Editorial Standards for JOD
Editors play a central role in protecting research integrity and ensuring high quality peer review. These guidelines outline expectations for JOD editors across screening, reviewer selection, and final recommendations. Editors help maintain the credibility of the journal and the wider field.
Fair Review
Ethical Oversight
Timely Decisions
Clear Communication
Conflict Management
Quality Assurance
Editorial Responsibilities
Initial Assessment
Confirm that submissions align with the JOD scope and meet baseline ethical and methodological standards. Flag manuscripts with unclear consent, weak methodology, or off scope topics before review. Check for complete files and adherence to author instructions.
Reviewer Selection
Invite qualified reviewers who can assess the manuscript fairly and confidentially. Avoid conflicts of interest and ensure balanced perspectives across clinical, social, and cultural dimensions. Aim for timely, constructive feedback.
Decision Guidance
Provide clear recommendations supported by reviewer feedback and your own evaluation. Encourage constructive revisions that improve rigor, clarity, and ethical compliance.
Key Editorial Expectations
Editors uphold the integrity of the journal and the scholarly record.
Communication
Editors should provide respectful, clear feedback and explain decisions when needed. Transparent communication improves the author experience and supports the quality of published research.
Support
If you need guidance on editorial policy or unusual cases, contact [email protected]. The editorial office will assist with ethical questions or process concerns. Complex cases can be escalated to senior editors.
Handling Sensitive Content
Editors should be attentive to manuscripts involving vulnerable participants, grief narratives, or end-of-life decision making. Ensure that ethical approvals are documented, anonymity is protected, and the presentation is respectful and accurate.
Decision Criteria
Final recommendations should reflect methodological rigor, originality, relevance to scope, and ethical integrity. If reviewer feedback is mixed, editors should provide a clear rationale that balances strengths, limitations, and potential impact.
Editors help ensure that research on death and dying is rigorous, ethical, and clinically meaningful. JOD values this leadership and expertise. Your leadership shapes the scholarly record and community. We value your time.
Need Editorial Support?
Email [email protected] for policy guidance or workflow questions. Typical response time is within 1-2 business days.
