Complaints and Appeals Policy
Commitment to Fairness and Transparency
JCRELC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity, fairness, and transparency. This policy outlines the procedures for handling complaints and appeals related to editorial decisions, peer review, and journal conduct.
The Journal of Creative Research in English Literature and Culture (JCRELC) follows the guidelines established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) for handling complaints and appeals. We are dedicated to resolving concerns in a timely, fair, and transparent manner while maintaining the integrity of the publication process.
1. Scope of This Policy
This policy applies to all stakeholders involved in the journal's publication process, including:
Authors
Concerns about editorial decisions, peer review, or publication ethics
Reviewers
Concerns about manuscript handling or editorial conduct
Readers
Concerns about published content or journal conduct
Institutions
Concerns about research integrity or journal practices
2. Types of Complaints
Editorial Decisions
- Rejection of manuscript
- Request for major revisions
- Decision not aligned with reviewer recommendations
- Perceived bias in editorial decision-making
- Delays in editorial processing
Peer Review Process
- Unfair or biased reviewer comments
- Conflict of interest by reviewers
- Breach of confidentiality
- Unprofessional reviewer conduct
- Unreasonable reviewer requests
Publication Ethics
- Suspected plagiarism or duplicate publication
- Data fabrication or falsification
- Authorship disputes
- Conflict of interest not disclosed
- Ethical concerns about research
Journal Conduct
- Unprofessional conduct by editorial staff
- Lack of transparency in journal policies
- Misrepresentation of journal metrics
- Predatory practices
- Violation of author rights
3. Submitting a Complaint
Complaints should be submitted in writing to the editorial office. The following information should be included:
Required Information
- Full name and contact information
- Manuscript title and DOI (if applicable)
- Nature of the complaint
- Detailed description of the concern
- Supporting evidence or documentation
- Desired resolution
Submission Methods
- Email: info@jcrelc.com
- Online Form: Available on our website
- Phone: +91-7665235235
- Postal: Editorial Office, SPARC Institute, Bikaner
Note: All complaints will be acknowledged within 3-5 working days of receipt.
4. Complaint Handling Process
Receipt and Acknowledgment
The editorial office acknowledges receipt of the complaint within 3-5 working days and assigns a reference number.
Initial Review
The complaint is reviewed by the editorial team to determine if it falls within the scope of this policy and if it has merit.
Investigation
A thorough investigation is conducted by the appropriate committee or individual. This may include consultation with reviewers, editors, or external experts.
Resolution and Response
A resolution is determined and communicated to the complainant in writing, including the rationale for the decision.
5. Appeals Process
Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions. The appeals process follows these principles:
Grounds for Appeal
- Procedural irregularities in the review process
- Clear misunderstanding of the manuscript's content
- Bias or conflict of interest by reviewers or editors
- New evidence that was unavailable during initial review
- Significant errors in the decision-making process
Appeal Submission
- Submit in writing within 30 days of decision
- Clearly state the grounds for appeal
- Provide supporting evidence
- Propose how the concerns could be addressed
- Decision on appeal is final
Note: Appeals are reviewed by a senior editor or the Editor-in-Chief who was not involved in the original decision.
6. Timeline for Resolution
Working Days for Acknowledgment
Working Days for Initial Assessment
Weeks for Investigation
Weeks for Appeal Resolution
Important Notes
- Timelines may be extended for complex cases requiring external review
- Complainants will be notified of any delays
- Urgent matters may be expedited
- Parties will be kept informed of progress throughout the process
7. Editorial Review
When an appeal is received, the following process is followed:
Review of Records
All relevant files, correspondence, and reviewer comments are reviewed.
Expert Consultation
Additional expert opinions may be sought for complex cases.
Final Decision
The Editor-in-Chief makes a final decision based on all available information.
8. Confidentiality
Protecting Confidentiality
All complaints and appeals are handled with the utmost confidentiality. Information is shared only with those directly involved in the investigation and resolution process.
Confidentiality Principles
- Complainant Identity: Protected unless disclosure is necessary for the investigation
- Reviewer Identity: Protected in accordance with double-blind review principles
- Manuscript Content: Not shared beyond those involved in the investigation
- Internal Communications: Kept confidential to ensure open discussion
- Resolution Details: Shared only with relevant parties
9. Possible Outcomes
Complaint Upheld
If the complaint is upheld, the journal will take appropriate action, which may include:
- Re-evaluation of the decision
- Apology to the complainant
- Correction of published content
- Retraction of articles (if warranted)
- Revision of journal policies
- Training for editorial staff
Complaint Not Upheld
If the complaint is not upheld, the journal will:
- Provide a clear rationale for the decision
- Explain the evidence reviewed
- Ensure the process was conducted fairly
- Maintain transparency in communication
- Provide options for further appeal if available
- Suggest alternative courses of action
COPE Compliance
Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
JCRELC follows the COPE guidelines for handling complaints and appeals. The journal's procedures are aligned with COPE's best practices for:
- Handling complaints about editorial decisions
- Addressing concerns about research integrity
- Managing authorship disputes
- Investigating plagiarism and data fabrication
- Maintaining transparent communication
Related Policies
Need to File a Complaint or Appeal?
If you have a complaint or wish to appeal an editorial decision, please contact our editorial office using the following methods:
+91-7665235235
Please include "Complaint" or "Appeal" in your email subject line for faster response.