Peer Review Process

The corresponding or submitting author uploads the manuscript through our Journal Systems platform.

The editorial office performs an initial screening to ensure conformity with the journal’s focus and scope. Manuscript structure and formatting are checked against the Author Guidelines. At this stage, minimum scholarly quality is evaluated, including methodological clarity. 

The Editor-in-Chief evaluates the manuscript’s originality, relevance, contribution, and alignment with LJSSH’s mission. Manuscripts deemed unsuitable may be declined without proceeding to peer review.

The handling editor invites reviewers whose expertise matches the manuscript's subject area and who have no conflicts of interest. LJSSH employs a strict double-blind system: reviewers do not know the authors’ identities, and authors do not know the reviewers’. Manuscripts are sent to reviewers anonymously.

Potential reviewers assess the invitation based on expertise, workload, and conflict-of-interest considerations. They may accept or decline. When declining, they may recommend alternative qualified reviewers.

Reviewers examine the manuscript thoroughly. The initial reading forms an overall impression, while subsequent readings allow detailed evaluation. If major issues arise early, reviewers may recommend rejection. Otherwise, they provide constructive, point-by-point feedback and recommend acceptance, rejection, or revision (major or minor).

The Editor-in-Chief and the handling editor assess all review reports before reaching a decision. If reviewer opinions diverge significantly, an additional reviewer may be consulted.

The editor sends the decision to the author along with anonymized reviewer comments. Reviewers are notified of the editorial outcome regarding their evaluations.