Publication Workflow
From submission to publication: a transparent, rigorous process ensuring the highest academic standards.
Submission
Author submits the manuscript through the online portal with all required files and metadata.
- Author registers and completes the multi-step submission form
- Manuscript uploaded as .docx with anonymized content
- Cover page with author details uploaded separately
- AI disclosure, funding, and conflict of interest confirmed
- Automatic confirmation email with tracking ID sent to author
Editorial Check
The editorial office performs an initial screening for scope, originality, and compliance with author guidelines.
- Scope check: Does the manuscript fall within PLJ's aims and scope?
- Format check: Does it comply with formatting and word count requirements?
- Originality check: Preliminary plagiarism screening
- Anonymization check: Verify all author identifiers are removed
- Decision: Send to review, return for revision, or desk reject
Peer Review
The manuscript is sent to at least two independent reviewers with relevant expertise in a double-blind process.
- Editor assigns 2+ reviewers based on subject-matter expertise
- Reviewers receive an invitation with a 3-week review deadline
- Reviewers evaluate: originality, methodology, analysis, contribution, and clarity
- Reviewers submit recommendation: Accept / Minor Revisions / Major Revisions / Reject
- Reviewers provide detailed comments to authors and confidential comments to editor
Editorial Decision
The editor reviews all recommendations and makes a decision, communicated to the author with reviewer comments.
- Accept: No changes required (rare for initial submission)
- Minor Revisions: Small changes; no re-review required
- Major Revisions: Substantial changes; re-review required
- Reject: Manuscript not suitable for publication
- Author receives decision letter with all anonymized reviewer comments
Revision & Resubmission
If revisions are required, the author revises the manuscript and submits a response to reviewers.
- Author revises manuscript addressing all reviewer comments
- Author submits a point-by-point response document
- Revised manuscript re-sent to original reviewers for re-review
- If accepted, manuscript moves to production; if further revisions needed, cycle repeats
Copyediting
The manuscript undergoes professional copyediting for grammar, style, and consistency.
- Copyeditor reviews for language, grammar, and readability
- Citation style consistency checked (NALT or OSCOLA)
- Author receives copyedited manuscript for review and approval
- Author returns any corrections within 5 business days
Typesetting & Proofreading
The manuscript is typeset into the journal template and proofread.
- Manuscript formatted into PLJ article template
- DOI assigned and registered with Crossref
- Page numbers, headers, and footers applied
- Author receives page proofs for final review
- Author returns corrections within 3 business days
Publication
The article is published in the assigned issue and made freely available online.
- Article published in the next scheduled issue (June or December)
- Article available as open-access PDF under CC BY 4.0
- DOI active and resolvable
- Metadata deposited with indexing databases
- Author receives publication notification
Possible Outcomes
Accept
Manuscript accepted for publication (rare on first submission)
Minor Revisions
Small changes required; no re-review needed
Major Revisions
Substantial changes required; re-review necessary
Reject
Manuscript not suitable for PLJ
Typical Timeline
6-8
Weeks to first decision
14-18
Weeks to publication (accepted)
2
Issues per year (June & December)
OJS Compatibility
This workflow is designed to be fully compatible with Open Journal Systems (OJS). All submission metadata, review states, and editorial decisions map directly to OJS fields, enabling seamless future migration to OJS for peer review management.