Peer Review Process

This page sets out the steps a manuscript passes through from submission to publication.

Step 1: Manuscript submission

Authors submit through the online system, following the Author Guidelines. Identifying information is supplied in a separate file so that review can be double-blind.

Step 2: Initial evaluation

The Editor-in-Chief assesses relevance, originality and compliance with the guidelines. Manuscripts that do not qualify are declined without peer review.

Step 3: Plagiarism screening

The manuscript is checked with iThenticate, in line with the Plagiarism Policy.

Step 4: Peer review

At least two independent expert referees review the manuscript under the double-blind model. Further reviewers are appointed if needed.

Step 5: Author revision

Authors receive the reviewers' comments, reply to each point and submit a revised manuscript. The cycle is repeated until the editor and reviewers are satisfied.

Step 6: Final decision

The Editor-in-Chief decides to accept, reject or request further revision, on the basis of the reports.

Step 7: Copyediting and proofs

Accepted manuscripts are corrected for grammar, punctuation and formatting. Galley proofs are sent to the author for approval.

Step 8: Publication

The article is published online with a Crossref DOI under the CC BY 4.0 licence.

Timeline

Submission to first decision typically takes 12 to 14 weeks.