MECS Press is always excited to hear from folks who’ve got a great idea for a new peer-reviewed, open-access journal—especially if you’re an experienced researcher, editor, university department, research lab, or professional society.
We’re especially keen on proposals in areas like computer science, AI, engineering, edtech, medical engineering, digital transformation, and other fast-moving or cross-disciplinary fields where there’s a real need for fresh, focused publishing space.
What should your proposal include?
Think of it as a friendly but thoughtful pitch—no need for perfection, just clarity and enthusiasm! A strong proposal usually covers:
• A working title for the journal;
• A clear, concise “why”—what’s the journal’s purpose, who’s it for, and what gap does it fill (especially compared to journals already out there)?;
• Who your target authors and readers are (e.g., “AI ethics researchers”, “clinical engineers in low-resource settings”);
• Who’s leading the effort—the proposed Editor-in-Chief and (if possible) a few early Editorial Board members;
• How often you’d plan to publish (e.g., quarterly, biannually);
• A simple, realistic first-step plan for getting solid submissions—like reaching out to key conferences, networks, or early-career communities;
• A short bio or CV from the proposer(s), highlighting relevant editing, publishing, or leadership experience.
Quick note: Please don’t list anyone on your proposed Editorial Board without checking with them first—we value consent and transparency!
How do we review proposals?
We read every proposal carefully—and look for:
✓ Strong scholarly relevance and a fresh, well-defined focus;
✓ A realistic, sustainable vision—not just a cool idea, but one that can grow and thrive;
✓ Editors and leaders with real expertise and credibility in the field;
✓ Clear potential to serve and strengthen the research community;
✓ A genuine commitment to attracting high-quality, diverse submissions; and
✓ Full alignment with core standards: rigorous peer review, ethical publishing practices, open access, and research integrity.
Just so you know: submitting a proposal doesn’t mean it’ll be approved—or that a journal will launch right away. We may ask for a bit more detail, suggest tweaks, or invite a follow-up chat before deciding. That’s all part of the process!
What about editorial independence?
If your journal moves forward, it’ll run on solid, transparent ground: clear editorial policies, independent external peer review, careful conflict-of-interest handling, and full adherence to MECS Press’s ethics and open-access guidelines.
Most importantly—editorial decisions will *always* be based on scholarly merit alone. No fees, sponsorships, or institutional ties ever influence whether a paper gets accepted. Period.
Ready to share your idea?
Just send your proposal + a short CV to: service@mecs-press.org
No application fee. No pressure. No strings attached. And no obligation—just an open invitation to start a conversation.