Information for Authors
The Journal of Clinical Ethics accepts original manuscripts, case reports, commentaries, and letters to the editor. It is a double-blinded, peer-reviewed journal. Authors may contact the editorial staff from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. U.S. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
The majority of articles published in The
Journal of Clinical Ethics are subject to double-blinded peer
review: that is, manuscripts are reviewed by experts who do so without
remuneration. Some reviewers are members of the Editorial Board of
JCE. Members of the Editorial Board receive a complimentary print
subscription to the journal and no other compensation.
Double-blinded indicates that
reviewers do not know the names of authors, and authors do not know the
names of reviewers. The names of authors and reviewers are known to the
managing editor; manuscripts are assigned a number, and their progress
through the peer-review process is tracked using this number. Unless a
reviewer gives the managing editor permission, the reviewer’s identity
will not be revealed to an author or to anyone else.
Reviewers’ comments may be sent to other
reviewers of the same manuscript, and reviewers may be notified of the
Editors’ decision regarding the publication of a manuscript.
Reviewers must disclose to the managing editor any conflict of interest that could bias their opinion of a manuscript, and should disqualify themselves from reviewing a manuscript when appropriate. Reviewers should not use knowledge of a work before publication to further their own interest.
Some articles are invited by Editors, and,
as a result, are not subject to the blinded peer-review process;
instead, the manuscripts are reviewed by the Editors.
The double-blinded peer-review process typically takes eight to 12 weeks. At the end of this time, authors will receive notice regarding the status of their manuscript. Typically, a decision will be one of the following:
Accepted for publication as submitted.
Accepted for publication pending minor revision by the author(s) as recommended by the reviewers.
The reviewers recommend major revision before the manuscript is considered for publication. The revised manuscript will re-enter the review process after the major revision is complete. When possible, the original reviewers will review the revised manuscript.
Not accepted for publication.
The Editors may accept or reject a manuscript according to its suitability and the needs of the journal.
The Editors welcome questions and comments, which may be addressed to Leslie LeBlanc, managing editor, at 219 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740 USA; 240-420-8850; editorial@clinicalethics.com