Review Process
Overview
The American Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences (AJEES) follows a double-blind peer review process to ensure that submitted manuscripts are evaluated fairly, objectively, and rigorously. Both authors and reviewers remain anonymous throughout the review cycle to maintain academic integrity and eliminate potential bias.
Steps
Step: Initial Editorial Screening
Description: Manuscripts are first assessed by the editorial office for completeness, formatting compliance, and suitability with the journal’s aims and scope. Submissions that fail to meet basic standards are returned to the authors for correction or may be declined without review.
Step: Assignment to Reviewers
Description: Eligible manuscripts are sent to at least two independent subject-matter experts, selected for their technical expertise and impartiality.
Step: Double-Blind Peer Review
Description: Reviewers evaluate the manuscript’s originality, scientific rigor, clarity, methodological soundness, and ethical standards. Constructive feedback and a recommendation (Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject) are submitted.
Step: Author Revisions
Description: If revisions are requested, authors receive detailed comments and must submit a revised manuscript along with a response letter addressing reviewer feedback.
Step: Final Editorial Decision
Description: Revised submissions are reviewed again by the editorial team (and occasionally the reviewers). The Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision based on reviewer input and manuscript quality.
Step: Copyediting & Proofreading
Description: Accepted manuscripts undergo language editing, formatting, and typesetting before being prepared for publication.
Step: Publication & DOI Assignment
Description: The final version is published online as an open-access article with a DOI for indexing and citation purposes.
Review Criteria
Criterion: Originality
Description: Does the manuscript present novel concepts, methodologies, or findings in environmental or earth sciences?
Criterion: Scientific Rigor
Description: Are the data, methods, and analysis robust, valid, and appropriately documented?
Criterion: Clarity & Organization
Description: Is the manuscript logically structured, clearly written, and professionally formatted?
Criterion: Scope Relevance
Description: Does the article align with the journal's focus on environmental and earth sciences?
Criterion: Ethical Standards
Description: Are ethical guidelines followed, including proper citation, data transparency, and research integrity?
Review Timeline
Editorial Screening: 3–5 days
Peer Review: 3–4 weeks
Revision Time: 2–3 weeks (minor revisions) or 4–6 weeks (major revisions)
Final Decision: 1–2 weeks after resubmission
Publication After Acceptance: 7–10 days
Reviewer Guidelines
Expectations:
- Provide fair, evidence-based, and constructive evaluations.
- Maintain confidentiality and do not share or disclose manuscript content.
- Identify methodological or ethical concerns clearly.
- Ensure relevant citations and prior work are appropriately acknowledged.
- Report any suspected plagiarism or unethical practices.
Reviewer Recognition:
- Reviewers receive a Certificate of Review Contribution upon request.
- Outstanding reviewers may be invited to join the editorial board.
- Top reviewers may qualify for APC discounts or special acknowledgments.