Appealing an editorial decision
An author may submit a reasoned appeal identifying the manuscript, decision and specific grounds for reconsideration. Address factual misunderstandings, procedural issues or substantive review points with evidence. Disagreement with an unfavorable decision alone is not sufficient to establish an error. An appeal should not be accompanied by simultaneous submission elsewhere.
Independent consideration
Where practical, an appeal is considered by an editor who was not responsible for the disputed decision. The journal may seek additional advice, uphold the original decision or reopen assessment. A reopened review does not guarantee acceptance. Conflicts of interest should be declared and managed throughout.
Other complaints
Use the site Contact & help page, identify the journal and include relevant article or manuscript details. Concerns about conduct, confidentiality, accessibility or publication ethics are directed to an appropriate responsible editor. Correspondence is handled with appropriate confidentiality; no fixed response time is guaranteed where investigation is required.