The Philosophers' Cocoon

A safe and supportive forum for philosophers.

Owned & Moderated by Marcus Arvan (University of Tampa)

Contact: marvan@ut.edu

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Job-Market Reporting Thread (2025-26)
Job-Market Discussion Thread (2025-26)

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  • Dealing with an unresponsive journal?

    In our newest “how can we help you?” thread, a reader asks:

    A journal paper of mine has almost certainly fallen through the cracks and I literally cannot contact the editor. It’s been in “Decision in Process” mode for 3 months, but more worryingly, I’ve sent emails through Editorial Manager that all bounce back with a Failure to Send notification, and I’ve even tried emailing the Editor’s work email, which also bounce back. There is not even a “withdraw submission” option.

    I know that the journal is still actively processing submissions, since I have heard from friends that they have received decisions from the same journal in the last several weeks. So there really is every reason to think that my paper has been overlooked somehow. What do I do??

    I’m sorry the OP is dealing with this. I’m not sure what they should do, but if it were me I’d just send an email to the editor’s work email indicating that I’m withdrawing a paper and then consider the paper withdrawn. If the email doesn’t go through because there is no way to contact the editor, than that’s on them, not you. Otherwise, I’m not sure. Maybe contact the publisher?

    What do readers think?

    3

  • Norms for publishing outside of one’s AOS (especially for grad students)?

    In our newest “how can we help you?” thread, a reader asks:

    What is the norm around publishing in an area that is outside of one’s AOS, especially as a graduate student? I have heard that this may work against you when you are on the job market but I have a paper from a graduate course that my professor thinks could be published. Is it work pursuing?

    Note: the area is not adjacent or related to my field at all, it is in a much more specific different area.

    What do readers think?

    12

  • Tips for international students applying to US programs given visa issues?

    In our newest “how can we help you?” thread, a reader asks:

    I wonder about how international students should apply in the US given the currently unclear visa situation. Should we mention perspectives on visas in our cover letters? E.g., should we say ‘Hey I fulfill 6/8 O-1 criteria’ or ‘Hey I’m about to marry a US citizen and will file for a greencard’?

    Do any readers have any helpful insights?

    3

  • How do editors pick reviewers?

    In our newest “how can we help you?” thread, a reader asks:

    How do editors pick reviewers? Do they see who is cited in the paper and take it as a hint for sending the piece to them, or do they pick reviewers based on their expertise?

    Any editors care to weigh in?

    4