Editor Guidelines
Standards and responsibilities for JCDP editorial board members.
Leading Diagnostic Pathology Review
JCDP editors play a vital role in maintaining publication quality and advancing diagnostic science. These guidelines outline expectations and responsibilities for editorial board members handling pathology manuscripts.
Manuscript Handling
Evaluate submissions for scope fit and quality, select appropriate reviewers, and make fair editorial decisions based on scientific merit.
Review Coordination
Manage peer review timelines, provide constructive guidance to reviewers, and synthesize feedback for authors effectively.
Quality Assurance
Ensure published content meets JCDP standards for diagnostic rigor, methodology, and scientific presentation.
- Maintain confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and review process
- Disclose and recuse from conflicts of interest promptly
- Handle allegations of misconduct according to COPE guidelines
- Make decisions based solely on scientific merit and diagnostic relevance
Independence: Editorial decisions are based on scientific quality and scope relevance. External pressures, author identity, or commercial considerations do not influence manuscript handling decisions.
Editors should aim to assign reviewers within 7 days of receipt and render decisions within 14 days of receiving complete reviews. Prompt communication with authors maintains efficient workflows and positive author experience.
Prompt, professional communication is essential for efficient manuscript handling. Respond to editorial correspondence within specified timeframes. If unavailable temporarily, notify the editorial office to enable reassignment and prevent delays.
Senior editors may mentor early-career editorial board members in manuscript handling and decision-making. Such mentorship strengthens the editorial community while developing next-generation leadership in diagnostic pathology publishing.
