Society for the Scientific Study of Reading

Deadline for Proposals: October 15, 2026

Scientific Studies of Reading (SSR) invites proposals for a Special Issue to be published in 2029.

A Special Issue for SSR typically comprises 5 to 7 papers plus a short introduction, or a more extended commentary if space allows (dependent on the length of accepted papers). Proposals will be reviewed by the Publications Committee and the Editor-in-Chief, with decisions communicated within 45 days of receipt.

Once a proposal has been approved in principle, the Guest Editor(s) assume responsibility for delivering the complete issue within the agreed timescale. Guest Editors organize a double-blind peer review process for all submitted manuscripts using the SSR ScholarOne system in order to:

• Identify high-quality papers for inclusion in the special issue.

• Strengthen submissions to ensure the highest scientific standards for the journal.

Proposal Requirements

Interested Guest Editors should submit a proposal addressing each of the following components:

1. Provisional Title
   Maximum of 15 words.

2. Guest Editors
   Up to 3 Guest Editors. For each editor, provide a brief CV including current position and institutional affiliation, five most recent publications, journal editorial experience, and current SSSR membership status.

3. Summary of Topic
   A maximum 500-word summary clearly identifying the scope of the topic, accompanied by examples of potential research questions that will be addressed.

4. Justification of Topic
   A statement detailing the broad appeal of the topic, its projected theoretical and practical implications for reading science, how the topic builds upon previous SSR publications or fills a gap in the literature, and how it adds to research published in other journals in the field.

5. Timeline
   An estimated schedule outlining key milestones, including dates for:

   • Call for papers

   • Abstract triage (if applicable)

   • Initial manuscript submissions

   • Peer review and editorial decisions

   • Revised manuscript submissions

   • Additional revisions (if necessary)

   • Final acceptance of papers

6. Potential Reviewers
   A list of potential reviewers identified for the issue, indicating whether each reviewer is currently a member of the SSR Editorial Board.

Submission Instructions

Please compile the required proposal components into a single document and submit by email no later than October 15, 2026 to:

Emily Solari, Editor-in-Chief
Email: ejs9ea@virginia.edu
Subject line: SSR: Proposal for Special Issue 2029

SSSR2027 applications will open in October. To view individual awards for consideration, please visit the SSSR awards page. To submit, please email materials to scientificstudy.reading@gmail.com no later than January 22, 2027. Travel awards will have early decisions.

You can share announcements via our Discussion List or to add to our resources pages by submitting our new webform.

See our resources pages for the latest job and workshop opportunities.

Anne Helder, Sofia Giazitzidou, Marianne Rice, Susan J Chambre, Renan de Almeida Sargiani, Gina Biancarosa, Lisa Lopez, Tanya W. Wright, Amanda Denston, Callie Little, Philip Capin, Urs Maurer, Mara Breen, Peng Peng, Deborah Bergman Deitcher, Xin Sun, Ye Shen, Douglas M. Mosher, Yaling Hsiao, and Matthew Zajic!

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Email scientificstudy.reading@gmail.com if you are interested in becoming an abstract reviewer for SSSR2027.

Submissions will open on ExOrdo on September 28, 2026! Click the Submissions and Programme' page for further details.