Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Editor Center > Frequently asked questions
Review answers to common questions and concerns about handling manuscripts, evaluating submissions, and managing peer review responsibilities for Academic Editors.
Invitations to handle manuscripts
How many manuscripts should I expect to handle?
You are not expected to agree to every invitation you receive. On average, we ask you to aim for 1–2 new assignments per month, and a minimum of six per year. If you do agree to an invitation, please handle the manuscript through to a final decision.
I am receiving too many, too few, or off-topic invitations.
Most invitations are matched by term, so they will not always align perfectly with your expertise. If you are receiving too many, too few, or manuscripts that are far outside your field, please contact us at edboardsupport@plos.org.
Do I need to respond to invitations within 24 hours?
We understand that your time is limited. Our “within 24 hours” message is a guideline. Please respond as soon as you can, even if you decide to decline the invitation to handle the manuscript.
I agreed to handle a manuscript but now it is unavailable.
We invite multiple editors to handle a paper. Sometimes another editor accepts before you do. This is normal and no further action is needed on your part.
Our how to guides
Initial evaluation
The manuscript has been poorly written. Should I reject it?
If the research is rigorous but the language is poor, you should suggest revisions rather than rejecting. If the issues persist after revision and the manuscript still fails our publication criteria, a rejection decision may be appropriate. Contact your journal office if you are unsure and would like further support.
Do authors receive copy editing support?
We do not provide in-house copyediting. We encourage authors to utilize professional language and copyediting services if needed prior to submission.
The manuscript does not include results.
Please check the manuscript article type again. Some types like Lab Protocols, Study Protocols, and Registered Report Protocols do not contain results. Our individual journal pages provide further information on the type of articles that are published.
Initial evaluation
We do not provide in-house copyediting. We encourage authors to utilize professional language and copyediting services if needed prior to submission.
Please check the manuscript article type again. Some types like Lab Protocols, Study Protocols, and Registered Report Protocols do not contain results. Our individual journal pages provide further information on the type of articles that are published.
Finding and securing reviewers
How many reviewers should I invite at once?
We recommend inviting eight reviewers initially and queueing alternates. Editorial Manager will automatically invite alternate reviewers if others decline or do not respond.
Can I use the Editorial Manager database to find reviewers?
You use Editorial Manager to send invitations, but it is not designed for accurate searching due to the large number of uncurated accounts. Please confirm reviewer expertise and contact details using external sources such as ResearchGate or university websites.
Can I change the review deadline?
For some of our journals this is possible, within reason. We recommend not extending the deadline beyond 21 days.
Do I need to send reviewer reminders?
No. Editorial Manager sends automatic reminders to both invited and agreed reviewers. Agreed reviewers can request an extension of up to two weeks, or longer with your approval.
Why was a late reviewer removed?
If a reviewer is excessively overdue, Editorial Manager will remove them from the assignment after sending reminders. If you expect their review soon, you may reinvite them.
All reviewers have declined. What are my options?
Rejection decisions must be made on the basis of the publication criteria only, and difficulty securing reviewers is not an acceptable reason to reject a paper.
Consider these options based on your journal:
For Editors of:
PLOS One, PLOS Climate, PLOS Global Public Health, PLOS Mental Health, and PLOS Water
- You must secure at least one external reviewer, before making a decision.
For Editors of:
PLOS Aging and Health, PLOS Complex Systems, PLOS Computational Biology, PLOS Digital Health, PLOS Ecosystems, PLOS Genetics, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, PLOS Pathogens, and PLOS Sustainability and Transformation
- You must secure at least two external reviewers before accepting. You may proceed with one if you decide to reject the manuscript.
Can I review the paper myself?
In addition to the mandatory external reviewers required for your journal, you can review the manuscript yourself but you must sign your name in the review or add your comments directly into the decision letter.
If you cannot secure any reviewers after four weeks and multiple attempts, contact your journal office for help.
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