When the FSU College of Medicine launched People Living with And Inspired by Diabetes (PLAID) in 2015, it wasn’t just creating a journal, it was building a community. The open-access, peer-reviewed publication brought together the voices of patients, caregivers and researchers to explore life with diabetes from every perspective.

Nearly a decade later, editors Martin Wood, Roxann Mouratidis and Mark Bauer share lessons for those interested in creating, managing and eventually concluding a library-run, peer-reviewed journal — from building research partnerships and sustaining a dedicated editorial team to establishing a trusted, recognizable brand in the academic community.