ALL is currently seeking a new editor for Rusistika, to take over as soon as possible from Daphne West and to start work on the production of the 2013 issue, due for publication in September 2013. This issue will be the second to be published online.
Editors of the ALL language-specific journals act on a voluntary basis and are not paid, but they are reimbursed for all expenses and receive substantial discounts on attendance at ALL events and in particular at Language World. Rusistika has a relatively small circulation but has a high academic standing and is taken by a number of major libraries in Britain and internationally.
The editor’s role would particularly suit someone whose current post allows the flexibility for this kind of additional professional commitment, or someone who works part-time or has recently left teaching and is looking for continued professional involvement and stimulation. The editor needs to be able to give dedicated time to work on the journal. There are rewards in terms of enhanced professional profile, networking, learning new editorial skills, or applying previous knowledge and experience. There is an opportunity to make new contacts at home and abroad: in recent years submissions have been received not only from colleagues in the UK but also from Austria, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Switzerland and the USA.
The role of editor is varied, interesting and rewarding. To some extent the editor is able to develop his or her own concept of the journal, as far as is consistent with general ALL policy for the journals. The work involves identifying themes of interest to readers, finding possible contributors through attendance at events and by personal contacts, and sometimes commissioning articles. The editor receives contributions, distributes them to a panel of independent referees, makes decisions on content and presentation of material in each issue, edits articles in accordance with the ALL style guidelines, liaising with both authors and the General Editor, and checks proofs by deadlines agreed with the General Editor.
Averaged over a year, the work of the editor typically amounts to one or two hours per week, although the commitment may be considerably more in the run-up period to publication each year, i.e. May/June in the case of Rusistika.
The editor needs to be aware of current developments in the teaching of Russian in the UK, to negotiate tactfully with authors, and to be competent in editing both English and Russian texts sensitively and with precision. Any previous experience in editing, publishing or journalism would be an advantage, but is not essential, as an induction and ongoing support will be provided by ALL. Journal editors are required to be members of ALL or to join before starting work.
To apply for the editorship, send an outline CV and a brief covering note giving reasons for applying to the Director of ALL, Linda Parker, either via email to [email protected] or to the Association for Language Learning, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH. The present General Editor, Richard Littlejohns, will be happy to discuss the role of the editor informally with anybody interested in applying. He can be contacted at [email protected].
August 2012