The editorial process
All publications should establish a process to evaluate submitted content and determine what will be published. The types of submissions will vary across publications, as will the review process, but having a process of some kind helps to ensure the quality of published content and adherence to a publication's scope.
Two common review processes are:
Editorial review, where the editor or editorial board does the only assessment of a submission and determines what will be included in a publication.
Peer review, where individual manuscripts submitted to a publication are evaluated by reviewers outside of the editorial board who have subject area expertise.
Peer review
There are several different kinds of peer review. The three most common are single blind, double blind, and open review. A publication should clearly indicate its review policies on its homepage.
In single blind review, the author doesn't know who the reviewers are. This is most common in science journals.
In double blind review, the author doesn't know the identity of the reviewer, and vice versa. This is most common in social science and humanities journals.
In open review, the identity of the author and the reviewers is known by all. This form of review is growing, but is still found in a minority of journals.
After the editorial or peer review process, a submission will be accepted or rejected for publication. Recommendations typically include:
- Reject
- Accept without revision
- Accept with revisions (major or minor)
Sources:
Descriptions of review types: Wiley. "Types of peer review." Accessed January 29, 2018. https://authorservices.wiley.com/Reviewers/journal-reviewers/what-is-peer-review/types-of-peer-review.html.
Review diagram: Peer Review: the nuts and bolts. London: Sense about Science, 2012, page 3. Accessed January 29, 2018. http://senseaboutscience.org/activities/peer-review-the-nuts-and-bolts/.
Sample review forms & guidelines
Review forms and guidelines are available on many journal websites. Some examples in various disciplines include:
- ElsevierElsevier publishes in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, engineering, and health.
- IEEE PotentialsA magazine targeted to undergraduate and graduate engineering students.
- Intellect Ltd.Intellect publishes in the fields of Visual Arts, Film Studies, Cultural & Media Studies, and Performing Arts.
- PLOSPLOS publishes a suite of journals in science and medicine.