The editor in chief has very broad discretion in determining whether a paper is an appropriate fit for their journal. Many papers are declined with a very general comment of the rejection decision. These decisions are not eligible for formal appeal unless the author believes the decision to reject the paper was based on an error in the review of the paper, in which case the author may appeal the decision by providing the Editor with a detailed written description of the error they believe occurred. In these cases for PCDP, the editor in chief considers one of the expert members of the editorial board responsible for the handling of this complaint to examine the arguments of the authors. The Board’s decision on appeals is final. We will investigate the complaint in a timely manner and will contact you by email to discuss your complaint and the findings of the investigation, within 28 days of our acknowledgment letter.
If the author believes the decision regarding their paper was affected by a publication ethics breach, the author may contact PCDP with a detailed written description of their concern, and information supporting the concern, at ………...
Complaints Procedure
The appeal shall be submitted within 28 days from the date of receipt of the Board’s decision. You may contact PCDP with a detailed written description of your concern, and information supporting the concern, at ………………….
PCDP will acknowledge receipt of your complaint and investigate your complaint in line with relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), where applicable.