Editor’s Corner: How Do I Publish in LipidSpin?

LipidSpin is an educational journal filled with current, relevant, evidence-based information on lipid science and interventions. Although not a "peer-reviewed" journal, this publication is thoughtful, peer-evaluated, and provides NLA membership with useful and practical information to better patient care. We would like to take this opportunity to describe the process of article submission for publication in LipidSpin, since it is quite different from submitting a manuscript to another journal. We have the privilege of serving as co-editors and would like to take this opportunity to recognize Dr. Dan Soffer, who preceded Dr. Braun as Co-Editor, and D’Ayn Sayre, NLA Publications Manager, who have readily shared their expertise.

LipidSpin is published 3 times a year, with the intention of releasing any given issue in association with a Clinical Lipid Update or Annual Scientific Session. Each issue is sponsored by one or two NLA regional chapters and led by the Chapter Presidents and Presidents-Elect. We as editors like to present this role to the Chapter Presidents as one of the highlights of their terms, as a privilege. Presidents select a theme for the issue and foster the opportunity for members within their chapters to educate their peers. This allows members who may not be experienced authors the opportunity to write in a scientific manner, with mentorship and collegiality.

The process begins with a kick-off meeting between the Presidents (and occasionally the Presidents-elect), the Co-Editors, and the Publications Manager. At this meeting, the theme for the LipidSpin issue is negotiated as the regional leaders consider current important topics which may interface with the expertise of regional members. For example, the Midwest and Pacific Lipid Associations sponsored this issue, and the theme is, “New Approaches for Managing Atherogenic Particles”. As you can see, the theme should be broad enough to provide numerous options for article topics.

Next, communication is sent to the chapter board leadership (Presidents, Presidents-Elect, Treasurers, and Secretaries) as well as the Publications Manager. The theme is discussed along with potential topics, potential lead authors, publication guidelines, and the timeline, as the goal for completion of articles is approximately 10 weeks from the invitation. Potential authors are contacted by chapter leaders to extend invitations to write an article, explain guidelines and timeline. The Publications Manager emails authors the specific formatting instructions for articles.

LipidSpin is an excellent opportunity for junior clinicians and scientists to begin or grow their publication experience and be mentored by more senior NLA members. We ask that a senior author pair up with at least one junior author to provide mentorship for writing and the publishing process.

Each issue of LipidSpin contains a standard collection of article types:

•    Letters from NLA and Chapter Presidents
•    Chapter(s) Update
•    Editor’s Corner - what you are currently reading
•    Clinical Feature – primary feature article that focuses the reader on the theme of the LipidSpin issue
•    Guest Editorial – editorial discussion of a topic of the author’s choosing
•    EBM Tools for Practice – applies epidemiological principles and biostatistics in a clinical lipid practice setting
•    Lipid Luminations – literature review or discussion of a journal article
•    Specialty Corner – a perspective of a particular specialty related to the issue theme
•    Practical Pearls (how I do it in my practice) – brief, straightforward piece of clinical advice
•    Case Study – real-world scenario of lipid disorders related to issue theme
•    Patient-Friendly Tear Sheets –practice tools available from the NLA
•    Member Spotlight – an up-and-coming junior member from one of the sponsoring chapters
•    Foundation Update – written by the Foundation President

The Publications Manager collects the articles from authors and uploads them to Google Docs so that reviewers can begin the review process. The NLA circulates a tutorial on Google Docs for authors and reviewers. Several rounds of reviews are done. Although LipidSpin is not considered a peer-reviewed journal, articles are critically reviewed: initially by Chapter Presidents, then with initial oversight by LipidSpin Co-Editors, followed by review and commentary by the associate editors (Publications Committee members). Authors receive edits for approval and desired revisions with deadlines. Revisions are returned to the Publications Manager for final editorial approval and then to the final copyeditor for publication. 

If you have an idea for a LipidSpin theme or topic, what are the next steps? Our recommendation is to first share your idea with your regional chapter president. It won’t be long before it is your chapter’s turn to sponsor an issue of LipidSpin. Your chapter president will appreciate knowing you are interested in writing an article and potentially incorporate that into the designated theme for their edition.

Happy writing!