Complaints & Appeals

We take complaints and appeals seriously and handle them fairly, confidentially and promptly.

1. Submit the complaintEmail the editorial office (see Contact) with your manuscript ID or article title, a clear description and any evidence.
2. AcknowledgementWe acknowledge every complaint within 5 working days.
3. Independent assessmentThe complaint is handled by an editor who was not involved in the original decision. Complaints about the Editor-in-Chief are handled by the publisher.
4. ResponseA written, reasoned response is sent within 30 days.

Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

Authors may appeal a rejection once, within 30 days, by sending a point-by-point rebuttal. The appeal may be sent to a new reviewer; the decision of the Editor-in-Chief after the appeal is final. Unresolved cases may be referred to the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).