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Peer review at TC

All papers submitted to TC are reviewed by the editorial team with about 40% rejected without being sent out for external peer review on the grounds of priority, insufficient originality, scientific flaws, or the absence of a message that is important to the readers of the journal. A decision on such papers is taken very quickly, usually within 7 days.

The remaining articles are assigned to one of the Associate Editors who will send it to one or more external reviewers selected from a database of more than 3000 experts. The paper may also be sent to to a specialist statistical reviewer.



The journal supports principles of open review. Tobacco Control's reviewers are not blind to authors' identities, and are encouraged to declare their own identity in their reviews. About 40% currently do this. Open peer review does not mean that authors should contact reviewers directly to discuss their reports; all queries should still be directed through the editorial office. A decision is made based on the reviews themselves, plus the overall editorial assessment. The editor is responsible for the final decision to accept or reject a manuscript. Reasons for rejection will be indicated to the corresponding author. We aim at sending papers to reviewers within 7 days of receipt, and to complete the review process within 2 months.

The Editor can enter into correspondence about papers rejected as being unsuitable for publication, although the Editor's decision in these matters is final. The Editor retains the customary right to determine style and, if necessary, to shorten material accepted for publication.

View more information about open peer review.