Workshop F2

From Journals to Books: Publishing Strategies, Editorial Perspectives, and Emerging Tools in Social Work Research

從期刊論文到專業書籍：社會工作研究的出版策略、編輯觀點與新興工具

Facilitator: Dr. Fei Sun 孫飛博士 (Professor, Michigan State University; Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Gerontological Social Work)

Date, Time, & Location: Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 11:00 – 12:30 | HG02

Language: English

[Introduction] This workshop examines pathways to successful academic publishing in social work, with a focus on journal articles, edited volumes, and emerging AI tools that support scholarly writing. As expectations for publication continue to grow, social work scholars must navigate different formats of knowledge dissemination while maintaining rigor, relevance, and impact. This session brings together three scholars with complementary experiences in journal editing, book publication, and research innovation to provide practical guidance for researchers at various career stages.

Dr. Fei Sun, incoming Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Gerontological Social Work (JGSW), will offer an insider’s perspective on the journal publication process. Drawing on his experience leading a recent special issue on gerontological social work with Chinese-background older adults, Dr. Sun will discuss how thematic issues are developed and what editors and reviewers look for in strong submissions. This special issue features twelve articles addressing topics such as technological interventions, mental health, cognitive health, and caregiving experiences among Chinese older adults. Dr. Sun will also highlight common challenges in manuscript preparation, strategies for improving publication success, and opportunities for reviewer engagement and future special issue collaborations.

Dr. Meirong Liu will share her experience conceptualizing and leading the development of the edited volume Addressing Anti-Asian Racism with Social Work Advocacy and Action published by Oxford University Press. This book includes 18 chapters that examine anti-Asian racism across micro, mezzo, and macro levels, offering evidence-informed approaches to advocacy and intervention. Dr. Liu will discuss the process of initiating and developing an edited book, including conceptualizing the volume, coordinating contributors, and ensuring coherence across chapters. Her presentation will provide valuable insights for scholars interested in book publishing and in advancing social justice-oriented scholarship through collaborative work.

Dr. Xiayu Chen will introduce emerging tools that can support the research and writing process, including AI applications that assist with literature organization, drafting, and editing. She will also address key considerations related to the appropriate and ethical use of such tools in academic writing and publishing. This component will offer practical strategies for enhancing efficiency while maintaining scholarly integrity.

Together, this workshop provides a comprehensive overview of publishing pathways in social work, spanning journal articles, edited books, and evolving technological supports. The session is particularly relevant for early- and mid-career scholars seeking to strengthen their publication skills and expand their impact in areas such as aging, health, mental health, and social justice.

 [Bio] Fei Sun, Ph.D., M.S.W., is a Professor at the School of Social Work at Michigan State University (MSU), where he coordinates the Health and Aging Social Work Certificate program. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama in 2008. Dr. Sun is a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America and was a Hartford Geriatric Social Work Scholar (2009–2011). As a Health and Aging Policy Fellow (2017–2018), he worked with the World Health Organization on developing a global toolkit for dementia-friendly communities. His research focuses on aging and mental health, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders among Chinese American populations. His work has been supported by the National Institute of Justice, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the John A. Hartford Foundation. He has published over 120 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in gerontology. Dr. Sun’s practice interests center on culturally responsive psychosocial interventions for individuals with cognitive impairment and their family caregivers. He serves as the incoming Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Gerontological Social Work and is on the editorial boards of The Gerontologist, International Psychogeriatrics, BMC Geriatrics, and the Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare.