1. Initial checks
The editorial office checks scope, file completeness, declarations, basic ethics information, authorship details, and technical readiness before editorial assessment.
Publishing standards
Editorial process for GAP journals
GAP uses a staged editorial workflow so authors, reviewers, and editors understand how manuscripts move from submission to publication.
2. Editorial assessment
An editor considers fit, originality, reporting quality, and whether the manuscript is ready for external review. Manuscripts may be returned before review when requirements are not met.
3. Peer review
Suitable manuscripts are sent to independent reviewers. Reviewers are asked to provide evidence-based, respectful, confidential assessments.
4. Decision and revision
Editors consider reviewer reports, author responses, ethical checks, and journal scope before reaching a decision or requesting revision.
5. Production
Accepted content moves through copy preparation, layout, metadata checks, author proof review, DOI or identifier preparation where applicable, and online publication.
6. Post-publication record
Corrections, clarifications, expressions of concern, or retractions may be issued when needed to protect the scholarly record.