Editors are entrusted with stewarding manuscripts through the entire publication journey from initial submission to final decision. Your primary objective is to uphold the scientific quality, integrity, and relevance of every article published in the Innovative Journal of Medical Imaging. This involves applying consistent editorial standards, ensuring fair and unbiased evaluation, and protecting the credibility of the journal.
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 fits within the scope of the Innovative Journal of Medical Imaging. The manuscript is also reviewed to ensure that the research is original, scientifically valid, and based on appropriate and clearly explained methods. In addition, editors verify whether the manuscript follows the journal’s formatting and submission guidelines. If a submission does not meet these basic requirements, it may be returned to the authors for revision or declined at this stage. Throughout this process, the journal aims to maintain clear and timely communication with authors.
IJMI 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 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 reviewer feedback, carefully evaluate the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses. Editorial decisions should be grounded in scholarly merit and the reviewers’ insights. Use the following decision categories to communicate clearly with authors:
| 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. |
As an editor, you play a key role in protecting research integrity and ethical standards. It is important to stay alert for issues such as plagiarism, duplication of text, fabricated or falsified data, unethical practices in studies involving human participants, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and duplicate or overlapping publications. If you suspect any form of misconduct, you should handle the situation carefully by following the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and consulting the Editor-in-Chief for appropriate action. Throughout this process, all manuscript details and communications must be treated as strictly confidential..
Maintain respectful, constructive, and professional communication at all stages. Whether providing revision instructions or delivering a rejection, your feedback should be clear, supportive, and aimed at strengthening scholarly work. Timely responses help build trust and enhance the author’s experience.
All submissions are confidential. Do not discuss manuscripts outside the editorial team or use unpublished information for personal advantage. Decisions must be based solely on academic quality, free from influence related to nationality, institution, gender, or commercial interests.
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, you help ensure that IJMI remains a trusted and impactful platform for researchers, clinicians, and imaging professionals worldwide. Thank you for your dedication to excellence in scholarly publishing.
For questions or clarification, please contact the Editor-in-Chief at ec@spjmhs.com
Last Updated on: 04/04/2026