Manuscript Handling
Why does this manuscript have a red sticky note?
Why does this manuscript have a green sticky note?
This means an editor with another ASM journal has chosen to
“Accept on behalf of Microbiology Spectrum.” Check to make sure the author has responded to the final comments. Do not send this out for additional peer review.
What timelines am I expected to follow?
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Response to Editor invitation: 2 business days.
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Editorial Rejection decisions: 4-5 business days.
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Decisions post-review: 30 calendar days.
(See the Initial Evaluation page for details).
Peer Review
A reviewer told me that they are co-reviewing their paper with their postdoc. Can the postdoc receive credit for the co-review?
I’m having trouble finding reviewers. What can I do?
If an author submits a manuscript that was originally reviewed at a non-ASM journal, may we consider those reviews?
Yes, we welcome submissions that include reviewer comments from a non-ASM journal.
You may make a decision based on these comments for an expedited review or ask for further external advice if needed.
Read more about transfering to Microbiology Spectrum here.
Can I extend the deadline for a reivewer?
Yes, if a reviewer requests more time, you can extend their due date by going into the "Tasks" tab of the article and clicking on the "Extend review deadline" link.
Decisions
I have a manuscript in which the reviewers suggested that the English needs to be improved. May I still accept it?
If language problems render the meaning unclear, please return the manuscript to the author for text modifications. Perhaps recommend a
language editing service to the author using the
template snippet in the modifications decision letter.
I’m ready to accept a manuscript, but there are minor issues with the text (i.e., minor typos, references are not formatted). May I still accept it, or should I send it back to the author?
Yes, minor errors in the text will be addressed during production. But if there are major language issues or missing material, please return the manuscript to the author for text-only modifications before accepting it.
I’m editorially rejecting a manuscript prior to peer review. In the decision letter template, whose signature appears?
The signature for editorial rejections (before peer review) is that of the editor in chief. For decisions post-review, the editor’s name appears.
Policies
What should I do if I or a reviewer has ethical concerns about a manuscript?
Bring all ethical concerns to the editor in chief and ASM staff.
This includes:
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Comments from reviewers regarding concerns.
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Editorial concerns regarding reviewer or author behavior.
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Concerns raised by readers, authors or other colleagues regarding articles published in the journal.
Read more about publishing ethics.
What is the journal’s preprint policy?
We consider manuscripts that authors have posted in a recognized preprint archive.
Read ASM Journal's
Preprint Policy.
I received an email from an author requesting an appeal. What do I do?
