Every manuscript submitted to a journal of The Gufo is peer reviewed. We use double-blind review: the identities of authors and reviewers are not disclosed to each other.
1. Initial assessment. The editorial office checks that the manuscript fits the journal’s aims and scope, is complete, follows the Author Guidelines and is original. Manuscripts that do not meet these requirements are declined at this stage, and the publication fee is refunded in full.
2. Editor assignment. A handling editor with expertise in the subject is assigned to the manuscript.
3. Peer review. The editor invites at least two independent reviewers with relevant expertise and no conflict of interest. Reviewers assess originality, methodology, validity of results, clarity and contribution to the field, and are asked to return their reports within 21 days.
4. Decision. Based on the reports, the editor decides to accept, request minor revision, request major revision, or reject. Authors receive the reviewers’ comments with the decision.
5. Revision. Authors revise within 14 days unless the editor sets a different period, and explain in a response how each comment was addressed. Revised manuscripts may be returned to the reviewers.
6. Final decision and production. Accepted manuscripts are copy-edited, checked by the editor and published in the current annual volume with an article ID and a DOI.
Timeline. A first decision is normally reached within six to eight weeks of submission.
Confidentiality and conflicts of interest. Reviewers and editors treat manuscripts as confidential and declare any conflict of interest; an editor never handles a manuscript in which they have a conflict.
Appeals. Authors may appeal a decision under our appeals procedure (see Policies and Standards).
