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How BCPHR reviews manuscripts: single-blind, two reviewers, editor-in-chief decisions.
Once articles are submitted, the managing editor conducts an initial review to ensure the manuscript meets all submission guidelines. It is then assigned to an associate editor who reads the piece to ensure it aligns with the mission and vision of the journal. The associate editor sends it to a minimum of two peer reviewers who provide substantive commentary on the manuscript.
Reviewers are expected to review manuscripts and comment on the following journal criteria. Reviewers make a recommendation regarding acceptance, revise and resubmit, or rejection.
In the event of a split decision, the associate editor may request an additional review from another peer reviewer or conduct the review themselves. The managing editor and Editors-in-Chief can also be called on to make a decision. The associate editor sends the final recommendation to the Editors-in-Chief, who make the final decision for the manuscript.
BCPHR maintains a pool of several hundred peer reviewers who are experts in clinical and behavioral medicine and public health. All are heavily vetted and trained to ensure the highest quality assessments, ensuring that each submission aligns with BCPHR's mission and vision.
Complete the BCPHR Reviewer and Editor Form, indicating and justifying areas of subject matter expertise.
Completion of a BCPHR onboarding training session.
Completion of Science's "Focus on Peer Review" training.
Submission of three peer reviews of three sample articles demonstrating competency and constructive feedback.
While extensive, this selection process ensures that BCPHR editors have access to optimal guidance in selecting articles for publication. It also ensures that all authors receive the best feedback to improve their piece, even in instances where a submission is rejected.
Peer reviewers who submit at least 4 exemplary reviews may be invited (or inquire about) joining the BCPHR Editorial Board. New editorial board members generally start as associate editors and work their way to the senior ranks of deputy and managing editor. Extensive details about becoming an editor and reviewer are available on the Join the Team page.
Reviewers are obliged to abide by the principles and standards described below, which align with the Committee on Publication Ethics Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers. Peer reviewers who join BCPHR acknowledge and agree to these conditions.
BCPHR reviews are single-blind: reviewers have access to authors' details, but authors do not know who has served as their peer reviewer. All peer review feedback, including manuscript markups, is provided anonymously to the authors at the time of author notification.
Peer reviewers maintain ownership of their reviews and are encouraged to report them via Publons/ORCID. Submitting a review to BCPHR indicates agreement to license the work for use in selecting articles for publication.
BCPHR does not restrict the use you make of your review once the manuscript has been published. However, an author's manuscript remains confidential until publication. You must not disclose any information about an unpublished manuscript, including your review of it. If the article is NOT published, you may refer to the journal and the fact that you reviewed an article, but you may not post details of the article or any part of the review that would breach confidentiality.
Peer reviewers' details are maintained in Scholastica, the platform used for managing manuscripts, peer reviews, and author notifications. Peer reviewers have a profile on Scholastica that includes their name, subject matter expertise, and organizational affiliation. If you wish to opt out, email [email protected] and your profile will be removed.
After peer review is complete, the associate editor synthesizes reviewer comments and forwards a recommendation to the Editors-in-Chief, who make the final decision.
At BCPHR, revise and resubmit (R&R) generally indicates a desire to publish the piece after revision. The first round of R&R is included in the article processing charge. Subsequent R&R rounds carry an additional fee.
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