As the official journal of the Appalachian Studies Association, JAS offers ASA members access to new research and to reviews of major books and other media productions in the field, as well as research notes, community notes, and teaching notes describing practical applications of research. The journal is published twice per year by the University of Illinois Press.

The JAS (co-) editor receives support in his/her editorial duties from several other individuals, including staff in the ASA office at Marshall University and at the University of Illinois Press. These include: the associate editor, managing editor, assistant managing editor, a book review editor, media review editor, production editor, technical support (all currently in place), and the editorial board of advisors, all of whom help to ensure that the journal publishes work that provides significant new research, theory, critiques, and insights. In addition, the (co-) editor works with the staff and editorial board to identify steps needed to achieve the journal’s purposes more effectively in the face of changes in the field of Appalachian studies, in scholarly journal publication, and/or in ASA membership.

The (co-) editor’s major responsibilities include (1) responding to manuscript submissions in the journal’s online submission portal; (2) soliciting high quality manuscripts and finding appropriate referees to assess them; (3) working with the assistant managing editor to track manuscripts, reviews, and correspondence with authors; (4) working with the associate editor to make sure all articles meet professional standards for style and content; (5) working with the book review and media review editors to make sure that they have the time and resources needed to ensure timely publication of book and media reviews; (6) communicating with the editorial board through email for specific issues and at the annual editorial board meeting held during the ASA conference; (7) reporting regularly to the ASA Steering Committee and to the ASA membership through reports published in the association’s newsletter, Appalink; and (8) writing a “from the editor” for each issue of the journal (two per year). The editor of the Journal of Appalachian Studies also serves as a member of the Appalachian Studies Association Steering Committee, and participates in Steering Committee meetings and the annual retreat.

Those interested in applying for the (co-) editorship of the Journal of Appalachian Studies should send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three references to Ann E. Bryant, assistant managing editor, at mullins88@marshall.edu. Please note in your cover letter if you seek to be the sole editor, a co-editor applying with another applicant (in which case please specify the other applicant’s name), or a co-editor whom the committee would team with another applicant. Applicants are encouraged to ascertain the potential availability of financial or in-kind support (secretarial, graduate assistant and/or course release) from their home institution. The successful candidate(s) will be encouraged, but not required, to obtain such support. If you wish to speak informally with someone familiar with the editorial duties, feel free to contact Ann E. Bryant at mullins88@marshall.edu or Meredith McCarroll at meredith.mccarroll@gmail.com