Author Appeals Policy

EcoBiotics: Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences

At EcoBiotics, we are committed to ensuring that the peer review and editorial decision-making process is fair, transparent, and scientifically rigorous. We recognize that authors may occasionally disagree with editorial decisions and may wish to request a formal reconsideration. This policy outlines the grounds, procedures, and limitations for appeals, while maintaining the integrity of the review process and the standards of the journal.

1. Valid Grounds for Appeal

Authors may appeal an editorial decision if they believe that:

  • The decision was influenced by a misinterpretation of the manuscript’s data, methodology, or results.

  • Reviewer feedback contained factual errors or misjudgments that affected the decision.

  • There is evidence of potential bias, conflict of interest, or procedural irregularities in the review process.

Appeals based only on dissatisfaction with the decision, without clear supporting evidence, will not be considered.

2. Submitting an Appeal

Timeframe

  • Appeals must be submitted within 20 calendar days of the decision notification.

  • Appeals received after this deadline will not normally be accepted, unless justified by exceptional circumstances.

Formal Written Appeal

  • Authors must submit a formal written appeal addressed to the Editor-in-Chief via the journal’s official communication channel.

  • The appeal letter must:

    • Clearly state the basis of the appeal.

    • Identify factual inaccuracies or specific issues in reviewer/editor comments.

    • Provide evidence to support the claims.

Supporting Documents (Optional)

  • Authors may include:

    • A revised manuscript highlighting clarifications or corrections.

    • A detailed response document addressing reviewer/editor concerns.

3. Appeal Review Process

Initial Evaluation

  • The Editor-in-Chief will review the appeal, original manuscript, and decision file.

  • Consultation with the handling editor or an independent editorial board member may occur.

Further Review (If Required)
The Editor-in-Chief may:

  • Refer the appeal to the original reviewers for reconsideration.

  • Assign new, independent reviewers with expertise in animal and plant sciences.

  • Seek advice from subject-area specialists or the editorial board.

Final Decision

  • Possible outcomes include:

    • Upholding the original decision.

    • Inviting the authors to revise and resubmit.

    • Accepting the manuscript (with or without further revisions).

  • Authors will receive a written explanation of the final outcome.

4. Appeal Limitations

  • Only one appeal per manuscript is allowed.

  • Appeals are judged strictly on academic and ethical merit.

  • Repeated or unsupported appeals will not be entertained.

5. Ethical Considerations

  • Appeals alleging editorial misconduct, bias, or conflict of interest will be referred to the Editorial Ethics Committee.

  • If warranted, corrective actions may include reassigning the manuscript, conducting an independent investigation, or following COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.

6. Communication and Timeline

  • Acknowledgment: Appeals will be acknowledged within 5 working days.

  • Resolution Period: Most appeals will be resolved within 4–8 weeks, though complex cases may take longer.

 This appeals process ensures that every author is treated fairly, every decision is transparent, and the scientific integrity of EcoBiotics: Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences is preserved.