Quality Measures
We take pride in the quality of the books we publish. We implement various pre-acceptance, post-acceptance and post-publication measures to ensure the quality of our books.
Pre-acceptance quality measures
Selection of appropriate editors: We select appropriately qualified editors with relevant publication track record. Editors have full editorial freedom and the editors’ decision is final. The publisher neither interferes not influence editorial decisions. The roles and responsibilities of book editors are given here.
Author responsibilities: Authors should strictly adhere to the guidelines. The roles and responsibilities of authors are available here.
Double-blind peer review of chapter proposals: All chapter proposals undergo a double-blind peer review. This is to avoid prejudice against authors based on status, nationality, gender, religion, race or any other factors. The focus is on what is being proposed rather than who proposed it.
Manuscript Preparation Guidelines: Our manuscript preparation guidelines are based on the ICMJE recommendations for ‘Preparing a Manuscript’.
Plagiarism check: All submitted chapters undergo plagiarism check using iThenticate. Only articles that pass plagiarism check are sent out for peer review. Our peer review policy is available here.
Permission and copyright statement: Where relevant, authors should obtain permission from copyright holders to ensure that the use of images, data and illustrations in the chapters do not violate copyright laws. It is mandatory that the authors declare these in the chapter.
Conflict of interest: All authors and editors should declare any relevant conflict of interest. Our conflict of interest policy is given here.
Expert peer review: While chapter proposals undergo a double-blind peer review, chapters that pass the preliminary and plagiarism check will undergo single-blind peer review by the editor of the book. Our peer review policy is available here.
Post-acceptance Quality Measures
Copyediting: All accepted chapters undergo extensive copyediting with emphasis on spelling, grammar, punctuation, consistency, and cross-referencing. Dois of references are identified via Crossref and incorporated.
Typesetting: The copyedited chapters undergo typesetting as per our style guide and publication-ready pdfs are created.
Proof reading: Publication-ready pdfs are proof-read before being published.
Post-publication quality measures
Corrections: If an error in any of the published chapter is brought to our attention, we will publish an Erratum or Corrigendum on our website.
Retraction: Proof of scientific misconduct will lead to retraction of a published chapter. Other issues will be dealt with on a case-by-case based on the retraction guidelines of COPE. The retracted chapter and the reason(s) for retraction will be clearly stated.
Copyright violation: If a copyright violation in any of the published chapters is brought to the attention of the publisher, the publisher will notify the author for correspondence and/or all authors of the chapter. It is the responsibility of the author(s) to settle issues with the copyright holder. The publisher cannot be held responsible for such copyright violations.