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proofs
What are proofs in the context of STM journal publishing? –
Proofs, also known as galley proofs or page proofs, are the typeset version of an article that has undergone copyediting and formatting by the journal’s production team. They represent the near-final version of the article as it will appear in the published journal.
What is the purpose of reviewing proofs? –
Reviewing proofs allows authors to ensure the accuracy and integrity of their work before it is published. It offers an opportunity to identify and correct any typographical errors, formatting issues, or other minor discrepancies that may have occurred during the production process.
How are proofs provided to authors? –
Proofs are typically provided to authors in digital formats, such as PDF files or online proofing systems. The journal’s editorial office usually sends the proofs to the corresponding author via email or through an online manuscript management system.
What should I check while reviewing proofs? –
While reviewing proofs, authors should carefully check the following aspects:
- Accuracy of the content: Verify that the text, figures, tables, and equations accurately represent the intended content and any revisions made during the peer-review process.
- Formatting and layout: Ensure that the article adheres to the journal’s style guidelines, including headings, subheadings, references, citations, and any specific formatting requirements.
- Typographical errors: Look for any spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies in punctuation, capitalization, or numbering.
- Figures and tables: Examine the placement, labeling, and formatting of figures and tables, ensuring they are clear and properly referenced in the text.
Can I make changes to the content of my article during the proofing stage? –
The primary purpose of the proofing stage is to correct any errors introduced during the production process, rather than making substantial content changes. However, minor revisions or corrections related to the clarity, accuracy, or presentation of the content may be allowed. It is advisable to discuss any significant content changes with the journal’s editorial office.
What is the deadline for returning the corrected proofs? –
The journal typically provides a specific deadline for returning the corrected proofs. It is crucial to review and make the necessary corrections promptly, adhering to the given timeframe. Late submission of corrections may result in delays in the publication process.
Can I request additional changes or revisions after returning the corrected proofs? –
After returning the corrected proofs, it is generally expected that only the necessary corrections will be made. Requests for significant changes or revisions beyond the scope of typographical or minor corrections may be declined by the journal. It is advisable to discuss any additional changes with the editorial office before making them.
What happens after I return the corrected proofs? –
After you return the corrected proofs, the journal’s production team will review the changes and make the final adjustments to the article. They will incorporate the approved corrections and ensure that the article aligns with the journal’s style and production requirements.
Can errors still occur in the final published version despite proofing? –
Despite careful proofreading, some errors may still be present in the final published version. The proofing stage significantly reduces the likelihood of errors, but occasional oversights can occur. However, reputable journals take quality control measures to minimize errors and ensure the accuracy and integrity of published articles.
Can I request a second round of proofs if I discover errors after the initial review? –
In most cases, requesting a second round of proofs is not standard practice. The initial proofing stage is the primary opportunity to identify and correct errors. However, if significant errors are discovered after the initial review, it is advisable to contact the journal’s editorial office to discuss possible solutions or corrections.
Can I cite my article before it is officially published, based on the proofs? –
It is generally not recommended to cite or reference an article based solely on the proofs. Proofs are not considered the final published version and may undergo further adjustments or corrections before official publication. It is best to wait for the article to be officially published and assigned a unique identifier, such as a Digital Object Identifier (DOI), before citing it.
My article has been accepted but I have not received a pdf proof to check –
If you have not received a PDF proof to check for your accepted article, it is advisable to reach out to the journal’s editorial office or the corresponding editor to inquire about the status of the proofing process. They will be able to provide information regarding the proofing stage and whether there have been any delays or issues with sending the proofs to authors.
It is important to ensure that your email address and contact information provided during the submission process are accurate and up to date. Sometimes, technical or communication issues can occur, resulting in the non-receipt of proofs. By contacting the journal’s editorial office, you can verify if there were any problems with the delivery of the proofs or if they require any additional information from you to proceed with the proofing stage.
The editorial office will be able to guide you on the next steps and provide clarification on the process. They may resend the proofs if necessary or provide an alternative method for reviewing and approving the final version of your article before publication. Communication with the journal’s editorial team is key to resolving any concerns or discrepancies in the proofing process.
How can I contact the journal’s content manager? –
The proof notice you receive will give details of your content manager. If you have any queries prior to proof stage then email the journal’s editor whom you have dealt with to date or [email protected]
Your content manager can help you with any questions you may have about production matters. but if you have any queries about corrections to your proof then please contact the content manager through [email protected]