Editorial Guidelines
Who are the Editors?
International Journal of Composite Materials and Matrices. operates under the guidance of an Editorial Board, providing expert advice on content, attracting new authors, and encouraging submissions. Editorial board members play a crucial role in the scholarly publishing process. They are experts in their respective fields who are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the quality, integrity, and relevance of the content published in a Journal. This is almost always an honorary position, although board members sometimes provide peer reviews of submissions. In addition to reviewing several manuscripts per year, a member may also be asked to edit a special issue.
The Editorial Board, or Advisory Board, is a team of experts in the Journal's field. Editorial Board members:
- Review submitted manuscripts.
- Advise on Journal's focus and scope.
- Identify topics for special issues, which they may guest edit.
- Attract new authors and submissions.
- Promote the Journal to their colleagues and peers.
- Assist the editor(s) in decision-making over issues such as plagiarism claims and submissions where reviewers can't agree on a decision.
What Makes You An Editor?
Editorial Roles
The success of IJCMM hinges on its dedicated editorial team. At IJCMM, we are proud to boast a diverse group of experts who drive quality, innovation, and impact in their respective fields.
Whether you're an aspiring editor, a seasoned researcher, or simply curious about the publishing process, this section delves into the roles and responsibilities of our editorial team. Discover how they ensure excellence at every stage, from manuscript submission to publication and beyond.
Ready to learn more about their specific roles and how they contribute to IJCMM's commitment to scholarly excellence?
How to Apply?
Individuals interested in expressing their interests or applying through APID may follow these detailed steps:
1) Registration on APID
Go to APID's website and click "Sign Up." Enter your email, receive OTP, and verify. Set a password to complete the registration.
2) Apply for Advisory Board
Update your profile after registration. Select "Yes" for Editorial/Advisory Board application. Click "Update Profile" to access the application form.
3) Complete the Application
Fill out the application form completely. Ensure all information is accurate before submitting.
4) Submit Your Application
Click the "Submit" button once the form is complete. You'll receive a confirmation email upon successful submission.
5) Await Response
Your application will be reviewed by the selection committee. You'll be notified of the decision after the review process.
6) Additional Tips
Ensure your contact info is correct. Check email (including spam). Familiarize yourself with the current board and goals.
Role of Publisher
The publisher plays a vital role in supporting the editorial board in managing the Journal effectively, ensuring the publication of high-quality research, and maximizing its impact and reach within the academic community.
Strategic Direction
- Setting the strategic direction and vision for the International Journal of Composite Materials and Matrices., in consultation with the editorial board, to ensure alignment with the publisher's goals and objectives.
Quality Assurance
- Ensuring rigorous peer review and editorial standards are maintained to uphold the credibility and integrity of the Journal's content.
Publication Management
- Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including copyright, licensing, data protection, and ethical standards, to mitigate risks and liabilities.
Editorial Support
- Providing editorial support and resources to the editorial board, including guidance on editorial policies, manuscript handling, and ethical standards.
Promotion and Visibility
- Promoting the Journal to increase visibility, readership, and impact through marketing efforts, conference participation, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Access and Distribution
- Managing access to the Journal's content through subscription models, open access initiatives, and distribution channels to reach a diverse audience of readers and researchers.
Compliance and Legal Affairs
- Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including copyright, licensing, data protection, and ethical standards, to mitigate risks and liabilities.
Collaboration and Networking
- Facilitating collaboration and networking opportunities for the editorial board with researchers, institutions, and professional societies to foster academic exchange and community engagement.
Role of Journal Manager
The Journal Manager plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations and strategic oversight of the journal. This role ensures the publication process runs smoothly and that the journal meets its goals.
Editorial Oversight
- Manages the editorial process, including manuscript submission, peer review, and publication, to ensure efficiency and quality.
Team Management
- Oversees the editorial team, including editors, reviewers, and administrative staff, and provides leadership and support.
Policy Development
- Develops editorial policies and guidelines in consultation with the editorial board to maintain consistency and integrity in the peer review process.
Quality Control
- Ensures the quality and integrity of published content by enforcing editorial standards, ethical guidelines, and best practices.
Peer Review Management
- Manages the peer review process, including assigning reviewers, monitoring review timelines, and making editorial decisions based on reviewers' feedback.
Author and Reviewer Support
- Provides support and guidance to authors and reviewers throughout the submission and review process, addressing inquiries and resolving issues as needed.
