Editorial discretion

Abstract

The gold standard for publication remains the blinded peer review process where authors’ manuscripts are judged in quality and scientific worth by their peers (usually two but often more). The process itself adds weight to the findings of the paper as does the journal in which the paper, has been published. This process is often talked about as a key marker of quality, both of the paper and of the journal, however, it is only part of a larger picture. Often ignored, or indeed perhaps simply less well publicised, is the effect of editorial discretion and bias in the publication process. In truth, the decision to publish is much more complex than it appears. Editors are ultimately responsible for the decision to accept or reject a manuscript. This decision is necessary but not always transparent, taking into account factors other than reviews, such as likelihood of citation, interest, suitability for the readership and what other papers are about to be published in the journal. The Editor also considers quality, both objectively such as use of PRISMA and CONSORT guidelines and often less satisfactorily the Editor’s own standards. We have included an editorial in the …