Author Appeals Policy

Author Appeals Policy

AJALHRR guarantees a transparent and equitable appeals system for authors submitting humanities and linguistic research. Peer review maintains quality and scholarly rigor, while appeals provide a structured process to contest decisions.

1. Valid Grounds for Appeal

Appeals may be made if authors believe:

  • Editorial decisions were influenced by misinterpretation of manuscript content, theory, or methodology

  • Reviewer feedback contained inaccuracies affecting the decision

  • Reviewer/editorial bias, conflict of interest, or procedural errors occurred

❗ General disagreement with reviewers’ opinions without clear evidence is insufficient.

2. Submitting an Appeal

Timeframe: Submit within 20 days of notification. Late appeals are considered only in exceptional cases.

Submission Format: Address written appeal to Editor-in-Chief 

Required content:

  • Clear grounds for appeal

  • References to reviewer/editorial comments

  • Supporting evidence or corrections

  • Optional revised manuscript and point-by-point responses

3. Appeal Review Process

Initial Assessment: Editor-in-Chief reviews the appeal and supporting documents, consulting the handling editor or board members as needed.

Further Evaluation: May include:

  • Reconsulting original reviewers

  • Independent reviewers without prior involvement

  • Advice from neutral board or ethics advisors

Final Decision: Decisions may include:

  • Uphold original rejection

  • Invite revision and resubmission

  • Accept manuscript (with or without revisions)

Written explanation provided to authors.

4. Appeal Limitations

  • One appeal per manuscript

  • Submission does not guarantee decision change

  • Repetitive or baseless appeals will be dismissed

5. Ethical Considerations

Ethical issues raised are referred to the AJALHRR Ethics Committee, possibly resulting in reassigning editors or formal COPE-compliant investigation.

6. Communication and Timeline

  • Acknowledgment: Within 5 business days

  • Resolution: Typically 4–8 weeks

AJALHRR ensures fairness, transparency, and integrity in humanities and linguistic research publications.