Step-by-Step Workflow

  1. Manuscript Assignment
  2. Initial Evaluation
  3. Finding & Assigning Reviewers
  4. Decisions
  5. Letters to the Editor
  6. Appeals

 

When an author submits a comment letter to the journal, the manuscript is assigned to the Editor of the original article.

If you decide to accept the letter, take the following steps:
 

  1. Open a consultation session with the Editor in Chief and ask for approval.

 

  1. Upon EIC approval, select the “Accept Comment Letter” decision letter template.

 

  1. ASM Staff are copied on the decision letter and then commission the Reply from the corresponding author of the original publication.

 

  1. The Reply will be assigned to the Editor by ASM Staff (separate manuscript number from that of the Comment Letter but linked to the Comment Letter).

 

  1. If the decision is to accept, request EIC approval of the Reply by opening a consultation session.

 

  1. Upon EIC approval, accept the Reply

 

  1. ASM Staff process both the Comment Letter and the Reply for publication.