All manuscripts submitted to Biometrical Letters undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review. Both the authors and the reviewers remain anonymous to each other throughout the process. Below is an overview of each stage, from submission to final decision.
Stage 1 — Initial Editorial Screening
Upon receipt, the manuscript is checked by the editorial office for the following:
- compliance with the journal's Aim and Scope;
- adherence to basic formatting and submission requirements (see Guide for Authors);
- absence of obvious ethical issues (plagiarism screening via Similarity Check).
Manuscripts that do not pass initial screening are returned to the authors without review, typically within two weeks of submission.
Stage 2 — Assignment to Editor
Manuscripts that pass initial screening are assigned to a handling editor with appropriate expertise. The handling editor assesses the scientific suitability of the manuscript and, if satisfied, proceeds to identify and invite reviewers.
Stage 3 — Reviewer Selection and Invitation
At least two independent reviewers are selected on the basis of their expertise in the relevant subject area. Reviewers are asked to declare any conflicts of interest before accepting the invitation. Once two reviewers have agreed to review, the manuscript is sent to them in anonymised form — with all author-identifying information removed.
Stage 4 — Peer Review
Reviewers are asked to submit their reports within six weeks of accepting the invitation. Each reviewer provides an independent assessment of the manuscript and a recommendation to the editor. Possible recommendations are:
- Accept — the manuscript is suitable for publication without changes;
- Minor revision — the manuscript is acceptable subject to minor corrections;
- Major revision — the manuscript requires substantial revision before it can be considered further;
- Reject — the manuscript is not suitable for publication in Biometrical Letters.
Stage 5 — Editorial Decision
The handling editor reviews the referee reports and makes a recommendation to the Editor-in-Chief, who takes the final decision. Authors are notified of the decision by e-mail, together with the anonymised reviewer reports.
Stage 6 — Revision (if required)
If revision is requested, authors are asked to submit a revised manuscript together with a point-by-point response to the reviewer comments. Minor revisions should be returned within one week; major revisions within two weeks. Revised manuscripts may be sent back to the original reviewers for a second assessment.
Stage 7 — Final Decision and Publication
Once the manuscript is accepted, it is sent to the editorial office for copyediting and typesetting. Authors will receive proofs for approval before the article is published. All articles are published in open access immediately upon publication.
Estimated Timelines
- Initial screening: up to 2 weeks from submission
- First peer-review decision: approximately 10–12 weeks from submission
- Revised manuscript review: approximately 2–4 weeks from resubmission
These are target timelines. The editorial office will keep authors informed of the status of their manuscript throughout the process.