Journal Promotion
- Promotes the Journal to increase visibility, readership, and submissions through marketing, networking, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Performance Monitoring
- Monitors and evaluates Journal performance, including submission rates, acceptance rates, and publication timelines, and implements improvements as necessary.
Collaboration and Networking
- Addresses conflicts or disputes that may arise during the editorial process, resolving issues in a fair and timely manner.
Conflict Resolution
- Ensures compliance with industry standards, publisher policies, and accreditation requirements to maintain the Journal's reputation and credibility.
Compliance and Accreditation
- Monitors and evaluates Journal performance, including submission rates, acceptance rates, and publication timelines, and implements improvements as necessary.
Appeals and Complaints
Generally, editorial decisions are not reversed. However, authors who think that their manuscript was rejected due to a misunderstanding or mistake may seek an explanation for the decision. Appeals must give sound reasoning and compelling evidence against the criticism raised in the rejection letter. A difference of opinion as to the interest, novelty, or suitability of the manuscript for the Journal will not be considered an appeal. Editors will consider the appeal, and the Journal Manager's decision will be final. Acceptance of the manuscript is not guaranteed even if the Journal agrees to reconsider the manuscript, and the reconsideration process may involve previous or new reviewers or editors and substantive revision.
Authors who wish to make a complaint should refer them to the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal concerned. Complaints should be raised at:
Disclaimer
Responsibility for the content published by IJCMM in any of its Journals, including any opinions expressed therein, rests exclusively with the author(s) of such content. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, IJCMM (on its behalf and on behalf of its staff and members of its editorial board) disclaims responsibility for all injury and/or damage (whether financial or otherwise) to persons or property, resulting directly or indirectly from any ideas, methods, instructions, or products (including errors in the same) referred to in the content of any of the International Journal of Composite Materials and Matrices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Editorial Responsibilities
Is STM Journals national or international?
Headquartered in India, STM Journals are national and international hybrid & open access journals that welcome article submissions from authors worldwide. You can submit your manuscript easily through our Online Submission Portal: 🔗 Submit Your Manuscript Here
What is the publication frequency?
STM Journals follow different publication frequencies depending on the journal: Triannual Journals: Published in April, August, and December. Biannual Journals: Published in June and December. You can check the exact frequency for your chosen journal on its individual page.
Are there publication fees?
Yes, STM Journals charge publication fees that vary depending on the mode of publication (Hybrid or Open Access) selected by the author. 🔗 View Detailed Publication Charges Here
What types of articles are accepted?
STM Journals accept research articles, review papers, short communications, case studies, hypothesis and technical notes.
How do I submit my manuscript to STM Journals?
You can submit your manuscript directly through the online submission system available on each journal's webpage.
Do I need to register before submitting my article?
Yes, authors are required to create an account on the submission portal before submitting their manuscript. 🔗 Register and Submit Your Article Here
How do I track my manuscript?
Authors can track the progress of their manuscript at every stage—submission, review, revision, and acceptance—through their account on the Manuscript Engine portal.
Is there a word limit for manuscripts?
Word limits vary by journal, but research articles are usually 2,000–3,000 words.
Which indexing services include STM Journals?
Indexing coverage varies for each journal. Please visit the homepage of the specific journal you are interested in to see its indexing and abstracting details.
Can I submit my article via email?
No, all manuscripts must be submitted through the online submission system. 🔗 Register and Submit Your Article Here
What languages are accepted for submission?
Submissions are accepted in English.
How long does the review process usually take?
The review process typically takes 4–6 weeks.
Is there a template for manuscript submission?
Yes, downloadable templates are available on each journal's website.
How do I format references and citations?
STM Journals follow the Vancouver style for references and citations. Authors should ensure that all references are properly formatted before submission.
Peer Review & Editorial Process
What type of peer review system does STM Journals follow?
STM Journals use a double-blind peer review system, ensuring impartial evaluation of all manuscripts. 🔗 Read the Peer Review Policy Here
Who reviews my article?
Independent subject experts and editorial board members evaluate submitted manuscripts.
Can I suggest reviewers for my manuscript?
No, authors cannot suggest reviewers. STM Journals strictly follow a double-blind peer review process, ensuring impartiality and confidentiality in the review.
How do I respond to reviewer comments?
Authors should submit a revised version with a detailed response letter addressing all reviewer points.
Can I appeal an editorial decision?
Yes, authors can appeal an editorial decision by submitting a written justification to the editorial office. 📧 Email: [email protected]
How do I know if my article is accepted or rejected?
