Choosing the Appropriate Route
An editorial appeal challenges a decision on specific scholarly or factual grounds. A procedural complaint concerns how a submission, review, communication, or publication process was handled. An integrity complaint raises a concern about research, authorship, peer review, undisclosed interests, confidentiality, data, images, or the published record.
Editorial Appeals
An appeal should identify the journal and manuscript, state the decision being appealed, and explain concisely where a material error, overlooked evidence, or procedural problem may have affected it. Repeating the original submission or disagreeing without a specific basis is not sufficient. An appeal may be assessed by an editor not directly responsible for the original decision where appropriate and practicable; reconsideration does not guarantee a different outcome.
Procedural and Reviewer-conduct Complaints
Describe the relevant submission or publication, the event or conduct at issue, when it occurred, who was involved, and the outcome sought. Concerns about reviewer language, conflicts, confidentiality, delay, communication, or process should include supporting correspondence or evidence where available.
Research-integrity Concerns
Identify the work and the specific concern, such as fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, image manipulation, authorship misconduct, ethical approval, consent, citation manipulation, or an undisclosed conflict. Provide source material or evidence that can be assessed without exposing unnecessary patient or confidential information. Good-faith concerns are considered fairly; allegations should not be used to harass participants in the publishing process.
Assessment and Confidentiality
The editorial office will determine the appropriate route, manage conflicts, seek information from relevant parties, and preserve confidentiality where possible. Complete anonymity, a particular investigation outcome, or a fixed response time cannot be guaranteed. Where appropriate and lawful, information may be shared with an institution or responsible authority able to investigate matters beyond the journal’s remit.
How to Contact Us
Email editorial@anvapublishing.com with a clear subject line and the journal, manuscript ID or article link where applicable. See also Peer Review, Publication Ethics, and Corrections & Retractions.