Appeals Policy

1. Scope of Appeals

Authors may appeal editorial decisions (revision/rejection) only if they believe a significant factual or procedural error occurred during peer review. Appeals are not permitted for:

  • Desk rejections (pre-peer review).
  • Disagreements on novelty, interest, or scope.
  • Reviewer opinions or scientific judgment differences.

2. Valid Grounds for Appeal

Valid Grounds

Examples

Procedural Error

Reviewer identity revealed; conflict undisclosed

Factual Error

Data misinterpreted; methods wrongly assessed

Bias Evidence

Personal attacks; nationality/institution discrimination

New Evidence

Critical data omitted from original submission 

Invalid: "Unhappy with tone," "prefer faster journal," "want second opinion."

3. Appeal Procedure

  1. Submit within 30 days of decision letter receipt.
  2. Email to: editorajmrhs@gmail.com
    Subject line: Appeal - Manuscript ID [ID] - Title "[Title]"
  3. Required content (≤2 pages, PDF/Word):
    • Point-by-point response to editor/reviewer comments.
    • Specific evidence refuting errors (data, references).
    • All authors must consent (corresponding author confirms).
  4. No simultaneous submission elsewhere during appeal.

4. Appeal Review Process

Step

Timeline

Action

Receipt

Day 0

Acknowledgment sent

Editor-in-Chief Review

7-14 days

Assess validity; reject frivolous appeals

Independent Assessment

14-30 days

May consult new reviewers/editorial board member

Decision

≤45 days

Uphold original / Reconsider / Final rejection 

5. Possible Outcomes

  • Appeal Rejected: Original decision stands (final).
  • Appeal Accepted: Manuscript reconsidered (re-review possible; acceptance not guaranteed).
  • New Decision: May require substantial revision.

6. Limitations

  • One appeal per manuscript (final decision binding).
  • No legal disputes (appeal suspended).
  • Repeated appeals may result in blacklisting.
  • Appeals do not delay other manuscripts from same authors.

7. Complaints (Separate Process)

Editorial conduct, ethics violations, or policy issues follow Complaints Policy (not appeals).

Sample Appeal Letter Structure:

text

Dear Editor-in-Chief,

 

Re: Appeal - Manuscript ID [ID] - "[Title]"

 

1. Summary of original decision

2. Specific procedural/factual errors (with evidence)

3. Point-by-point reviewer responses

4. Conclusion and request for reconsideration

 

Sincerely,

[Corresponding Author]

Contact: editorajmrhs@gmail.com