Challenges and Strategies in Local Journal Publishing: Perspectives of Australian Journal Editors

Abstract

This study investigates the operational and strategic challenges faced by Australian journal editors. Interviews with 27 editors reveal a complex publishing ecosystem shaped by tensions around editorial independence, financial viability, and scholarly impact. Operational challenges include securing qualified peer reviewers and attracting quality submissions; the latter is considerably influenced by journal ranking, indexation, and reputation. Many editors seek stronger support from publishers, emphasising a need for shared goals, mutual trust, and editorial independence. Successful relationships with publishers often require editors to be proactive and assertive. Strategic challenges include balancing international recognition and local relevance, which leads some journals to remove ‘Australian’ from their titles and diversify editorial boards to attract global submissions. Publishing models vary, with some journals transitioning to commercial publishers for financial and technical support, while others prioritise independence despite operational challenges. Open Access (OA) remains a contested issue, particularly regarding the role of commercial publishers, though many journals have reached a degree of stability in their OA policies. This study also examines the role of editorial boards, the use of journal management systems, relationships with parent bodies, and the strategies editors adopt to navigate these challenges.