Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The International Journal of Law and Society (IJLS) aims to make the submission, review, and publication process as smooth and transparent as possible. Below are some frequently asked questions that may assist authors, reviewers, and readers.

For Authors

1. How do I submit my manuscript to IJLS?

Manuscripts should be submitted through our online submission system. You will need to create an account if you do not already have one. Detailed submission guidelines can be found on the journal’s website.

2. What types of articles does IJLS accept?

IJLS accepts a variety of manuscript types, including original research articles, review articles, short communications, case studies, and technical notes. Each type has specific guidelines regarding length and structure, which can be found in the author guidelines section.

3. Is there a word limit for submissions?

Yes, manuscripts should typically be between 3,500 and 8,000 words, including references, figures, and tables. Some exceptions may apply, so authors are encouraged to consult the author guidelines or contact the editorial office if they have questions.

4. What is the review process for my manuscript?

IJLS uses a double-blind peer review process, where both the reviewers and authors remain anonymous. Each manuscript is reviewed by at least two independent experts. The process usually takes between 6 to 8 weeks, depending on reviewer availability and the nature of the revisions required.

5. How can I track the status of my submission?

You can track the status of your manuscript by logging into the online submission system. The status will be updated at each stage of the review and editorial process.

6. Is there a fee for publishing in IJLS?

Yes, IJLS operates under an open-access model and charges an Article Processing Charge (APC) once a manuscript is accepted for publication. The APC covers the costs associated with peer review, editing, and online hosting. There are no submission fees.

7. How long does it take for my article to be published?

Once accepted, the manuscript goes through copyediting, typesetting, and proofreading. This process typically takes 4-6 weeks. After final approval of the proofs by the author, the article will be published online.

8. Can I submit supplementary material with my manuscript?

Yes, supplementary materials such as datasets, additional figures, or appendices can be submitted alongside your manuscript. These materials will be made available to readers as part of the published article.

For Reviewers

1. How do I become a reviewer for IJLS?

If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, you can register on the journal’s website and update your profile with your areas of expertise. The editorial board may invite you to review manuscripts that match your expertise.

2. What should I do if I cannot complete a review on time?

If you are unable to complete the review within the requested timeframe, please inform the Editor as soon as possible. Extensions can often be arranged, or the manuscript may be reassigned to another reviewer.

3. How should I handle a manuscript if I suspect plagiarism?

If you suspect plagiarism, please report your concerns to the Editor. Do not attempt to investigate further or contact the authors directly. The editorial team will handle any necessary inquiries.

4. Will I receive feedback on my review?

Yes, reviewers will receive feedback on their reviews from the Editor, particularly if there are areas that could be improved. IJLS values the contributions of its reviewers and aims to support them in providing high-quality feedback.

5. How can I keep track of my reviews?

Reviewers can keep track of their reviews through the online submission system. Additionally, IJLS encourages reviewers to link their reviews to their ORCID or Publons profiles to receive formal recognition.

For Readers

1. How can I access articles published in IJLS?

All articles published in IJLS are open-access and can be freely accessed on the journal’s website. Articles are available in both PDF and HTML formats for easy reading and downloading.

2. Can I reuse content published in IJLS?

Yes, all content published in IJLS is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. This means you can share and adapt the material for any purpose, even commercially, as long as you provide proper attribution to the original source.

3. How can I stay updated with the latest research published in IJLS?

You can stay updated by subscribing to our email alerts or RSS feeds, which will notify you when new articles are published. You can also follow us on social media platforms where we regularly post updates about new publications and journal news.

4. How do I cite an article from IJLS?

Each article published in IJLS has a Digital Object Identifier (DOI), which provides a permanent link to the article. You should include the DOI when citing an article, following the citation style recommended in your field (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

5. Who can I contact if I have a question that isn’t answered here?

For any additional questions, you can contact the editorial office via the contact information provided on the journal’s website. We aim to respond to all inquiries promptly.