Scientific journals editors’ initial revisions and decisions over the manuscripts received

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54167/rei.v2i2.1785

Keywords:

editors, scientific journals, initial screening, peer review, editorial decisions, scientific quality, editorial integrity, editorial standards, scientific publication, manuscript evaluation

Abstract

In this article I discuss the initial reviews and decisions that editors of scientific journals must make about the manuscripts they receive. This first review mainly seeks to determine whether the manuscript is within the objectives, scope, and topics of the journal, in addition to meeting acceptable levels of quality and adhering to its standards and policies. Regarding this, I present 15 fundamental aspects that would be included in this initial review and that editors could adopt according to the needs of their journals and integrate them into their editorial policies. As a result of the initial review, if a manuscript does not comply with these fundamental aspects, it is immediately rejected, while its compliance leads to it being accepted to be submitted to the peer review process. After this, the editor will make a decision based on the evaluations and recommendations made by the reviewers, who may suggest its rejection, acceptance, or request the authors to submit a revised revision. Additionally, I present the variants that may occur in this initial review process and list some implications and recommendations for authors, which could help reduce the negative opinions they may receive.

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Author Biography

Juan D. Machin-Mastromatteo, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua

Dr. Juan D. Machin Mastromatteo is a professor at the Autonomous University of Chihuahua (UACH, Mexico) and member of the National System of Researchers (Level 2). Doctor in Information and Communication Science (Tallinn University), Master in Digital Library Learning (Oslo University College; Tallinn University; and Parma University) and Bachelor in Librarianship (Central University of Venezuela). He is a specialist in information literacy, action research, bibliometrics, open access and digital libraries. He has published over 150 scientific publications, has facilitated more than 40 courses, has participated in more than 120 international events as a speaker, panelist, organizer or moderator; and has facilitated over 20 workshops for training researchers. He is the Associate Editor of Information Development (SAGE), the Information Studies Journal (UACH), and until 2023 Digital Library Perspectives (Emerald). He is also a member of the editorial advisory boards committees of The Journal of Academic Librarianship (Elsevier) and IE Revista de Investigacion Educativa (REDIECH). He is a peer reviewer for 17 scientific and indexed journals within the fields of information science and education, for which he has evaluated over 300 manuscripts; and has also edited fours special issues for various scientific journals. In Information Development he published, from 2015 to 2020, the column Developing Latin America. In 2019 he created the Juantífico Project: videos on scientific information, research and publication. From 2022 he co-hosts InfoTecarios podcast. Since 2023 he publishes the School of Editors section in the Information Studies Journal.

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Published

2024-12-21

How to Cite

Machin-Mastromatteo, J. D. (2024). Scientific journals editors’ initial revisions and decisions over the manuscripts received. Revista Estudios De La Información, 2(2), 146–159. https://doi.org/10.54167/rei.v2i2.1785
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Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2024): julio-diciembre

Section

School of Editors

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