Young Scholars in Writing: Undergraduate Research in Writing and Rhetoric (YSW), a peer-reviewed journal for undergraduates, was founded in 2003 by Laurie Grobman and Candace Spigelman at Penn State Berks. YSW is the first international undergraduate research journal in rhetoric and writing studies and has garnered a national reputation. Young Scholars in Writing: Undergraduate Research in Writing and Rhetoric moved to the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Still today, students in Professional Writing at Penn State Berks serve as peer reviewers for the journal. Peer reviewers play an important role in the YSW review process. All submissions are first read by the editor, who sends papers that seem to fit the journal?s general specifications to one or two peer reviewers, either undergraduate students or student authors who have previously published in Young Scholars. If they recommend a paper for revision or publication, it is sent to a faculty member from the Editorial Board (a ?faculty advising editor,? or FAE)?comprised of scholars in Rhetoric and Composition from around the world?for the next reading.
Peer reviewing for YSW is a great experience, and it?s great for your resume!