Appeals and Complaints Policy

Authors may appeal an editorial decision once, within 30 days. Anyone may complain about the journal's processes. SSIJ acknowledges every appeal or complaint within 5 working days and aims to resolve it within 30 days.

Appeals against editorial decisions

  • Who and when. The corresponding author may appeal a rejection within 30 days of the decision. Each manuscript can be appealed only once.
  • How. Email [editorial email] with the subject line "Appeal – [manuscript ID]". Explain point by point why the decision should be reconsidered, for example a factual error by a reviewer, a misunderstanding of the method, or a reviewer's conflict of interest. Disagreement with the decision alone is not grounds for appeal.
  • Review. The appeal is assessed by the Editor-in-Chief, or by [name of senior editor] if the Editor-in-Chief made the original decision or has a conflict. The assessor may ask an additional independent reviewer for an opinion.
  • Outcome. The original decision is either upheld, or the manuscript is returned to peer review. The outcome is sent within 30 days and is final.

Complaints

  • What can be raised. Delays, the conduct of editors, reviewers or the publisher, the application of journal policies, and fees or payments. Concerns about misconduct in a published article are handled under the Retraction, Correction and Expression of Concern Policy.
  • How. Email [editorial email] with the subject line "Complaint". Describe the problem and attach any evidence.
  • Who handles it.
    • Complaints about the editorial process go to the Managing Editor.
    • Complaints about an editor go to the Editor-in-Chief.
    • Complaints about the Editor-in-Chief go to the publisher, PT MID Publisher International, at [publisher contact].
  • Outcome. The complainant receives a written response within 30 days, stating the outcome and any corrective action. If the complainant is not satisfied, they may refer the matter to the publisher, whose decision is final.

Appeals and complaints are handled confidentially and have no effect on how the person's future submissions are treated. The publisher reviews all complaints each year to improve the journal's processes.