Editor's Guidelines

The Journal of Hematology and Clinical Research (JHCR) recognizes editors as the custodians of scholarly integrity. Editors must manage manuscripts objectively, maintain confidentiality, and make unbiased decisions based solely on academic merit and journal scope.

Primary Responsibilities of Editors

• Ensure manuscripts align with the journal’s aims and scope.
• Evaluate submissions fairly, based on scientific quality and originality.
• Oversee timely and transparent peer review.
• Protect the confidentiality of authors and reviewers.
• Uphold editorial independence from commercial or political influence.

Fairness and Impartiality

Editors must assess manuscripts without discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or institutional affiliation. Decisions should reflect the work’s intellectual merit rather than external influence.

Confidentiality

Manuscripts under review must remain confidential. Editors must not disclose submission details to anyone other than reviewers and editorial staff.

Conflict of Interest Management

Editors should recuse themselves from decisions if they have conflicts of interest with authors or institutions involved. In such cases, another editor will handle the manuscript.

Peer Review Oversight

Editors must ensure that all peer review is conducted fairly, constructively, and in accordance with journal policy.

• Select qualified, independent reviewers without conflicts of interest.
• Ensure reviews remain confidential and respectful.
• Communicate reviewer feedback to authors in a clear and unbiased manner.

Editorial Decision-Making

Decisions should be based solely on the paper’s academic merit, relevance, and clarity. Editors must document their rationale for acceptances or rejections, maintaining transparency and accountability.

Ethical Responsibilities

Editors must identify and address potential ethical misconduct promptly. This includes plagiarism, data fabrication, duplicate submission, or authorship disputes. Actions must align with COPE Core Practices.

Communication with Authors

Editors are responsible for ensuring transparent, respectful communication with authors throughout the editorial process. Constructive feedback should guide authors to strengthen their work.

Timeliness and Responsiveness

Editors must handle all submissions promptly, reducing publication delays while ensuring adequate review quality.

Appeals and Complaints

Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions. Appeals must be submitted in writing with justification. The appeal is reviewed by a senior editorial panel or the Editor-in-Chief, whose decision is final.

Training and Professional Development

Editors are encouraged to attend workshops and COPE webinars to enhance their understanding of editorial ethics and emerging trends in scholarly publishing.

Handling Withdrawals and Retractions

Editors must handle retractions or corrections transparently following COPE guidelines. Withdrawn papers should be marked clearly with explanations to preserve publication integrity.

Editorial Independence

The Editor-in-Chief and editorial board members operate independently, free from commercial or sponsor interference. All decisions are grounded in the scholarly value of the work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an editor publish in JHCR?

Yes, but to avoid conflicts of interest, another independent editor handles the review and decision process.

What should an editor do if misconduct is suspected?

Follow COPE’s flowcharts for ethical investigation and notify the Editor-in-Chief immediately.

Are editors allowed to reject papers without peer review?

Yes, at the initial screening stage if the manuscript falls outside the journal’s scope or lacks scientific quality.

Contact Information

Editorial Office – Journal of Hematology and Clinical Research (JHCR)
Heighten Science Publications Inc.
Website: https://www.hematologyresjournal.com/
Email: [email protected]