Editorial Responsibilities

This section outlines the core responsibilities of an editor, including the initial screening of submitted manuscripts, assigning reviewers, and making informed decisions based on the peer review process.

Primary Responsibilities

As an editor, your key responsibilities include:

• Initial screening: Evaluating submissions for scope, quality, and adherence to journal guidelines
• Reviewer selection: Identifying and inviting appropriate experts for peer review
• Decision-making: Making editorial decisions based on reviewer feedback and your own assessment
• Quality control: Ensuring all published content meets the journal's standards
• Timely processing: Managing manuscripts efficiently to respect authors' time
• Mentoring: Providing guidance to new reviewers and authors when appropriate

Initial Screening Process

During initial screening, editors should evaluate:

• Relevance to the journal's scope and readership
• Originality and significance of the research
• Adherence to ethical guidelines and reporting standards
• Overall quality of writing and organization
• Appropriate use of references and citations

Manuscripts that fail these criteria may be desk-rejected without full peer review.

Reviewer Selection

When selecting reviewers, consider:

• Expertise in the specific subject area
• Previous reviewing experience and quality
• Diversity of perspectives and geographic representation
• Absence of conflicts of interest with authors
• Availability and response history

Always invite at least 3 reviewers to ensure timely responses.

Time Commitment

The typical time commitment for editors includes:

• 2-4 hours per week for manuscript screening and assignment
• 1-2 hours per week for decision-making and communication
• Additional time for special issues, meetings, and training