Editorial Process

Book Editorial Process

 Process and Length of Book Peer Review

Each book proposal and book manuscript submitted by potential authors is evaluated by anonymous reviewers using a double-blind peer-review procedure to determine its contribution to the field and relevance to a target audience who are specialist in the relevant field. The book must aim at disseminating original research and new developments within specific disciplines, sub-disciplines or fields of study. Within three months of manuscript submission, the Acquisition Editor is responsible for notifying each potential author of the review outcome. Authors should be aware that, due to the volume of submissions received, the review process may take up to four months or more in some instances.

Roles of Advisory Editorial Board

The Advisory Editorial Board play a crucial role in the peer review process by identifying and selecting reviewers and making publication recommendations to the Acquisition Editor, who makes the final decision based on the reviewers’ reports. The Advisory Editorial Board is also responsible for providing expert advice to the publisher and Acquisition Editor on issues related to emerging policies and publication ethics when necessary. Advisory Editorial Board members may be called upon to serve as reviewers for submitted book manuscripts. The Advisory Editorial Board helps identify hot topics for Edited Books. The Advisory Editorial Board assists in attracting new and established authors for book manuscript submissions.

Roles of Peer Reviewers

Peer reviewers are expected to guide authors in improving their papers through editorial communications, focusing on enhancing presentation quality and rationale of each book. Reviewers who feel unqualified to review a book manuscript or cannot provide a prompt review should notify the Editor and withdraw from the process. Reviewers must treat all book manuscripts as confidential documents unless authorized by the Editor. Reviewers are required to express opinions clearly, support them with evidence, and ensure the book manuscript adheres to standards outlined in the Instructions for Authors. Personal criticism of authors is unacceptable. Reviewers should identify relevant published work not cited by the authors and inform the Editor of any substantial similarity between the book manuscript under review and previously published materials. Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest following IMJE’s guidance on Disclosure of Financial and Non-Financial Relationships and Activities, and Conflicts of Interest.

Roles of Contributing Authors

Authors are responsible for providing a critical account of their book and its significance, ensuring an accurate representation of underlying data for reproducibility. Authors may need to provide raw data for editorial review and make it publicly available in line with ALPSP-STM Statement on Data and Databases. Authors must ensure originality, acknowledge sources, and adhere to TURNITIN guidelines to prevent plagiarism. Authors must not submit the same book manuscript to multiple publishers, as it is considered unethical. Authorship should be given to individuals responsible for the research book, following CRediT guidelines and ICMJE criteria. Authors must declare any hazards associated with human participants, chemicals, procedures, or equipment used in the book manuscript. Authors must disclose any conflicts of interest that may have influenced the manuscript. Authors should promptly notify the Editor/Acquisition Editor of any errors in their published work and cooperate in corrections or retractions.  Authors wishing to withdraw a book manuscript must inform the Editor within one month of submission.