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You know that journals pass papers through a series of checks to ensure submissions meet ethical reporting and rigorous scientific standards, but what exact purpose does each stage of the publication process serve?
Gaining insight into the conventional journal process can help ease anxieties about what is happening with your paper. Here, you’ll find details of what journals are checking for, from initial submission to the first decision. |
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“There is nothing scarier than trusting someone. But there is also nothing more rewarding.”
- Brad Meltzer |
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Internal Checks on New Submissions |
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Journals typically perform two distinct checks when they receive a paper: a technical check that confirms the submission is ready for further assessment and an editorial screening to assess the scientific content. | | | | |
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Peer Review |
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The journal acts as a central hub during review. Journal staff oversee the process to ensure it proceeds in appropriate and timely fashion, as well as handling communication with editors, reviewers, and authors. | | | | |
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Revision Decision |
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Once an editor has evaluated the manuscript in light of the reviewer comments, they submit their decision to the journal. The journal office reviews the decision and adds additional details before sending the formal decision letter to those involved in the peer review process, including the editor, reviewers and authors. | | | | |
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Three tips to keep in mind |
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Direct any questions to the journal staff (eg. plosone@plos.org); they will act as your lifeline through the publication process. |
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Check the revision letter for journal instructions as well as peer review feedback. Journals typically include their requests in the revision letter so that they can be resolved alongside the reviewer comments. |
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Your paper won’t be able to proceed until all journal-specific requests have been resolved. If the request will take some time to answer, let the journal know so they can help advise on the best way to proceed. | |
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What’s next?
Be on the lookout for part 2 on the publication process, covering the journey from resubmission to publication. | |
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