Editor Guidelines
Role of Editors
Editors play a crucial role in upholding the scientific integrity and quality of the journal. As a member of the editorial team, you are responsible for:
- Assessing manuscripts for relevance, originality, and scientific merit.
- Coordinating the peer-review process in a fair, unbiased, and timely manner.
- Making final decisions on acceptance, revision, or rejection of submissions.
- Ensuring that ethical standards and publication policies are followed.
Editorial Responsibilities
- Initial Screening: Determine if the manuscript fits the scope and quality standards of the journal.
- Peer Review Coordination: Select suitable reviewers with subject expertise and ensure a double-blinded review process.
- Decision Making: Based on reviewer comments and your own assessment, provide a clear and justified editorial decision.
- Maintaining Confidentiality: Handle all manuscript details confidentially and refrain from using unpublished data for personal advantage.
- Ethics Oversight: Identify and report potential plagiarism, duplicate submissions, data fabrication, or image manipulation.
Conflicts of Interest
Editors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest related to a manuscript and recuse themselves from handling such submissions. This ensures impartiality and transparency in the editorial process.
Timeliness
We expect editors to process submissions promptly to provide authors with timely feedback. Editors should:
- Acknowledge manuscript assignments within 2–3 days.
- Complete the initial decision (including peer-review coordination) within 3–4 weeks.
- Communicate delays if additional time is needed.
Communication
Editors should maintain professional and respectful communication with:
- Authors: providing constructive feedback and guidance.
- Reviewers: clarifying expectations and timelines.
- Editorial Office: updating on the status of manuscripts and suggesting improvements.
Maintaining Journal Quality
Editors are encouraged to:
- Recommend high-quality manuscripts and clinical image submissions.
- Identify emerging topics and suggest special issues.
- Promote the journal among professional networks and at conferences.
Reviewer Selection Criteria
Editors should select reviewers based on:
- Expertise in the relevant subject area.
- Objectivity and impartiality.
- Ability to provide detailed, constructive, and ethical feedback.
Appeals and Complaints
If an author appeals a decision or files a complaint, editors are expected to:
- Address concerns fairly and according to the journal’s policy.
- Consult with the Editor-in-Chief or the editorial board when necessary.
- Document all communications related to the issue.
Contact Information
For questions or support, editors can reach the editorial office