Review Process
Process Overview
The International Journal of Environmental and Agriculture Research (IJOEAR) follows a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure the quality, originality, and validity of all published research. This page provides a detailed breakdown of each stage of the review process.
Submission
Author submits
Initial Check
Editorial screening
Assign Editor
Associate Editor
Peer Review
2-3 reviewers
Decision
Editor decision
Publication
Upon acceptance
Step 1: Initial Editorial Screening
Upon submission, the editorial office conducts an initial assessment to determine if the manuscript meets basic requirements:
Screening Criteria
- Scope alignment with journal's aim
- Formatting compliance with author guidelines
- Plagiarism check (≤20% with refs / ≤5% without refs)
- Ethical compliance (approvals, consent)
- Language quality and clarity
Timeline
- Initial screening completed within 3-5 business days
- Authors notified of outcome via email
- Manuscripts failing screening returned for correction
- Rejection without peer review for out-of-scope submissions
Outcome of Initial Screening: Manuscript either proceeds to peer review, is returned for minor corrections, or is rejected without peer review (if out of scope or major deficiencies).
Step 2: Assigning an Editor
Manuscripts that pass initial screening are assigned to an appropriate editor:
Manuscripts are assigned to an Associate Editor or Section Editor with expertise in the subject area. Editors with conflicts of interest recuse themselves.
Editor assignment typically takes 2-3 business days after initial screening.
Step 3: Reviewer Selection
The assigned editor selects reviewers based on the following criteria:
Subject Expertise
Reviewers have demonstrated expertise in the manuscript's topic area
No Conflict of Interest
Reviewers must not have conflicts with authors or their institutions
Geographic Diversity
Reviewers are selected from diverse geographic regions
| Reviewer Selection Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Reviewers | Minimum 2 reviewers per manuscript |
| Reviewer Invitation | Reviewers invited via email with abstract and deadline |
| Acceptance Rate | Typically 40-60% of invited reviewers accept |
| Author Suggestions | Authors may suggest reviewers (no conflict of interest) |
Step 4: Peer Review Stage
IJOEAR uses a double-blind peer review process where both author and reviewer identities are concealed.
What Reviewers Evaluate
- Originality and significance of the research
- Methodological soundness and validity
- Clarity and quality of presentation
- Ethical compliance
- Relevance to journal scope
- Quality of figures and tables
Review Timeline
- Reviewers given 14 days to complete review
- Reminders sent at 7 and 10 days
- Alternative reviewers invited if needed
- Most reviews completed within 12-14 days
Reviewer Reports: Reviewers provide detailed, constructive feedback and a recommendation (Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, Reject). Comments are shared anonymously with authors.
Step 5: Editorial Decision
After receiving reviewer reports, the editor makes an initial decision:
| Decision | Description | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Accept | Manuscript accepted as is or with minor proofreading | ~10% |
| Minor Revision | Small changes required (clarifications, additional references) | ~25% |
| Major Revision | Significant changes required (additional experiments, data reanalysis) | ~35% |
| Reject | Manuscript does not meet journal standards | ~30% |
Decision Communication: The corresponding author receives an email with the decision letter, reviewer comments, and instructions for next steps. Decisions are typically communicated within 3-5 business days after the final review is received.
Step 6: Revision Process
When revision is requested, authors must:
Revision Requirements
- Address all reviewer and editor comments
- Prepare a point-by-point response letter
- Highlight changes in the revised manuscript
- Submit within specified deadline (14 days for minor, 30 days for major)
- Request extension if additional time is needed
Revision Deadlines
- Minor Revision: 14 days from decision date
- Major Revision: 30 days from decision date
- Extensions granted upon request (up to 14 additional days)
- Manuscripts not revised within deadline may be withdrawn
Response Letter Requirements
The response letter must address each reviewer comment individually, explaining how the comment was addressed or providing justification if not addressed. Failure to provide a detailed response may result in rejection.
Step 7: Final Decision & Acceptance
After receiving the revised manuscript, the editor makes a final decision:
Manuscript accepted for publication. Proceeds to production (copyediting, typesetting).
Additional minor changes may be requested before final acceptance.
If revisions do not adequately address concerns. May be appealed following appeals policy.
Formal acceptance letter sent to corresponding author with publication instructions.
Review Timeline Summary
| Stage | Responsible Party | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Screening | Editorial Office | 3-5 business days |
| Editor Assignment | Editor-in-Chief | 2-3 business days |
| Reviewer Invitation | Associate Editor | 3-7 business days | Peer Review | Reviewers | 14 days (review period) |
| Editorial Decision | Editor | 3-5 business days |
| Author Revision | Author(s) | 14-30 days |
| Final Decision | Editor | 3-5 business days |
Total Time from Submission to First Decision: Typically 2-3 weeks. Total time to final acceptance: 4-6 weeks (including revisions).
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About the Review Process?
For questions about manuscript status, review process, or editorial decisions, please contact the editorial office.
+91-7665235235
Please include your Manuscript ID in the email subject line for faster response.