| Peer review at JECH |
All papers submitted to JECH are reviewed by the editorial team with about 65% rejected without being sent out for external peer review on the grounds of priority, insufficient originality, scientific flaws, or the absence of a message that is important to the readers of the journal. A decision on such papers is taken very quickly, usually within 13 days.
The remaining articles are sent to at least three external reviewers selected from a database of more than 5000 experts. Reviewers advise the editor who is responsible for the final decision to accept or reject a manuscript. Reasons for rejection will be indicated to the corresponding author. The Editor can enter into correspondence about papers rejected as being unsuitable for publication, although the Editor's decision in these matters is final. The Editor retains the customary right to determine style and, if necessary, to shorten material accepted for publication.
As a guide, authors and external reviewers can consult on general criteria for peer reviewers in our Reviewer Guidelines section. Authors can suggest up to 4 external reviewers for their manuscript, but the Editor is not obliged to use author suggested reviewers.
We aim to reach a final decision on publication within 12 weeks of submission.
If we make an offer of publication subject to revision we usually ask authors to return their articles to us within 2 months. Original articles should be published within 7 months of being finally accepted (after any necessary revisions).
We operate an optional system of open peer review. This means that reviewers can sign their reports if they wish. Open peer review does not mean that authors should contact reviewers directly to discuss their reports; all queries should still be directed through the editorial office.
View more information about open peer review.
|
Skip main navigation
