Complaints & Appeals

JoWaCH is committed to a fair and transparent review process. We understand that authors may disagree with an initial editorial decision. This policy outlines the appeals process for authors who wish to contest a rejection or raise concerns about the review process.

Eligibility for Appeal:

  • Appeals must address scientifically relevant concerns about the review process or decision (not formatting, language, or editorial style).
  • The appeal should focus on the content and scientific merit of the manuscript, avoiding personal attacks.

Types of Appeals:

  • Concerns about reviewer feedback: Authors can present evidence to address specific criticisms and demonstrate the validity of their research.
  • Requests for reviewer change (rare): In exceptional cases, authors may request a reviewer change due to a potential conflict of interest or bias. Approval is at the editors' discretion.

Impact on Publication Timeline:

  • Appeals will extend the publication timeline due to the review process.
  • Appeals may not be prioritized over new submissions, so a response may take longer.

Additional Considerations:

  • Appeal success is not guaranteed. The editors make the final call based on the appeal arguments and manuscript merit.
  • Simultaneous submissions to other journals are prohibited during the appeal process.

Filing an Appeal:

Before appealing, consider:

  • Strength of arguments: Do you have compelling evidence to address reviewer concerns and demonstrate scientific validity?
  • Benefits vs. risks: Weigh the potential benefits against the delay and uncertainty of the appeal process.
  • Alternative options: Have you explored other avenues to address reviewer feedback (e.g., clarification requests, additional data)?

Appeal Process:

  • Appeals should be submitted via email to jowach@thequantumnetworks.com
  • Clearly convey your concerns and provide factual evidence to support your arguments.

Complaints:

Following our commitment to ethical standards, JoWaCH welcomes complaints regarding editorial decisions, review duration, or the conduct of researchers, authors, or reviewers. Please submit complaints via email to jowach@thequantumnetworks.com. These will be investigated following the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines.

Remember: Communication and transparency are key. The JoWaCH editorial team is committed to fair review of all appeals, but the final decision rests with them.