Special issues and virtual collections highlight particular areas of research – such as current research trends or ‘hot topics’ – and, based on analysis undertaken by Wiley’s Content Acquisition Team,  generally attract more readership and citations than regular issues. Because special issue articles tend to generate high visibility and impact, it’s all the more critical for editors and publishers to ensure that matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion are not overlooked.  

To support editors and guest editors and encourage more diverse, equitable, and inclusive publishing, we have created a Guide to Planning Special Issues and Virtual Collections through a DE&I Lens which encourages editors to: 

1. Ensure that special issues/virtual collections align with the journal’s overall DE&I strategy.  
2. Keep in mind the wider special issue/virtual collection portfolio by considering opportunities to increase representation of topics and researchers from your academic community. 
3. Expand your reach outside of personal networks, by inviting suggestions from the academic community/Editorial Board, and by consulting relevant outside sources. 
4. Make DE&I an integral part of all aspects of the workflow from topics and themes to authorship, guest editors and reviewers.  
5. Ensure that any promotion/call for papers is visible internationally, using different social media platforms to reach a wider and global audience.  
6. Work collaboratively with your Wiley contacts, including your Wiley publishing manager and the Content Acquisition Team (CAT). 

The guide covers in detail: 

• The aspects of DE&I that an editor should consider when planning a  special issue  
• How to address DE&I throughout key stages of special issue publication  
• Tips for reducing the chances of introducing bias in special issue commissioning 
• How DE&I considerations might differ across academic disciplines and communities 

You can access the guide in full on the Wiley Editor Community, our new resource and networking site for editors of journals published by Wiley. Log in with your Wiley ID (the same username and password you use to access Wiley Online Library and Wiley Journal Insights). If you’re a Wiley editor and have trouble accessing the community, please reach out to us at editors@wiley.com.  

Considering DE&I in all journal matters, not only special issues, is essential to incorporating diverse perspectives and driving a positive impact in your research communities. We hope you find this guide useful as you prepare special issues and virtual collections.