Peer Review
The Review Process
A transparent, end-to-end overview of how a manuscript moves from submission to published article.
~21 days
Average time to first decision
2+ reviewers
Per manuscript, minimum
Double-blind
Authors and reviewers anonymous
Stage-by-Stage
1
Submission
Day 0- Author creates an account, completes the manuscript form, uploads the PDF, and pays the article-processing charge.
- The system confirms receipt and assigns a manuscript ID. Authors can track progress in real time from their dashboard.
2
Desk Review
Days 1–3- An editor checks that the manuscript is within scope, meets formatting requirements, and has no obvious scientific or ethical problems.
- Manuscripts that fail desk review are returned with a brief explanation — no APC is charged if rejection is at this stage.
3
Reviewer Assignment
Days 3–7- The handling editor identifies at least two independent expert reviewers with no conflict of interest.
- Reviewers receive an invitation with the abstract only. They have 5 days to accept or decline.
4
Peer Review
Days 7–28- Accepted reviewers download the anonymised manuscript and complete their assessment within 21 days.
- Reviewers score originality, methodology, clarity, significance, and overall quality (1–5), and provide written comments for authors and confidential remarks for the editor.
- Both authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other throughout (double-blind).
5
Editorial Decision
Days 28–32- The editor reads all reviews and makes one of four decisions: Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject.
- Authors receive the full review report and editor decision letter via email and in their dashboard.
6
Revision (if required)
Up to 60 days- Minor revisions: authors have 21 days to submit a revised manuscript with a point-by-point response.
- Major revisions: authors have 60 days. The revised manuscript typically returns to the original reviewers.
- One deadline extension may be granted on request.
7
Final Decision & Production
Days 3–7 after revision- The editor confirms acceptance once all reviewer concerns are addressed.
- Our production team copyedits the text, typesets the final PDF and HTML versions, registers the DOI, and publishes the article.
- The published article is immediately freely available and indexed in PubMed Central and Google Scholar.
Appeals
Authors who believe a rejection decision was made in error may submit a formal appeal to editorial@publinexa.com within 30 days. Appeals must include a point-by-point rebuttal of each reviewer concern. The editor-in-chief reviews all appeals independently and responds within 14 days.