Peer Review Process

Step-by-Step Peer Review Process

Step 1: Manuscript Submission

  • Author submits the manuscript through the online submission system.

  • Submission must include:

    • Full manuscript

    • Cover letter

    • Author details

    • Declarations (ethics approval, conflicts of interest, funding)

Editorial check: The Editor-in-Chief or handling editor performs a preliminary check for:

  • Scope and relevance

  • Formatting compliance

  • Ethical compliance

  • Plagiarism screening

If the manuscript passes, it moves to peer review. If not, it may be rejected without external review.

Step 2: Assignment to Editors

  • Manuscript is assigned to an associate editor or handling editor with expertise in the field.

  • The editor selects potential reviewers based on:

    • Subject knowledge

    • Academic credentials

    • Availability

DOAJ Requirement: Editors must be independent and decisions must not be influenced by commercial interests.

Step 3: Reviewer Invitation

  • Reviewers are invited via email with:

    • Manuscript abstract

    • Instructions for review

    • Conflict-of-interest declaration

Reviewers must accept or decline promptly. If a reviewer declines, the editor invites an alternative.

Step 4: Double-Blind Peer Review

  • The manuscript is sent to 2–3 independent reviewers (or as decided by the editor).

  • Both authors and reviewers remain anonymous.

  • Reviewers evaluate:

    • Originality of research

    • Scientific rigor / methodology

    • Ethical compliance

    • Clarity and structure

    • References and citations

Reviewers submit a detailed report with:

  • Comments for authors

  • Confidential comments for editors

  • Recommendation (accept, minor revision, major revision, reject)

Step 5: Editorial Decision

  • The editor reviews all reports and makes a decision:

    1. Accept – manuscript meets all criteria

    2. Minor revision – minor edits required

    3. Major revision – significant revisions needed

    4. Reject – manuscript unsuitable for publication

Note: The Editor-in-Chief has final authority on all decisions.

Step 6: Communication with Authors

  • Authors receive:

    • Reviewer comments (anonymized)

    • Editorial decision

    • Instructions for revisions (if applicable)

Authors are typically given 2–4 weeks to revise, depending on the extent of revisions.

Step 7: Revision Submission

  • Authors submit the revised manuscript with:

    • A point-by-point response to reviewer comments

    • Highlighted changes in the manuscript

  • The editor may:

    • Accept revisions directly

    • Send for second-round review if needed

    • Reject if revisions are insufficient

Step 8: Final Acceptance

  • Once the manuscript meets all standards, the editor issues a formal acceptance letter.

  • Authors are informed of Article Processing Charges (APC) and payment instructions.

Step 9: Production and Publication

  • The manuscript undergoes:

    • Copyediting

    • Typesetting

    • Proofreading

  • Authors review proofs before final publication.

  • Article is published open access under a Creative Commons license (usually CC BY).

Step 10: Post-Publication Oversight

  • Any post-publication concerns (errors, misconduct) are addressed through:

    • Corrections / Errata

    • Expressions of Concern

    • Retractions

This maintains the integrity of the academic record.