The Asian Studies Association of Australia (ASAA) invites expressions of interest for the role of Series Editor, or co-editors, of the ASAA East Asia Series, published by Routledge.
This call follows Professor Morris Low’s decision to step down after more than three decades of distinguished service to the series. With deep appreciation for Professor Low’s sustained commitment and major contributions to the series, ASAA is now seeking a new editor or editorial team to build on his achievements and guide the series into its next phase.
The long-established, highly reputable ASAA East Asia Series, published by Routledge, showcases high-quality and intellectually ambitious scholarship on East Asia. The series publishes contemporary and historical research across the humanities and social sciences. It particularly welcomes books that combine rigorous scholarship with questions of broad intellectual significance and writing accessible to readers beyond a narrow specialist field. Comparative and interdisciplinary studies involving more than one part of East Asia are also encouraged.
THE ROLE
The incoming series editor or editors will not merely wait for proposals to arrive. They will be expected to identify promising new work and approach scholars proactively, including researchers who have recently completed outstanding doctoral theses and academics whose current research could be developed into important books for the series.
The principal responsibilities will include:
• developing and articulating a clear intellectual vision for the future of the series;
• cultivating a strong and sustainable pipeline of high-quality manuscripts;
• encouraging appropriate geographical, disciplinary and methodological breadth;
• assessing proposals and advising authors on their development;
• overseeing review and editorial processes in collaboration with Routledge;
• working closely with the publisher and the ASAA Publications Officer to provide a brief annual report on the series to ASAA;
• and promoting the series through scholarly networks, conferences and other appropriate channels.
Given the geographical, disciplinary, and methodological breadth of East Asian studies, ASAA particularly welcomes joint applications from teams of two scholars with complementary expertise. An effective team might combine:
• expertise across different parts of East Asia;
• perspectives from both the humanities and social sciences;
• experience with historical and contemporary scholarship; and
• strong Australian and international scholarly networks.
These forms of complementarity are desirable, but no team will be expected to cover every country, discipline, or period represented by the series.
Individual expressions of interest are also welcome, provided they indicate whether the applicant would be open to being paired with another applicant as part of the selection process.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We encourage expressions of interest from scholars who:
• have a strong research profile in one or more fields of East Asian studies;
• are familiar with current debates and emerging directions in East Asian scholarship;
• have experience with editing and publishing academic books, whether as an author, editor, reviewer or editorial board member;
• possess the scholarly judgement needed to recognise promising and original book projects;
• are willing to approach prospective authors actively and develop new proposals;
• have strong communication, organisational, and collaborative skills; and
• are committed to strengthening the quality, diversity, and international visibility of the series.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Expressions of interest must be submitted by Monday, 28 December 2026 and should include:
1. Cover letter: maximum THREE pages
The letter should:
• outline the applicant’s or team’s relevant academic, editorial and publishing experience;
• present a vision for the next phase of the East Asia Series;
• explain how the applicant or team would identify and commission new book projects;
• indicate how the series could strengthen its geographical and disciplinary reach; and
• explain why the applicant or team is well suited to the role.
Individual applicants should:
• identify their principal regional, disciplinary and methodological areas of expertise; and
• indicate whether they would be open to joining a co-editing team.
Team applications should:
• submit a single joint cover letter;
• explain the complementary strengths of the proposed team; and
• indicate how editorial responsibilities would be shared.
2. Curriculum vitae: maximum THREE pages for each person.
Please email expressions of interest to the ASAA Publications Officer, Associate Professor Yu Tao, at: yu.tao@uwa.edu.au.
Please use the following email subject line:
Individual applications: EOI – East Asia Series Editor – [Surname]
Team applications: EOI – East Asia Series Editorial Team – [Surname1, Surname 2]
Informal enquiries about the role and the application process are welcome via the same email address.