Editorial policy

Every submission is checked for file safety, then screened automatically, then read by a human editor. Automated screening can only flag a manuscript for human review. It cannot accept, reject or publish anything. Every accept, reject and revision decision is made and recorded by a named human editor.

Each manuscript has a record type: repository record, preprint or journal article. Every record goes to peer review before it can be accepted. The type is set by an editor during editorial screening and is shown publicly.

Editors cannot handle, decide on or publish a manuscript they submitted or authored. Editorial decisions are recorded with the editor's identity and the time, and cannot be edited afterwards.

A submission fee is paid after upload, and screening starts once it is paid (see the fees page). The fee has no part in the editorial decision. If a paper is rejected, part of the fee is kept and the rest is refunded.