Peer Review Process

An editorial office for a journal manages the peer-review process and overall operation of the publication. This involves receiving submissions, managing the review process, making publication decisions, and communicating with authors and reviewers. The office may be staffed by an editor-in-chief, associate editors, editorial assistants, and potentially a publisher's office team. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the editorial office's functions:

  1. Receiving and Initial Screening of Submissions:
  • The editorial office receives manuscripts submitted through an online system or by email. 
  • They perform an initial check to ensure the manuscript adheres to the journal's formatting guidelines and scope. 
  • This initial screening helps to identify papers that are not suitable for further review and can be quickly rejected, saving time for both the authors and the journal. 
  1. Managing the Peer Review Process:
  • The editorial office assigns submissions to associate editors or directly to peer reviewers. 
  • They select reviewers based on their expertise in the subject area and their availability. 
  • The office tracks the progress of the peer review process, ensuring timely reviews are received. 
  1. Making Decisions on Manuscripts:
  • After peer reviewers submit their reports, the editorial office, often through the editor-in-chief or associate editors, evaluates the feedback. 
  • They make decisions about acceptance, rejection, or revision of manuscripts. 
  • These decisions are communicated to the authors, along with the reviewer comments. 
  1. Ensuring Quality and Adherence to Standards:
  • The editorial office ensures that all manuscripts meet the journal's quality standards and ethical guidelines.
  • They may have specific procedures for handling conflicts of interest and ensuring the integrity of the peer-review process. 
  1. Communication and Coordination:
  • The editorial office serves as the primary point of contact for authors, reviewers, and the publisher. 
  • They respond to queries, provide updates on manuscript status, and facilitate communication between all parties involved.