Editorial to production and vice versa

Journal assistants, editorial assistants, are you aware what goes on at production stage? Once an article comes out of your online manuscript tracking system after acceptance it then goes off to the world of production. It is then when production get the article that it may transpire that there are things missing like conflicts of interest statements, copyright forms, too many references, too long an article, the list can go on.

So when an article is accepted it goes to you to check all of the deficiencies and there may be a period of process of toing and froing with the authors to try to get it perfect. 9 times out of 10 it does go perfectly but 1 out of 10 may not and something will be picked up by the typesetter or the copyeditor or the production editor. Then the article will either be sorted out there and then or it may go back to the editorial assistant. But if the editorial assistant is not clear why they want it how can they make it right next time?

In the world of working at home I still say the communication is not as strong as it is in an office but some have no choice and some will not agree with me (makes a change ;o). If the Editorial assistant knew the process of a production cycle then there would be a better understanding of the whole process.

I know some of you actually handle the whole shabang where you are the editorial assistant, production editor, copy editor, etc. But I would assume you are not alone and another set of eyes see it at copy editing stage?

Also would be nicer if production could understand the job of an editorial assistant more. This may stop any age old friction between departments?

Any I will leave you with that and see how you get on.

I'm off for a nice soak in the pool with a margarita in the blazing sun (yeah right, i wish)

Toodle oo

On Strike

We had a tube strike last week for 48 hours which affected the system for 3 days. What a pain, the streets were crowded it was amazing, people walking in the roads. Taxi's everywhere which I thought would milk the opportunity but actually behaved very well and had set prices to different landmarks in London and using the cab share option.

I was ok Jack as I can walk from my station but for many in our office some were walking 7 or 8 miles, which takes me back to train strikes a few years ago when our then Production editor cycled 35 miles to work and then 35 miles home.

This is where the homeworkers can kick in with the bonus of technology at home, but for some they do not have the technology and have to find other ways to work (you still need to publish your journal Right?).

Was anyone else effected by the strikes and what funny tales can you share, has anyone had to ski to work or get a boat etc?

It was a good cause for people to get some excerise, we were lucky with the weather too.

Anyway, off for a walk in the park.

toodle ooo.

A dogs life

At Highwire Press the staff are allowed to take their dogs into the office all day everyday, as long as they are trained. What a great idea if you like dogs. You can walk around the office and bump into all sorts of breeds and really is quite an eye opener. The dogs have their own little areas with their play toys and baskets near their owners.

I wonder if they have little laptops and mobile phones and start doing a bit on their blackberry’s, they probably attend many white collar dinners too (imagine the mess). I’d like live pate and a nice big bone please, woof.

Imagine sitting at an interview, ‘Well Mr Bryan you have passed the interview but we have on last hurdle for you, do you like dogs’ hmmm, what do you answer? You may be allergic to them but you really need the job. You may find the smell and all the droppings a complete turn off, but I need the job. See where I’m going.

Anyway if they take dogs in I am going to ask my company if I can take my Gerbil in and maybe my fish.

Do others have any experience with pets, animals or any other living creatures in their offices or homes?

We have a few animals at work but would rather not mention them :o)

Anyway of for a cat nap now.

Toodle oooo