Editors are responsible for handling manuscripts from submission to the final publication decision. They make sure that every article published in the Innovative Journal of Medical Imaging is of good quality, scientifically accurate, and relevant to the journal. Editors follow the same editorial standards for all submissions, ensure a fair and unbiased review process, and maintain the journal's integrity and reputation.
At the initial stage of the review process, editors carefully assess each submitted manuscript to determine whether it is suitable for further evaluation. They first check if the topic is suitable within the scope of the journal. The manuscript is also reviewed to ensure that the research is original, scientifically valid, and based on appropriate and clearly explained methods. Additionally, editors verify whether the manuscript follows the journal’s formatting and submission guidelines. If a submission does not meet these basic requirements, the manuscript may be returned to the authors for revision or declined at this stage.
The journal follows a double-blind peer review system to maintain fairness and objectivity in the evaluation process. In this system, both the authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other. Editors are responsible for selecting qualified reviewers who have relevant subject or domain expertise and no conflicts of interest. They must also ensure that reviewers are given clear guidance and adequate time, usually around 2–3 weeks, to complete their reviews. Throughout the process, editors monitor the progress of reviews, send polite reminders when necessary, and make sure that confidentiality and anonymity are strictly maintained at all times.
After receiving the reviewers' comments, the editor should carefully assess the manuscript by considering its strengths and weaknesses. The final decision should be based on the quality of the research and the reviewers' recommendations. The following decision categories are used to clearly inform authors about the status of their manuscript:
| Decision | Meaning & Required Action |
|---|---|
| Accept as is | The manuscript meets all criteria and is ready for publication. |
| Accept after minor revisions | Only small clarifications or corrections are needed. Authors should resubmit within 5–7 days. |
| Reconsider after major revisions | Substantive revisions are required. The revised manuscript will be re-evaluated, possibly with additional review. |
| Reject with encouragement to resubmit | The topic is of interest, but significant reworking is needed. Authors may submit a new version in the future. |
| Reject | The manuscript does not meet the journal's standards or falls outside its scope. |
Editors are responsible for maintaining ethical standards and the integrity of the publication process. They should be alert to issues such as plagiarism, duplicate submissions, fabricated or falsified data, unethical research involving human participants, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and duplicate publications. If any ethical concern is identified, the editor should follow the journal's ethical policies and the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The Editor-in-Chief should be consulted before taking any action. All information related to the manuscript and the review process must be kept strictly confidential.
Editors should communicate with authors in a respectful, professional, and helpful manner at every stage of the publication process. Whether asking for revisions or informing an author about rejection, feedback should be clear, polite, and useful for improving the manuscript. Editors should also respond on time to ensure a smooth and positive publication experience.
Editors must keep all submitted manuscripts and review details confidential. Manuscripts should not be shared or discussed with anyone outside the editorial team. Unpublished information must not be used for personal benefit. Editorial decisions should be based only on the quality and scientific value of the manuscript, without bias based on the author's nationality, institution, gender, or any personal or commercial interest.
We encourage editors to engage in ongoing learning through webinars, workshops, and editorial networks. SPJ Publications may provide training on peer review management, ethics, and journal policies to support your growth and effectiveness in the role. Your editorial leadership is vital to the success and reputation of the Innovative Journal of Medical Imaging. By adhering to these guidelines, the editorial team ensure that the journal remains a trusted and impactful platform for researchers, clinicians, and imaging professionals worldwide.
For questions or clarification, please contact the page.
Last Updated on: 04/04/2026