Editorial Process

The څېړنه Journal follows a structured and transparent editorial process to ensure that all submissions are evaluated fairly, rigorously, and promptly. The process involves several stages, from initial manuscript submission to final publication, ensuring that each paper meets the journal's high standards of quality, originality, and ethical integrity.

1. Manuscript Submission

Authors are required to submit their manuscripts through the journal’s online submission system or via email (as specified on the journal’s website). Each submission must follow the څېړنه Journal's formatting and submission guidelines, including word count, citation style, and language requirements.

Upon submission, the editorial team will acknowledge receipt of the manuscript and assign it a unique identification number for tracking purposes.

2. Initial Editorial Review

After submission, the Editor-in-Chief or designated editorial board members conduct an initial review of the manuscript. This stage checks the following:

  • Scope: Whether the submission aligns with the journal’s aims and scope.
  • Quality: Whether the manuscript meets basic quality standards, including clarity of writing and adherence to formatting guidelines.
  • Originality: A preliminary check for plagiarism using plagiarism detection tools.

Manuscripts that do not meet the journal’s standards or fall outside its scope will be returned to the authors with feedback or rejected at this stage.

3. Peer Review

Manuscripts that pass the initial editorial review are sent for double-blind peer review. In this process, both the authors and reviewers remain anonymous to ensure an unbiased and impartial evaluation. The steps include:

  • Reviewer Selection: The editorial team selects two or more reviewers with expertise in the subject area of the manuscript. Reviewers are chosen based on their knowledge of the topic and availability.
  • Review Criteria: Reviewers assess the manuscript based on its originality, methodology, relevance, clarity, and contribution to the field. They may also suggest revisions or point out ethical concerns, if any.
  • Review Timeline: Reviewers are given a set period (typically 2–4 weeks) to complete their reviews and submit their feedback to the editorial team.

4. Editorial Decision

Once the peer review reports are received, the Editor-in-Chief or editorial board makes a decision based on the reviewers’ feedback. The possible decisions include:

  • Accept: The manuscript is accepted with no or minor revisions required.
  • Minor Revisions: The manuscript is generally acceptable, but some revisions are necessary. Authors are given a deadline to resubmit the revised version.
  • Major Revisions: Significant changes are needed before the manuscript can be considered for publication. Authors will be asked to address major concerns and resubmit for further review.
  • Reject: The manuscript is not suitable for publication, either due to low quality, lack of originality, or failure to meet the journal’s standards.

Authors are notified of the decision, along with the reviewers’ reports. In cases where revisions are requested, authors must revise their manuscripts and resubmit within the specified timeframe.

5. Revision and Resubmission

For manuscripts requiring revisions, authors are expected to:

  • Address all the comments and suggestions made by the reviewers and editors.
  • Submit a revised version of the manuscript, along with a detailed response letter that explains how each reviewer's comment was addressed.
  • In cases of major revisions, the revised manuscript may undergo another round of peer review.

6. Final Acceptance and Copyediting

Once the manuscript has been revised to the satisfaction of both the reviewers and the editorial team, it is accepted for publication. The accepted manuscript undergoes:

  • Copyediting: A thorough check for grammar, punctuation, consistency, and adherence to the journal’s style guidelines.
  • Formatting: The manuscript is formatted according to the journal’s publication standards.

Authors may be asked to approve the final version before publication.

7. Proofing

Before the manuscript is published online or in print, the authors are provided with proofs of the formatted article. This is the final opportunity for authors to review their work and ensure there are no errors or omissions. Authors must respond to proofing requests promptly to avoid delays in publication.

8. Publication

After the proofing process, the manuscript is published in the next available issue of the څېړنه Journal. The journal follows an open-access model, making the research freely available to the public immediately upon publication.

  • Online Publication: Articles are published on the journal’s website and made accessible to a global audience.
  • Archiving: Published articles are archived and indexed in relevant academic databases to ensure long-term accessibility and visibility.

9. Post-Publication

Once published, the څېړنه Journal encourages authors to promote their articles through academic networks, conferences, and social media. The journal may also feature selected articles in newsletters or special issues to highlight significant contributions.

The journal allows for post-publication corrections if any significant errors are identified after publication. Authors should notify the editorial team immediately if they discover an error in their published work.