Complaints and appeals
How to appeal a decision, and how to complain about the journal itself.
Appealing an editorial decision
An author may appeal any editorial decision, including a desk rejection. Write to rrs@caravelpress.com within 30 days of the decision, quoting the reference number, and set out specifically what in the assessment you believe is mistaken.
An appeal must engage with the reasons given. A restatement of the paper's importance is not an appeal. New data, a correction of a factual error in a review, or evidence that a reviewer misunderstood the method all are.
Acknowledged within five working days
You are told the appeal has been received and who is handling it.
Considered by someone who did not decide
The appeal is assessed by an editor who took no part in the original decision. Further independent review may be sought.
Answered in writing
You receive a reasoned decision. The decision of the editor-in-chief on an appeal is final, and there is one appeal per submission.
An appeal does not hold the manuscript. You are free to submit elsewhere at any point, and should tell us if you do.