Desk Transfer

This policy is designed to optimize the editorial workflow, enhance manuscript handling, and provide a better experience for both authors and reviewers.

Purpose of Desk Transfer Policy

The primary purpose of the desk transfer policy is to streamline the manuscript submission and review process. When a manuscript does not align with the scope or focus of a particular journal, the desk transfer policy enables the swift and informed redirection of the submission to a more appropriate journal within ETFLIN's portfolio. This policy ensures that manuscripts find their ideal editorial home, increasing the chances of successful publication and fostering a collaborative and efficient publishing environment.

Key Principles

1. Efficiency and Timeliness

Efficiency is at the core of the desk transfer policy. Manuscripts are promptly assessed upon submission, and if deemed more suitable for a different journal within the publisher's portfolio, they are quickly transferred. This enhances the overall speed of the editorial process and reduces delays in the publication timeline.

2. Transparent Communication

Authors are kept informed throughout the desk transfer process. They are provided with clear explanations for the transfer and are given the opportunity to accept or decline the transfer. Transparent communication ensures authors understand the rationale behind the transfer and are able to make informed decisions.

3. Reviewer Engagement

In cases of desk transfer, efforts are made to retain and engage the original set of reviewers, ensuring that the valuable insights provided during the initial review are utilized efficiently. This minimizes the burden on reviewers and optimizes the peer review process.

4. Maintaining Quality Standards

Transferring manuscripts carefully considers the alignment between the manuscript and the new target journal's scope and criteria. This ensures that the transferred manuscripts meet the quality standards and expectations of the receiving journal.

Implementation Process

• Initial Manuscript Assessment: Upon manuscript submission, the editorial team conducts an initial assessment to determine its fit with the intended journal's scope.
• Identification of Suitable Journals: If the manuscript is not aligned with the intended journal, potential journals within ETFLIN's portfolio that align better with the manuscript's content and focus are identified.
• Author Notification and Consent: Authors are promptly notified of the suggested transfer, along with the rationale for the transfer and the identified target journal. Authors are given the option to accept or decline the transfer.
• Reviewer Engagement: If the transfer is accepted, efforts are made to retain the original reviewers. The manuscript is then transferred to the target journal's editorial team for further evaluation.
• Editorial Evaluation: The manuscript undergoes a thorough evaluation by the new journal's editorial team, following their standard peer review process.