Peer review process

Before the JRAS sends a submission out for external peer review, it is assessed internally by the editors to determine whether the submission falls within the journal’s remit and meets basic standards for academic publishing. Should a manuscript fail in either of these regards, it will be rejected without undergoing external peer review.

If the editors decide to proceed with external peer review, the submission will be evaluated by at least two readers on a double-anonymous basis. The JRAS categorically refuses all requests to reveal reviewers’ identities.

Contributors are welcome to recommend via ScholarOne the names of potential qualified reviewers who are at ‘arm’s length’ from the author and, more importantly, the names of potential reviewers whom they would prefer to be excluded from consideration. The JRAS, however, is under no obligation to honour these requests. The journal also maintains the right to add or change reviewers at any stage during the review process as circumstance dictates.

Turnaround time

It generally takes around two months for a manuscript to receive its first set of reviewers’ reports. Occasionally this can take longer if it proves difficult to find two willing readers whose expertise falls within the requisite areas or when a reviewer who has previously agreed to report on a manuscript fails to do so.

Appeals

To appeal an editorial decision, please contact the Editor (at mb@royalasiaticsociety.org) and specify the reason for your appeal. 

Your appeal will be reviewed by the Editor and/or an Editor who did not review the manuscript. The final decision regarding your appeal will rest with the JRA Editor and Editorial Board.