Electronic submission and review process launched September 1: benefits authors, reviewers, editors, and readers

Abstract

In order to reduce the time papers spend in the review process and to provide prompt editorial decision, as of September 1, 2003, The Journal of Pediatrics has instituted an online submission and review process utilizing the Editorial Manager™ system (Aries Systems Corp). This means that authors submit papers to be considered for publication electronically, rather than through the mail, saving both time and money. Once submitted, authors can log in to the online submission portal at any time to check the progress of their papers. Authors will receive through e-mail instant notification of the decision on their papers, rather than wait for the letters to arrive in the mail. This also means that reviewers will receive an invitation to review a paper via e-mail, and, once that invitation is accepted, the reviewers have immediate access to the paper, reducing the time a paper spends “in the mail.” The review will be submitted through the online portal, again, saving both time and money. Once all required reviews are returned, the Editors receive notification that the paper is ready for decision. They can then read the reviews online and make a decision. All readers of The Journal will benefit from the greater efficiency and more rapid publication of accepted papers. This system was implemented due to the vision of our Editorial Board and a recognition by the Editorial Office of the benefits inherent in an electronic submission and review process for our authors, reviewers, editors, and readers. Establishing a completely electronic submission and review process is a high priority for The Journal. For a limited time, the editorial staff will submit papers “in proxy” for authors if mailed submissions include usable diskettes, but we strongly encourage authors to use the online submission portal when submitting manuscripts; our goal is be completely electronic by February 2004. Patience will be needed as we smooth any “rough edges” as we implement these exciting changes, but it will be worth it. We look forward to the time when, through the assistance of the authors, reviewers, editorial staff, and publisher, we wonder why we didn't take advantage of the speed and efficiency of the new system sooner.