Editorial Policy

Complaints and appeals

An editorial decision can be challenged. A challenge is answered on its scholarly merits.

Appealing a decision

  1. Write to the editorial office within 60 days, naming the manuscript ID.
  2. State specifically what in the review or decision you believe is factually wrong or was misunderstood. Disagreement with a judgment is not by itself grounds for appeal; a demonstrable error is.
  3. The handling editor responds first. If unresolved, the Editor-in-Chief reviews the file.
  4. Where the Editor-in-Chief is conflicted, an uninvolved member of the editorial board takes the appeal.
  5. The outcome is final within the journal, and is given in writing with reasons.

Complaints about process or conduct

Complaints about handling time, reviewer conduct, confidentiality, or the conduct of an editor go to editorial@qcaij.com and are acknowledged within ten working days. A complaint about the Editor-in-Chief is escalated to the publisher, which may convene an independent review; the publisher does not thereby acquire authority over the scholarly decision itself.

While an appeal is open

A manuscript under appeal must not be submitted elsewhere at the same time. Reviewer identities are not disclosed at any stage of an appeal.