Editor guidelines
Editor guidelines
These guidelines set out what we expect of VERALIS editors and the support we provide. They apply to Editors-in-Chief, Associate/Handling Editors, and Guest Editors, and are aligned with the COPE Core Practices and ICMJE recommendations.
Active reviews
12
In progress
Avg. review time
21
Days
Due soon
3
Manuscripts
Overdue
1
Manuscript
Editorial judgment comes first.
Editors have full authority over the content and timing of publication for their journal.
Decisions are based solely on validity, importance, originality, and fit with scope — never on commercial, financial, or political interests. Acceptance is never conditioned on payment; finance and marketing have no influence on editorial decisions.
The publisher supports, and does not override, editorial judgment.
Fair, timely decisions
based on the manuscript's merit and peer review.
Confidentiality
treat every manuscript and all correspondence as confidential; do not share or use privileged information.
Conflict of interest
declare any conflict and recuse yourself from handling manuscripts where you have a competing interest.
Constructive communication
give authors clear, respectful, actionable feedback and decisions.
Integrity first
act on suspected misconduct following COPE guidance and due process.
Initial assessment
Confirm scope, significance, and that initial checks have passed. Desk-reject out-of-scope or clearly unsuitable manuscripts promptly, with a brief reason.
Assign reviewers
Identify at least the required number of qualified, conflict-free reviewers with relevant expertise.
Manage review
Monitor progress against target timelines, send reminders, and secure additional reviewers if needed.
Evaluate reviews
Weigh reviewer input, but exercise your own judgment; reviews inform, they do not dictate, the decision.
Decide
Select accept, minor revision, major revision, reject, or transfer, and write a clear decision letter with rationale and next steps.
Revisions
Assess author responses; return for further review or move to a final decision.
Accept
Ready for production (subject to minor editorial checks).
Minor revision
Small, specific changes; usually no further external review.
Major revision
Substantive changes; typically re-reviewed.
Reject
Does not meet the journal's standards or scope; be clear and courteous.
Transfer
Recommend a more suitable VERALIS journal where appropriate.
Where you suspect fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, image manipulation, authorship abuse, undisclosed conflicts, redundant publication, citation manipulation, or peer-review manipulation, pause the process and follow the relevant COPE flowchart.
Recommend the appropriate post-publication action when the record needs to be corrected or flagged, following the Corrections, Expressions of Concern, and Retractions policies.
These are linked to the original article and to the version of record.
Authors may appeal decisions or raise complaints. Handle appeals fairly and independently of the original decision where required, following the Appeals and Complaints policies, and keep the process documented and auditable.
View policyProtect authors', reviewers', and participants' personal data in line with the Privacy Policy and DPDP Act compliance. Do not retain manuscript materials outside the platform.
View policyWork to your journal's target timelines for first decision, review turnaround, and revisions. The editorial dashboard tracks SLAs and flags overdue items so nothing stalls.
Learn moreEditors get the tools and support they need to make fair, timely decisions and uphold the highest ethical standards.