have an Impact Factor and/or CiteScore display these metrics on their homepage. Under the Journal Insights section, you'll also find a full list of abstracting and indexing services the journal is registered with.
Submission deadlines are listed in the call for papers on the journal's homepage and in your invitation email. You can also view all open special issues and their deadlines in one place - hereopens in new tab/window.
We're sorry you're running into issues. Our Support Hubopens in new tab/window is on hand to help — you can also find guidance on our author support page.
A rejection can be discouraging, but it doesn't have to be the end of the road. Read our guidance on how to find a more suitable journal for your work through Elsevier's Article Transfer Service.
Use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any invitation email to stop receiving future invitations from Elsevier.