Authors are notified via email and the manuscript engine author dashboard.
What are the common reasons for rejection?
High plagiarism, poor originality, weak methodology, or non-relevance to the journal's scope.
Can I submit my manuscript to another journal while it is under review?
No, simultaneous submissions are not allowed.
What happens after my article is accepted?
Accepted manuscripts undergo copyediting, typesetting, and final author approval before publication.
How is plagiarism checked in submitted articles?
All manuscripts are screened using plagiarism detection software Qtext before review.
Publication Fees & Charges
Are there any article processing charges (APCs)?
STM Journals follow a Hybrid + Open Access model. APCs apply for Open Access publication, while authors choosing the subscription route are charged publication fees depending on the type of publication selected. 🔗 View Detailed Publication Charges Here
Do authors have to pay submission fees?
No separate submission fees are charged. Authors are required to pay publication fees depending on the type of publication they choose. 🔗 Learn More About Publication Types and Fees
Are there waivers or discounts for authors from developing countries?
Yes, partial waivers or discounts are provided on request, depending on journal policy.
Is there a separate fee for color figures or images?
No, color figures are published online without additional charges.
Do I need to pay before acceptance or after acceptance?
Authors are required to pay APCs only after final acceptance of the manuscript.
Open Access & Copyright
What is STM Journals' Open Access policy?
STM Journals offers a Hybrid + Open Access model. Authors can choose subscription or open access. OA articles are freely available on publication.
What are the licensing terms for Open Access articles?
OA articles are licensed under CC BY-NC-ND. Authors retain copyright; non-commercial sharing with attribution; no derivatives.
Can I share my Open Access article publicly?
Share the DOI/official link; avoid uploading full files publicly.
Are there any restrictions on sharing the author copy?
Author copy is watermarked for personal reference; do not post publicly.
How can I promote my published article?
Share the DOI link via email, personal sites, or academic networks (non-commercial).
What is the copyright policy for subscription-based articles?
Authors retain copyright; CC BY-NC-ND for non-commercial academic use with attribution.
Indexing & Impact
Are STM Journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, or PubMed?
Indexing varies by title; check each journal page.
How do I know if a journal is indexed in UGC CARE?
Some titles were listed up to 2019; all follow UGC CARE peer-reviewed guidelines.
Do STM Journals provide DOI for articles?
Yes, all published articles are assigned a DOI.
How can I increase the visibility of my published article?
Share DOI/official link; present at conferences; cite in related work.
Is there an impact factor for STM Journals?
Some journals have metrics; others are under evaluation.
Ethical Guidelines
What is STM Journals' plagiarism policy?
COPE-aligned ethics across authors, reviewers, editors, and publisher.
How much plagiarism is allowed in submissions?
High single-source similarity (>10%) triggers revision; low overall but high single-source similarity is scrutinized.
How should conflicts of interest be declared?
All parties must disclose conflicts; obtain permissions for copyrighted material; ensure originality.
What is the policy on duplicate submissions?
Not allowed; misconduct investigated; corrections/retractions as needed.
Does STM Journals allow preprint submissions?
Follow journal policy; disclose any preprint posting on submission.
Special Cases & Author Support
Can I withdraw my manuscript after submission?
No penalty if within one week of acknowledgment. After that, a withdrawal charge applies; editing/review stage withdrawals incur the fee. No withdrawal post-acceptance; withdrawn items cannot be resubmitted.
Can I make corrections after publication?
Minor errors → correction notice. Substantive issues → possible retraction (COPE). Appeals allowed before the commenting deadline.
What if I want to add or remove an author after acceptance?
Requires written consent from all co-authors; submit via Manuscript Engine.
Technical Support & Communication
Who do I contact for technical support during submission?
Use the portal or email the team. 📧 [email protected]
How can I get help if I face issues with the submission portal?
Clear cache and retry; if needed, submit a support ticket via Manuscript Engine.
How do I request a certificate of publication?
Request after publication via the portal or by contacting the editorial office.
How can I access published articles for reference?
OA articles are free; subscription content via institutional access or purchase.
Where can I find detailed author guidelines for each journal?
Authors can update personal and contact details directly in their Manuscript Engine portal account. For issues, contact the editorial office via email. 📧 [email protected]
Academic Publishing and Information Database
Create your profile, manage publications, and connect with researchers worldwide.
Create Your APID Profile →