JPOII considers reasoned appeals against editorial decisions and specific complaints about editorial conduct or process. The two procedures address different questions.

Appealing an editorial decision

Send an appeal to [email protected], identifying the manuscript and decision. Explain the specific factual error, material misunderstanding, overlooked evidence or procedural issue that could affect the outcome. Address the editor’s reasons and relevant reviewer comments with a concise, evidence-based account.

Disagreement with an adverse decision alone does not establish grounds for reversal. An appeal does not guarantee additional review or acceptance. Do not submit the same manuscript elsewhere while asking the journal to resume active consideration without first clarifying its status.

Complaining about process or conduct

A complaint may concern conflicts of interest, confidentiality, inappropriate reviewer demands, discriminatory treatment, financial pressure or failure to follow a published policy. Identify the conduct, dates or correspondence and the remedy sought. Provide relevant evidence while minimizing unrelated personal or confidential information.

If the concern involves the handling editor or another person who would ordinarily assess it, identify that relationship so the matter can be referred for independent consideration. Scholarly criticism of a published article is addressed through the publication-integrity process rather than treated automatically as a conduct complaint.

Assessment and response

The journal may request clarification, review the editorial record and seek an assessment from a person outside the disputed relationship. The response should explain the outcome and any corrective steps as far as confidentiality permits. Possible outcomes include confirmation of the original decision, further assessment or a remedy for a substantiated process problem.

Complexity, evidence gathering and the need for independent input affect the time required; no fixed resolution deadline is promised. Information should be shared only with those needed to assess or resolve the matter.

Publication-integrity concerns

Suspected errors, unreliable findings or misconduct affecting a published article should identify the article and follow Publication Ethics and Corrections & Retractions. The purpose is a fair assessment and an accurate record, rather than an automatic presumption against any party.

Updated 5 October 2026 · Questions: JPOII Editorial Office