FAQs FOR JOM ADVISORS

Who is on the Advisory Committee?
The JOM Advisory Committee consists of one member from each technical committee of TMS. The committee does not meet as a group.

How are topics picked for each issue of JOM?
JOM uses the Technical Emphasis Calendar, which is assembled by the editorial staff in consultation with the JOM Advisors.

How many topics are covered each year?
As many as we can! Each committee is invited to present at least one topic in the journal each year. If requested, additional topics will be accommodated.

What constitutes complete coverage of a topic?
Ideally, JOM’s coverage of a technical topic consists of:

• A commentary by the advisor, who discusses the current issues of the subject
• A review paper that introduces all readers to the subject
• Four to eight technical articles that present state-of-the-art developments for practitioners in the field
• An article presenting a case study or other example of industrial application of the material discussed

This model can vary based on the unique circumstances of each topic.

Who decides when a topic is presented?
The editor, working in consultation with the advisory committee. Each issue of JOM features multiple technical topics under the umbrella of a single theme. The issue themes are selected by the editor.

Can technical committees work jointly on a single topic?
Yes, topics are sponsored by either one technical committee or two or more working in tandem.

When is the topic selected?
The process begins at the Annual Meeting, when advisors should discuss and select a topic with the other members of their technical committee for the following year. The proposed topic must be submitted to the JOM editorial office no later than two weeks after the annual meeting ends.

What is the advisor’s role in this process?
The advisor’s role is to solicit and review papers that will provide complete coverage of a particular topic, or to select another "guest editor" to assist or serve in that function. Whoever ultimately performs the solicitation, review, and writing required for the topic is identified as a guest editor in JOM.

Can less-technical articles be included?
Yes. Conference reviews, economics, and industry analysis pieces are welcome article formats. In all cases, the article must be interesting and have a strong materials component.

How much international representation does JOM seek in its content?
Because JOM is an international journal, one or more of the papers per topic should originate from outside the United States, if possible.

When does the advisor’s work begin on a topic?
As soon as the topic is selected.

What do you do with unsolicited manuscripts?
They are forwarded to the advisor for review.

Can papers be printed in JOM if they have already been published elsewhere?
No. All papers considered for JOM must be new and unpublished.

Do you send deadline reminders?
Each month, the production editor circulates an e-mail to all advisors recounting deadlines and listing papers currently planned for each topic.

Once the papers are solicited, is my job done?
No. The advisor (guest editor) must next review the solicited papers as well as any related manuscripts solicited or received by the editorial staff.

What does the review process consist of?
In considering a paper’s merit, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the subject matter of interest to JOM readers and is it current?
• Is the manuscript a rehashing of widely known information or is there something new and of interest?
• Is the manuscript complete and accurate with regard to the subject matter?

Suppose a paper is a worthy contribution to the topic, but I find flaws such as inconsistencies in formulas, text copy, tables, or figures?
Ask the author(s) to rework the paper appropriately; provide specific guidance as to necessary revisions.

What if a portion of the paper appears to be missing (e.g., summary or abstract, chemical compositions, reference materials) or I find too much detail in areas of no particular interest to JOM readers?
Again, ask the author to rework the paper. (See the online JOM Style Guide for details on manuscript preparation.)

How much writing am I expected to do?
Advisors are asked to write a brief (up to 1,500 words) commentary designed to introduce readers to the topical coverage.

Is it acceptable for an advisor to write a manuscript for inclusion under his/her topic?
Yes, but the advisor should seek a review of the paper from an unbiased colleague.

Can JOM print color figures?
Yes, but there is a surcharge to the authors for printing color figures. Figures are presented in color on-line, however. (See the online guide, Submitting Artwork to JOM for details on artwork requirements.)

What is the "drop-dead" deadline?
Complete manuscripts (including text, high-resolution images, tables, references, etc.) for the subject issue must be submitted online through Editorial Manager no later than the first of the month, three months prior to the month of publication (e.g., January 1 for the April issue).

How many terms can an advisor serve?
As few as one or unlimited. It is at the discretion of the technical committee represented by the advisor.