Author FAQs
Editorial Procedures & Peer Review
How are manuscripts evaluated?
Manuscripts undergo initial editorial screening followed by double-blind peer review by ≥2 independent experts, assessing originality, methodology, significance, and ethics.
Does nationality/gender influence decisions?
No. Editorial decisions are based solely on scientific merit per COPE/ICMJE fair play policy.
What peer review type is used?
Double-blind: Author and reviewer identities concealed throughout.
How many reviewers assess manuscripts?
Typically 2 independent experts; third reviewer if conflicting opinions.
Can reviewers use AI tools?
No. Reviewers prohibited from uploading/sharing manuscripts with AI platforms.
Are reviewers accountable?
Yes, feedback monitored for objectivity, fairness, and COPE compliance.
How is editorial independence guaranteed?
Decisions made independently, free from publisher, sponsor, or institutional influence.
What if I suspect reviewer bias?
File formal appeal within 30 days with evidence; Editor-in-Chief reassesses.
Can editors submit their own manuscripts?
Yes, but handled by independent editors to ensure transparency.
Submission, Acceptance & Scope
What submission types are accepted?
Original research, systematic reviews, clinical trials, case reports (CARE), short communications.
How should manuscripts be prepared?
Follow Author Guidelines (ICMJE, CONSORT/PRISMA/STROBE, Vancouver references, blinded files).
What are key acceptance criteria?
Originality, methodological rigor, relevance to scope, ethical compliance, significant contribution.
Can I submit simultaneously elsewhere?
No. Multiple submissions result in immediate rejection and blacklisting.
What if outside journal scope?
Desk-rejected with explanation; resubmission allowed if revised to fit scope.
Can I appeal desk rejection?
Yes, within 14 days for reassessment by different editor.
What are submission deadlines?
Rolling submissions; quarterly issues (Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec).
Can I withdraw after submission?
Yes, via formal written request. Post-review withdrawals incur 12-month ban.
Are there word limits?
Original research ≤3,000 words; reviews ≤5,000; case reports ≤2,000 (excl. references/tables).
Authorship & Contributor Policies
How is authorship determined?
ICMJE criteria: substantial contribution + drafting/revision + approval + accountability.
Can authors be added/removed post-submission?
Yes, with written consent from all authors and editorial approval.
Post-acceptance authorship changes?
Exceptional cases only, full justification required.
Post-publication changes?
No, except proven misconduct (ghost/guest authorship).
Authorship disputes?
Resolve internally pre-submission; journal does not arbitrate.
Equal contributions?
Note in acknowledgments or CRediT taxonomy section.
Non-author contributors?
Acknowledge with consent (technical support, funding, writing assistance).
Author non-approval?
Cannot submit until all listed authors consent.
Global South author support?
Language editing assistance, waived fees, priority fair review.
Gender equity?
Actively monitored; encourages underrepresented group submissions.
Ethical Standards & Misconduct
Plagiarism screening?
iThenticate/CrossCheck on all submissions.
What constitutes plagiarism?
Uncredited text/data/ideas, self-plagiarism, duplicate publication.
Plagiarism consequences?
Rejection + institutional reporting.
Data fabrication/falsification?
Inventing/manipulating data/images/results.
Data manipulation consequences?
Rejection/retraction + institutional notification.
Retrospective ethics approval?
No, only prospective IRB approval accepted.
All studies need ethics approval?
Yes, unless fully anonymized public data or regulatory exempt.
Ethics reporting location?
Methods section + IRB Statement page.
AI-generated content policy?
Cannot be author; use must be disclosed in acknowledgments.
AI-generated images?
No, except when AI image generation is research subject.
Publication & Post-Publication
Publication fees?
No APCs (diamond open access).
DOI assignment?
Yes, Crossref DOIs for all articles.
Copyright policy?
Authors retain copyright; non-exclusive publishing license.
License type?
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
Self-archiving allowed?
Yes (personal, institutional, ResearchGate).
Digital preservation?
LOCKSS/CLOCKSS/Portico + PKP Preservation Network.
Post-publication corrections?
Errata/corrigenda/retractions per severity.
Retraction notice?
Formal statement explaining withdrawal reasons.
Retraction appeal?
Once only; Editor-in-Chief decision final.
Post-publication discussion?
Letters to Editor + PubPeer permitted.
Conflicts of Interest, Funding & Citations
Conflicts declaration required?
Yes, dedicated section for all parties.
No conflicts statement?
"The authors declare no conflicts of interest.".
Reviewers/editors declare conflicts?
Yes; recuse if conflicted.
Funding disclosure?
Yes, "Funding" section pre-acknowledgments.
No funding statement?
"This research received no external funding.".
Self-citation policy?
≤5% of reference list.
Single author citation limit?
≤2 times or 5% of references.
Citation manipulation consequences?
Rejection/correction.
Preprints/unpublished citations?
Yes, clearly labeled as preprint/working paper.
Transparency, Privacy & Complaints
Editorial misconduct complaint?
Email editorajmrhs@gmail.com with evidence.
Anonymous complaints?
Yes (ProtonMail/TorGuard).
Personal data protection?
Confidential; not shared with third parties.
Journal funding source?
Medicolegal Publications (no commercial funding).
ORCID required?
Strongly recommended for all authors.
Next Call for Papers?
Rolling submissions; submit anytime.
Copyright holder?
Authors retain copyright.
APCs?
None; no hidden fees.
Manuscript Guidelines location?
Author Guidelines page.
Submission method?
Online system: Make a Submission link.
Updated: December 30, 2025
Contact: editorajmrhs@gmail.com
