Author Appeals Policy

At the Journal of Language, Literature & Social Affairs (JLLSA), we are committed to a transparent, rigorous, and fair peer review process. We acknowledge that authors may occasionally have legitimate concerns regarding editorial decisions. This appeals policy outlines the process by which authors may request reconsideration of decisions, ensuring their concerns are addressed respectfully and objectively.

1. Valid Grounds for Appeal

Authors may submit a formal appeal if they believe that:

• The decision was based on a substantial misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the manuscript.
• Factual inaccuracies in the peer review process materially influenced the editorial outcome.
• There is evidence of bias, conflict of interest, or ethical concerns that compromised the integrity of the review process.

⚠️ Appeals based solely on disagreement with reviewer opinions, without substantiated evidence, are unlikely to be considered.

2. Submitting an Appeal

Authors wishing to appeal a decision must follow these steps:

• Timeframe
  Appeals must be submitted within 20 days of the editorial decision letter. Appeals received after this period may not be considered.
• Formal Written Appeal
  Authors must submit a detailed written letter addressed to the Editor-in-Chief. This letter should:
  • Clearly state the grounds for the appeal.
  • Provide supporting evidence that highlights flaws or oversights in the review or editorial process.
  • Refer specifically to reviewer comments or editorial decisions in question.
• Revised Manuscript (if applicable)
  If the appeal involves proposed changes to the manuscript, authors may include a revised version. All changes should be clearly marked and justified in relation to reviewer comments.

3. Appeal Review Process

Upon receipt of the appeal, the following procedure is followed:

• Initial Evaluation
  The Editor-in-Chief will review the appeal letter and the editorial decision. Consultation with the handling editor or members of the editorial board may occur to assess the merits of the appeal.
• Additional Peer Review (if warranted)
  If the appeal raises substantial concerns, the manuscript may be:
  • Re-evaluated by the original reviewers (with author responses).
  • Sent to new, independent reviewers who were not involved in the original decision.

The Editor-in-Chief will decide the most appropriate course of action based on the specifics of the appeal.

• Final Decision
  Following evaluation, the Editor-in-Chief will issue a final decision. Possible outcomes include:
  • Upholding the original rejection.
  • Inviting resubmission with revisions.
  • Accepting the manuscript with or without revisions.

???? Authors will receive a written explanation detailing the rationale behind the final decision.

4. Appeal Limitations

• No Guarantee of Acceptance
  Submitting an appeal does not guarantee reversal of the original decision or manuscript acceptance. Appeals are assessed solely on their merit and alignment with the journal’s scope and standards.
• One Appeal Per Manuscript
  Only one appeal per manuscript is permitted. Repeated appeals, or those based purely on dissatisfaction with editorial judgment, will not be entertained.

5. Ethical Considerations

If an appeal raises concerns regarding ethical misconduct such as reviewer bias, undeclared conflicts of interest, or procedural irregularities the issue will be escalated to an independent ethics committee. Appropriate actions may include:

• Reassigning the manuscript to a different editor or reviewer.
• Initiating a formal investigation in accordance with COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.

6. Communication and Timelines

• Acknowledgment of Receipt
  Authors will receive confirmation of appeal submission within 5 business days.
• Review Timeline
  The appeals process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional peer reviews are necessary.

This policy ensures that authors have a fair opportunity to contest editorial decisions, while preserving the integrity of the peer review process. For further guidance, authors may contact the editorial office at https://scholarclub.org/index.php/jllsa/about/contact.