Author FAQ
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about publishing with us
π Submission Process
How do I submit a manuscript to your journal?
You can submit your manuscript through our online submission system. First, create an author account or log in to your existing account. Then follow the step-by-step submission wizard to upload your manuscript files, enter metadata, and complete the submission process.
What file formats are accepted for submission?
We accept Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) and LaTeX (.tex) files for manuscripts. Figures should be uploaded as separate files in TIFF, JPEG, EPS, or PNG format (minimum 300 DPI). Supplementary materials can be uploaded as PDF, ZIP, or other common formats.
Is there a submission fee?
No, we do not charge any submission fees. Article Processing Charges (APCs) are only applicable if your manuscript is accepted for publication.
Can I submit my manuscript to multiple journals at the same time?
No, simultaneous submissions are not allowed. You must wait for a decision from one journal before submitting to another. This ensures ethical publishing practices.
How can I check the status of my submission?
Log into your author dashboard to view real-time status updates for all your submissions. You'll also receive email notifications at each stage of the process.
π Peer Review Process
How long does peer review take?
The average time from submission to first decision is 4-6 weeks. This includes initial check, reviewer invitation, and peer review completion.
Can I suggest reviewers for my manuscript?
Yes, you may suggest potential reviewers during submission. However, the final selection of reviewers is at the editor's discretion to ensure unbiased evaluation.
Can I request to exclude specific reviewers?
Yes, you can request to exclude certain reviewers (e.g., competitors or colleagues with conflicts of interest). Provide a brief justification for your request.
What happens if reviewers disagree?
If reviewers provide conflicting recommendations, the editor may invite an additional reviewer or make a decision based on their own expert assessment of the manuscript.
Can I appeal an editorial decision?
Yes, authors may submit an appeal if they believe the decision was based on factual errors or misunderstanding. Appeals should provide a detailed justification.
π Publication Process
What happens after my manuscript is accepted?
After acceptance, your manuscript enters production. You will receive proofs to review and approve. Once approved, the article is published online as "Online First" and later assigned to a journal issue.
How long until my article is published after acceptance?
Typically 1-2 weeks after acceptance. "Online First" articles are published within days of proof approval.
Will my article be indexed in major databases?
Yes, all our journals are indexed in major databases including Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, DOAJ, PubMed, and others.
Can I share my published article?
Yes! Under our open access policy, you can share your published article anywhere (institutional repositories, social media, personal websites) as long as you provide proper attribution.
π Open Access
What is open access publishing?
Open access means that all published articles are freely available to anyone, anywhere, without subscription or payment barriers. Readers can read, download, copy, distribute, and use the articles (with proper attribution).
What Creative Commons license do you use?
We publish under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which allows anyone to share and adapt the work with proper attribution.
Do I retain copyright of my work?
Yes, authors retain copyright of their work. You grant us a license to publish under the Creative Commons license, but you maintain ownership of your intellectual property.
π° Article Processing Charges
What is the APC amount?
Our standard APC is $150 for research articles. Review articles are $120, and case reports are $100. Please see our APC Information page for details.
When do I pay the APC?
APC is due only after your manuscript has been accepted for publication. You will receive an invoice upon acceptance.
Are fee waivers available?
Waivers may be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the quality of the research article and the authors' financial need, discounts for reviewers and editorial board members, and case-by-case waivers for authors with genuine financial hardship.
βοΈ Ethics & Policies
What is your policy on plagiarism?
We have a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism. All submissions are screened using plagiarism detection software. Plagiarism in any form will lead to immediate rejection and potential banning of authors.
What are the authorship requirements?
All listed authors must have made substantial intellectual contributions to the research and manuscript preparation. Gift, guest, or ghost authorship is prohibited. The corresponding author ensures all co-authors have approved the final version.
Do I need to disclose conflicts of interest?
Yes, authors must disclose any financial, personal, or professional relationships that could influence their work. A conflict of interest statement is required at submission.
What about research involving human or animal subjects?
Research involving human participants must have ethical approval and informed consent. Animal studies must comply with institutional guidelines for animal care and use. Approval statements must be included in the manuscript.
π» Technical Support
I forgot my password. How do I reset it?
Click the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Enter your email address, and we'll send you a password reset link.
What should I do if I encounter technical issues?
Contact our technical support team at support@scipublications.com. Please provide screenshots and a description of the issue to help us resolve it quickly.
Can I save my submission as a draft?
Yes, our system allows you to save drafts and return later to complete your submission. You can access your drafts from your author dashboard.
Still Have Questions?
Our author support team is here to help you.
Email: support@scipublications.com
Contact Support