Student Interview: Phylicia Moore
Biography:
Phylicia Moore is a passionate publishing professional pursuing her Publishing Master of Professional Studies at the George Washington University, where she is learning the intricacies of the industry and what it takes to run a successful publishing house. As a prepress quality assurance tech at Wizards of the Coast for the trading card game Magic: The Gathering, Phylicia ensures files are ready for print, manages data tracking, and develops SOPs to streamline processes. She also works as a freelance editor, using her expertise to support various publishing projects. Phylicia resides in Northern Alabama with her three children and husband, and balances her professional career with her love of reading, devouring a wide variety of books in her free time. As a member of the GWJEP Editorial Committee, she is dedicated to exploring the future of ethical publishing and fostering integrity within the industry.
What does “ethics in publishing" mean to you?
To me, ethics in publishing is about ensuring transparency, honesty, and inclusivity at every stage of the process. It involves respecting the rights of authors and readers, maintaining accuracy and integrity in content, and ensuring diverse voices are represented fairly. It is not just about avoiding misconduct but actively contributing to a system that values truth and fairness in what is produced and shared with the world.
How would you describe your experience with the journal?
My experience with the journal has been rewarding and insightful. Being part of the Editorial Committee has allowed me to engage deeply with complex ethical questions that impact the publishing world. It's been a unique opportunity to collaborate with professionals who share a passion for ethical publishing and to refine my understanding of the standards and responsibilities we must uphold in the industry.
What recent ethical topics in publishing are you interested in and why?
I am particularly interested in diversity, equity, and inclusion in publishing. It is essential to ensure marginalized voices have equitable access to publishing opportunities and that their work is represented authentically. Another topic of interest to me is the role of AI in content creation and how we navigate issues of authorship, plagiarism, and transparency as new technologies emerge in the publishing process.
How do you ensure editorial fairness and impartiality in the peer-review process?
To ensure fairness, I believe in maintaining a double-blind peer review process, where authors’ and reviewers' identities remain anonymous. This helps alleviate unconscious biases. Additionally, I strive to review each submission based on its merits—the quality of its research, argument, and contribution to the field—rather than any personal preferences or external pressures.
What type of articles or submissions are you generally most excited to work on, and why do you enjoy them the most?
I’m most excited by submissions that challenge the status quo or introduce fresh perspectives on ethical dilemmas in publishing. I enjoy working on pieces that address real-world impacts—like the intersection of ethics and technology or inclusivity in publishing—because they spark important conversations about the industry's future and offer potential solutions to ongoing challenges.
What are the biggest ethical concerns you consider when editing a piece that has been submitted to the journal?
My biggest concerns are potential conflicts of interest, biases in representation, and a submission’s adherence to ethical guidelines like transparency and intellectual honesty. I also pay close attention to how sources are credited to ensure that there’s no plagiarism and that all contributions are appropriately acknowledged.
Are there lessons you’ve learned working with the journal that you will carry forward into your publishing career?
Absolutely. One of the most valuable lessons has been the importance of thoughtful, transparent communication with authors, reviewers, or colleagues. Upholding high ethical standards is not just about following rules; it’s about fostering an environment where integrity is a priority at every level. I’ll commit to inclusivity and fairness in my future work, always considering the ethical implications of publishing decisions.