Rapid Plans - Fast-Track Process

The standard peer-review process and publication are free of charge in the Journal of Surgery and Medicine (JOSAM). Additionally, JOSAM provides rapid review plans, also known as the fast-track review process, to authors who require urgent publication of their articles due to various reasons such as graduation and promotion deadlines. It is important to note that JOSAM ensures the fast-track review process does not compromise the quality of the articles and does not grant any privileges for acceptance over the standard review.

The JOSAM fast-track review process is designed to ensure a fair and robust peer review process, which enhances the credibility and integrity of academic research. Adopting a professional tone, this innovative approach accelerates the review timeline while maintaining rigorous standards. By employing a double-blind review system, where both the author and reviewer identities are concealed, JOSAM ensures unbiased evaluations. Furthermore, the stringent criteria set by JOSAM guarantees that only top-quality research gets published. With a team of expert reviewers meticulously examining each submission for methodological soundness, theoretical contribution, and practical implications, this process weeds out weak or unfounded studies. Thus, researchers and readers can have confidence in the information presented within JOSAM publications. In conclusion, JOSAM's fast-track review process strikes a delicate balance between efficiency and quality control in order to facilitate timely dissemination of groundbreaking scholarly work while upholding high standards of peer review.

Ensuring quality

Acceptance of articles is driven entirely by editorial considerations and independent peer-review, ensuring the highest standards are maintained no matter the route to publication. As a publisher, JOSAM SelSistem upholds the highest standards of ethical publishing and complies with ICMJE, COPE, and GPP-3 guidelines.

Terms and Conditions

JOSAM is a self-supporting organization and does not receive funding from any government institution/organization. Hence, the operation of the journal is solely performed by the voluntary efforts of the editors and reviewers. JOSAM, SelSistem, doesn’t have any financial agreement with the editors and reviewers. There is no charge to submit a paper to the journal. JOSAM has a standard evaluation period of 6 months with features of author-suggested reviewers. If you have an important and/or urgent paper that you want to be evaluated quickly, think Fast-track review plan (15 business days). This option is subject to a fee.

Detailed steps of a Fast-Track Review Plan

1 - Submit a manuscript, and obtain a manuscript ID; after scope and eligibility check, we offer a Fast-track plan.
2 - The rapid review process will begin after confirmation of the payment.
3 - All following processes; editorial prerequisites check, double-blind review at least by two reviewers, and editorial decision; will be concluded within 15 business days.
4 - If the manuscript is accepted for publication, the next process will be the English language accuracy check and production stage.
5 - After approval of galley proof by the corresponding author, the manuscript will be published in a future issue.

What do the rapid processing charges pay for?

Developing and maintaining quick publication, preparation in various formats for online publication, securing full-text inclusion in a number of permanent archives, and securing inclusion in CrossRef (enabling electronic citation in other journals that are available electronically). Our platform makes use of open-source software wherever possible, and all of our production work is done in-house ensuring rapid delivery of services by a highly skilled but cost-effective team. Our fees are fully transparent - you can trust us that every penny goes towards providing high-quality, sustainable publishing service, and not towards sky-high publisher profits.

Do the Rapid plans, Rapid fast-track review, and Rapid production, cover each other or academic English editing services?

No, Rapid plans do not cover each other or include English editing services, or any other service. SelSistem offers two distinct paid services: the Rapid Review Plan and the Rapid Production Plan. These plans are designed to expedite the review and publication processes, respectively. It is important to note that these plans do not include language editing services, nor do they cover each other or any other services. The Rapid Review Plan, available in both Fast-track and Ultra-Fast-track options, is ideal for those seeking a quicker review process. It is essential to understand that these plans are separate and do not include one another. Additionally, language editing services are not included in either the Rapid Review or Rapid Production Plans. At SelSistem, we understand the importance of timely and efficient service. That's why we offer these plans to help our authors achieve their goals quickly and effectively.

Why a flat charge rather than one based on page numbers?

The size of an article (including article type, article page number, and article content such as figures or tables) is not an accurate measure of the effort required for obtaining peer reviews and preparing the article for publication. A more effective criterion could be the initial state of the article upon submission and its complexity. However, the absence of objective tools to assess these factors has led us to the conclusion that implementing a flat fee is the most equitable approach at this stage.

Does the fast-track review process increase the chance of the paper’s acceptance?

No. The use of a Rapid Fast-track review process or any other referral does not enhance the likelihood of manuscript acceptance, nor does it impact the final decision, whether it be acceptance or decline. All manuscripts, regardless of their inclusion in the Rapid Review Plan or any other referral, undergo evaluation by a minimum of two reviewers. The acceptance rates for both fast-track and non-fast-track articles are comparable. It is important to note that paying a fast-track processing fee does not guarantee acceptance or increase the chances thereof. To improve the likelihood of acceptance, it is advisable to adhere to the relevant guidelines such as STROBE, CONSORT, and CARE. Supplementary Resources for improving article quality

Who is responsible for making the payment?

The individual who submits the manuscript bears the responsibility of making and arranging the payment. It is imperative that the corresponding author, upon submission, confirms their commitment to organizing the payment.

If the article is declined, is the rapid (fast-track) review process fee refunded?

No. We highly advise authors to adhere to the appropriate guidelines (STROBE, CONSORT, CARE) when preparing their articles in order to enhance the likelihood of acceptance by the journal. Please note that in the event of article rejection, fees paid will not be refunded.

If you believe that your article possesses the necessary quality for publication and requires expedited processing, we offer a fast-track review option. However, it is important to note that payment of the fast-track review fee does not guarantee acceptance. The JOSAM retains the right to decline papers that exhibit evident flaws, and the fast-track fee will not be reimbursed.

Does JOSAM offer discounts on Rapid processing charges?

We understand the challenges faced by our editors, reviewers, support team, and authors, as well as the economic crisis affecting the world. However, in order to ensure the continuous publication of our journal, we have made the decision to charge a reasonable fee. This fee covers the rapid processing charges for review and production, which enable us to provide online tools for editors and authors, facilitate article production and hosting, liaise with abstracting and indexing services, and offer other essential editorial services. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any discounts on these rapid processing charges.

Refund policy

Please note that the fees associated with the Rapid Plans, which include fast-track review and rapid production, are non-refundable under any circumstances.

The corresponding author has the right to request the withdrawal of their manuscript. However, once the payment for the Rapid (Review/Production) Plan fee has been made, no refund will be provided in the event of withdrawal.

Similarly, if the author decides to discontinue the Rapid (Fast-Track) Review Plan or Rapid production, no refund will be issued after the payment has been processed.

It is important to understand that these fees cannot be transferred to another manuscript, author, or author's paper.

We regret to inform you that we are unable to offer any discounts, credits, or refunds for fast-track articles that are withdrawn after payment has been completed.

Please be aware that the submitting author assumes full responsibility for the charges associated with the Rapid Plans, including Rapid (Fast-Track) Review Plan and Rapid production. JOSAM will not issue any refunds, except for payments made in excess of the required amount.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation regarding our refund policy. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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If you face any problems, please contact us for further guidance.

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We retain the right, at our sole discretion, to update, modify, or alter any part of these terms at any given time. It is advisable for you to review the most up-to-date version. By continuing to utilize the Rapid Fast-track Review and Rapid Production plan, you indicate your acceptance of the modifications. If you disagree with any of these terms and conditions, it is recommended that you cease using the Rapid plans.