Editorial Criteria & Processes

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the editorial process at CATHALOGUE, which is divided into three stages: At Submission, After Submission, and After Acceptance/Rejection.

At Submission

Publication Criteria

To submit a manuscript to CATHALOGUE, authors must use the online submission system. The category of "Original Research" requires the presentation of high-quality scientific research. The experiments conducted, analysis, and statistical analyses should adhere to high technical standards and be clearly explained with sufficient detail. The manuscript should reach a conclusion of scientific importance and interest to readers. CATHALOGUE encourages the use of simple language and concise phrases. Regardless of the category, the content submitted should not have been published elsewhere. If the results have been previously presented as a conference abstract, this should be disclosed during submission.

Papers Selection

The Editorial Staff conducts an initial in-house quality check for each submitted manuscript. Articles that meet the criteria undergo blind peer review by relevant experts. While the reviewers' opinions are considered, the final decision on publication is made by the editors. This is because reviewers focus on specific fields, while editors provide a broader perspective. The editorial board's decision ultimately determines whether a manuscript is accepted or rejected.

Submitting a Manuscript to CATHALOGUE

Authors are advised to follow the formatting guidelines provided for initial manuscript submission and revision stages. The preferred format for submission is Microsoft Word. Manuscripts should be submitted through the online submission system, accompanied by a confidential cover letter. The cover letter allows authors to disclose conflicts of interest, declare work that is already under consideration elsewhere, and highlight the significance of their submitted work.

 

After Submission

Handling of Submitted Articles or Letters

Upon submission, the manuscript is assigned to an editor specializing in the subject area. The editor conducts an initial check according to CATHALOGUE Guidelines, with emphasis on the manuscript's readability. If the manuscript does not meet the editorial board's approval, it is returned to the author for revision before undergoing the review process. The editor is responsible for selecting referees, typically two or three, who evaluate the technical and scientific aspects of the paper. Based on the review reports, the editor issues an acceptance or rejection letter.

Referees' Reports

Referees are required to submit their reports within the provided timeline. The reports identify technical and scientific issues or errors in the manuscript that need to be addressed before publication.

 

Conflicts of Interest

Reviewers are expected to disclose any conflicts of interest that may influence their opinions. While the blind peer review process helps mitigate biases, reviewers should be transparent about any professional or commercial conflicts. Reviewers are encouraged to review the Guidelines for Reviewers before accepting a manuscript for review.

Speed

CATHALOGUE manages submissions electronically through the online system to ensure a timely review process. Authors usually receive a response within a week, indicating whether the manuscript will proceed to the review process or requires revisions. Once the review report is received, the editors promptly make the decision regarding acceptance or rejection.

 

After Acceptance/Rejection

Manuscript Review Rounds

Manuscripts submitted to CATHALOGUE typically undergo at least one review round. The referee's decision is communicated within the editorial team, and the final acceptance or rejection decision is conveyed to the author via email.

Revisions

Authors may be asked to make major or minor revisions based on the referee's report. The final decision on publication is deferred until the authors respond to the referees' comments. Authors should follow the instructions in the manuscript preparation and formatting guide for each revised submission.

Copyediting and Proofing

Once the revised manuscript is resubmitted and approved by the editors, it proceeds for publication. The manuscript undergoes subediting (copyediting) to ensure clarity and enhance its value. The sub-editors thoroughly check the manuscript for language clarity and the appropriateness of figures and tables. Authors receive a copy proof (PDF) for review and are responsible for verifying the accuracy of content, authorship sequence, and affiliations before final submission.

Approval and Publication

After receiving the author's approval of the proofs, the article goes through additional cycles between the production staff and the authors until final approval is obtained. The approved article is published in the upcoming issue of CATHALOGUE. 

 

Rejection and Appeals

If a manuscript is rejected, authors are advised not to resubmit a revision and are free to pursue publication elsewhere. However, if authors believe there is a strong scientific case for reconsideration, they can make an appeal in writing. Appeals should be relevant to the content of the manuscript. It is important to note that manuscripts cannot be submitted elsewhere while an appeal is being considered. Appeals that lack relevance to the content or consist only of arguments without supporting evidence are unlikely to succeed.

Appeals Process

While appeals are not given high priority at CATHALOGUE, valuable appeals may lead to reconsideration. Authors may request a change of referees, but the editors are hesitant to do so as referees are selected based on their expertise in the field. Assigning new referees may complicate the process rather than simplify it. The appeal process may take longer, and the outcome is uncertain.