Co-editor of French History

A new co-editor is sought for the journal French History. Published quarterly by Oxford University Press, French History publishes research articles, review essays, fora, reviews, and special issues on all aspects of the history of France and the Francophone world from the early medieval period to the present.  French History is attentive to issues of equality, diversity and inclusion within the discipline and its editors are committed to ensuring that these concerns are reflected in the journal’s operations and outputs.

The new editor will work alongside the current co-editor, Dr Claire Eldridge, and will take responsibility for content dealing with the medieval, early modern and Revolutionary periods. They must be a specialist in the history of France and/or the Francophone world in one of these periods and should be employed on an open-ended contract at an institute of Higher Education. Some experience of editorial board service or journal peer review is desirable.  The term of office is five years and will begin on 1 January 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.  The role includes an annual honorarium, expenses budget and a 40% OUP book discount.

Working with Oxford University Press and the journal’s editorial board, the co-editors oversee French History’s day-to-day operations, direction and development.  This involves the following responsibilities:

• The new editor will be responsible for processing article submissions dealing with the medieval, early modern and Revolutionary periods via the Scholar One website. Training on this will be provided by the current editors and the OUP Production team.
• The editors assess each submission’s suitability for publication, select and invite appropriate referees to read and review and, based upon their recommendations, take the formal decision whether or not to accept submissions for publication (with or without revisions).
• The editors are responsible for communicating with prospective authors and will provide constructive feedback and guidance on any revisions required, determine whether resubmissions are satisfactory or require further work (sometimes consulting readers on this) and check final proofs.
• The editors actively seek out copy and ideas for the journal by maintaining regular contact with the editorial board and by approaching scholars at conferences and other fora.
• The editors are responsible for overseeing the work of the journal’s associate editors and reviews editor and for selecting members of the editorial board. They also share responsibility for appointing a panel of editorial board members to judge the journal’s annual article prize.
• The editors liaise closely with the editorial and production team at OUP and attend online and in-person meetings and briefings organised by OUP as required.
• The editors are members of the committee of the Society for the Study of French History, regularly consult with its trustees and officers, and report to the Society’s twice-yearly committee meetings.

To apply, please submit a letter of application of no more than two sides of A4 outlining your suitability for the role by email to the journal’s co-editor Claire Eldridge (c.eldridge@leeds.ac.uk) by 1 October 2023. Informal enquiries should also be directed to Claire Eldridge at the above email address.