Withdrawal Policy
1. Introduction
Research Journal is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and scholarly communication. This Withdrawal Policy outlines the process for authors to withdraw their manuscripts at various stages of the peer-review and publication process.
2. Definitions
- Manuscript: A scholarly work submitted for publication in Research Journal, including original research articles, reviews, and other formats as specified by the journal.
- Submission: The formal act of uploading a manuscript to the Research Journal online submission system.
- Under Review: The period between submission and a final decision (accept, reject, revise).
- In Press: The period after acceptance and before online publication.
- Published: The online availability of the final article on the Research Journal website.
3. Withdrawal Before Review
Authors can withdraw their manuscript at any time before the peer-review process begins. To withdraw, the corresponding author must send a written request to the editorial office, stating the reason for withdrawal. No further action is required.
4. Withdrawal During Review
Authors can withdraw their manuscript while it is under review. However, withdrawal may not be possible after reviewers have been assigned or have submitted their reports. To withdraw, the corresponding author must send a written request to the editorial office, stating the reason for withdrawal. The editorial office will consult with the assigned reviewers, if any, before confirming the withdrawal.
5. Withdrawal After Acceptance (In Press)
Withdrawal of a manuscript after it has been accepted for publication is strongly discouraged. However, it may be permitted in exceptional circumstances, such as:
- Discovery of a significant error in the manuscript that cannot be adequately addressed through revision.
- Ethical concerns regarding the research or authorship.
- Legal or copyright issues.
To withdraw an In Press manuscript, the corresponding author must send a written request to the editorial office, outlining the exceptional circumstances and providing supporting documentation. The editorial board will review the request and make a final decision. If the withdrawal is approved, a notice will be published alongside the original manuscript title, stating that the manuscript has been withdrawn and the reason for withdrawal (if appropriate).
6. Consequences of Withdrawal
Withdrawal of a manuscript does not guarantee the removal of all traces of the submission from the Research Journal system. The editorial office may retain records of the submission for internal purposes and may disclose information about the withdrawal to reviewers or other relevant parties, as necessary.