Editorial Process
Guide for Authors — International Network of Doctors Journal (INODJ)
The International Network of Doctors Journal (INODJ) follows an editorial process designed to evaluate submitted manuscripts for scientific quality, originality, relevance, ethical compliance, and suitability for publication. The process aims to ensure a fair, transparent, and consistent assessment of scholarly contributions in accordance with the journal’s editorial policies and publication ethics standards.
Possible Editorial Decisions (Step 5):
- Accept: The manuscript is accepted for publication, subject to any remaining editorial requirements.
- Minor Revision: Limited changes are required before a final decision can be made.
- Major Revision: Substantial revisions are needed to address scientific, methodological, or presentation-related concerns.
- Reject: The manuscript does not meet the journal’s requirements or is unsuitable for publication.
1. Manuscript Submission
Authors must submit their manuscripts according to the journal’s submission guidelines. Submissions should include all required documents, declarations, ethical approval statements where applicable, and supporting materials. Authors are responsible for ensuring that their manuscripts are complete, accurate, and prepared in the appropriate format.
2. Initial Editorial Screening
Upon submission, the editorial team conducts an initial assessment to determine whether the manuscript falls within the scope of INODJ and meets the basic requirements for editorial consideration. This assessment may include checking the manuscript’s completeness, originality, ethical declarations, formatting, and general scientific relevance. Manuscripts that do not meet the journal’s essential requirements may be returned to the authors for correction or declined at this stage.
3. Plagiarism and Research Integrity Screening
Submitted manuscripts may be screened using appropriate similarity-detection tools to identify potential overlap with previously published material. Similarity reports are evaluated in context, as a similarity score alone does not establish plagiarism. Concerns regarding originality, data integrity, authorship, or publication ethics may require further clarification or investigation.
4. Peer Review
Manuscripts considered suitable for further evaluation may be sent to independent reviewers with relevant subject expertise. Reviewers assess the scientific quality, originality, methodology, accuracy of interpretation, relevance, and overall contribution of the work. The review process is conducted in accordance with the journal’s applicable peer-review policy. Reviewers are expected to provide objective, constructive, and confidential assessments to assist the editors in reaching an informed decision.
5. Editorial Decision
Following editorial assessment and, where applicable, peer review, the editor determines the appropriate outcome. Possible decisions include Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject. A request for revision does not guarantee eventual acceptance.
6. Manuscript Revision
When revisions are requested, authors should carefully address the editor’s and reviewers’ comments. A point-by-point response explaining how each comment has been addressed should be provided where requested. Revised manuscripts may be returned to the original reviewers or evaluated by the editor, depending on the nature of the revisions.
7. Final Acceptance
A manuscript is formally accepted only after the responsible editor determines that the required scientific, ethical, and editorial standards have been met. Authors may be asked to provide additional information or documents before final acceptance.
8. Copyediting and Proofreading
Accepted manuscripts may undergo copyediting, language editing, reference checking, and formatting to meet the journal’s publication standards. Page proofs may be sent to the corresponding author for review. Changes that substantially alter the scientific content or conclusions may require additional editorial approval.
9. Publication
After completion of the required editorial and production procedures, the manuscript is prepared for publication according to the journal’s publishing schedule and policies, including appropriate bibliographic details.
10. Post-Publication Policies
INODJ recognizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of the scientific record after publication. If concerns arise regarding a published article, the journal may investigate them in accordance with its publication ethics policies, including corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions.
Editorial Independence and Confidentiality
Editorial decisions should be based on the scientific merit, originality, relevance, and ethical compliance of a manuscript. Submitted manuscripts and associated review materials must be handled confidentially and shared only with individuals authorized to participate in the editorial process, subject to applicable policies and legal requirements.
The editorial team aims to manage submissions fairly and consistently while maintaining appropriate standards of academic integrity and publication ethics.
Important Note
Submission does not guarantee acceptance. All manuscripts remain subject to editorial assessment and the applicable review and publication policies of the International Network of Doctors Journal (INODJ).