What exactly does an editor do?

Abstract

This final editorial by outgoing Multilingua editor Ingrid Piller provides a glimpse behind the scenes of academic publishing. The work of a journal editor falls into five broad areas: desk-rejecting; managing peer review; evaluating and assessing research; taking affirmative action; and solving problems and setting directions. This article provides a brief overview of what is involved in each area, and includes recommendations for improvement, both for the field and individual researchers.