The editorial workflow follows several stages to ensure quality and transparency.

Stage 1: Initial Screening

The editorial office performs an initial screening to verify that:

• The manuscript fits the journal’s scope
• Formatting requirements are met
• The manuscript meets basic quality standards

Manuscripts failing to meet these criteria may be rejected at this stage.

Stage 2: Plagiarism Screening

All manuscripts undergo plagiarism screening using similarity detection software to ensure originality.

Manuscripts with significant similarity may be rejected or returned for revision.

Stage 3: Peer Review

Manuscripts passing the initial screening are sent for double-blind peer review, where at least two independent experts evaluate the research.

Reviewers assess the manuscript based on:

• Originality
• Research methodology
• Contribution to knowledge
• Clarity and organization
• Relevance to the journal’s scope

Stage 4: Editorial Decision

Based on the reviewers’ recommendations, the editor may decide:

• Accept the manuscript
• Request minor revisions
• Request major revisions
• Reject the manuscript

Authors receiving revision requests must submit a revised manuscript along with a response to reviewer comments.

Stage 5: Final Acceptance

After successful revisions and final evaluation by the editorial team, the manuscript is formally accepted for publication.

Stage 6: Production and Publication Process

Once a manuscript is accepted, it enters the production phase.

Copyediting – The manuscript undergoes editorial editing to improve clarity, grammar, and formatting while preserving the author’s academic content.

Typesetting – The article is formatted in accordance with the journal’s publication style.

Proofreading – Authors are provided with final proofs to review before publication.

Online Publication – The article is published in the upcoming issue and made available on the website.

Publication Timeline

Social Sustainability aims to maintain an efficient publication schedule.

Typical Timeline:

Initial editorial screening: 1–2 weeks
Peer review process: 3–6 weeks
Revision period for authors: 2–4 weeks
Final editorial decision: 1–2 weeks
Production and publication: 2–3 weeks

Total average processing time: 8–12 weeks