Complaints and Editorial Appeals

JGTSS distinguishes an appeal against an editorial decision from a complaint about conduct, service or process. Both are considered without requiring payment and without retaliation. A complaint may be justified even when the underlying publication decision remains sound; an unsuccessful appeal does not prevent a person from reporting a later integrity concern.

Appealing a decision

An author may appeal within thirty calendar days of the decision by writing to jgtssappeals@jandoopress.com. The appeal identifies the manuscript, the decision challenged and the specific factual mistake, overlooked evidence or procedural defect. It provides a concise point-by-point explanation with supporting material. A reasonable extension may be granted for a documented barrier such as illness or difficulty obtaining necessary records.

An appeal should address the reasons for the decision rather than repeat the abstract, rely on author seniority or argue that APC payment should secure acceptance. New material that substantially changes the study may be more appropriately treated as a new submission; the editor will explain the route. While an appeal is pending, the manuscript must not be submitted elsewhere unless the author withdraws it from JGTSS.

Independent assessment

The office acknowledges an appeal within five working days and assigns the Independent Appeals Editor under Ownership Governance and Editorial Independence. This person must be academically qualified, unconflicted and uninvolved in the original decision. An external appointment is required where both Co-Editors-in-Chief are involved; an unconflicted academic editor coordinates appointment if the publisher is implicated. The original editor may explain the record but cannot decide the appeal or select its assessor. Additional expert advice may address a disputed social-science method or interpretation.

The reviewing editor examines the reasons, process and evidence rather than simply conducting a second vote on the same reports. Outcomes may include upholding the decision, reopening review, obtaining further assessment or correcting a procedural error. Reopening review does not guarantee acceptance. One independent merits review is ordinarily provided; a further request must identify a new material fact or an unresolved process concern rather than repeat the same arguments.

Complaints and response

Complaints about bias, confidentiality, editorial behavior, delays, financial administration or published content can be submitted at any time to the editorial office. A complaint involving an editor or the office itself should go to jgtssappeals@jandoopress.com, clearly requesting independent handling. The report should state the events, dates, persons or manuscript identifiers involved and the remedy sought, while avoiding unnecessary disclosure of participant information.

The journal aims to acknowledge complaints within five working days, assess the appropriate route within fifteen working days and provide updates at least every thirty calendar days during a prolonged inquiry. It explains the outcome and any corrective action to the extent compatible with confidentiality. Integrity allegations follow Allegations of Research Misconduct and have no filing deadline. Where a matter falls outside the journal’s authority, the complainant is informed of the relevant institution or other route where known. Records are retained to identify recurring problems and improve editorial practice.

Last updated: 16 September 2026