ISELT Checklist for Special Editors: First In-House Review
Dear Special Editors,
Thank you for accepting the role of Special Editor for this manuscript. As part of the initial editorial process, we kindly request that you perform a preliminary in-house review guided by the checklist below. This review is essential to ensure the manuscript aligns with ISELT’s objectives and standards before it proceeds further in the editorial process.
Important Notice:
This stage is intended as a general, rapid in-house screening and is not a substitute for detailed evaluation. Please complete your review within a maximum of 48 hours. A comprehensive and in-depth assessment will be conducted during the formal external peer review phase.,
ISELT Editor-in-Chief
See: [ISELT Guide for Authors]
Instructions:
For each item, assign a score:
1. Scope and Relevance (Max: 6 points)
| No. | Criterion | Score (0–3) |
| 1 | The manuscript fits ISELT’s aims and scope | ... |
| 2 | Topic is sufficiently interesting and/or original | ... |
2. Minimum Standards: Manuscript Quality (Max: 12 points)
| No. | Criterion | Score (0–3) |
| 3 | Written in clear, accurate, and scholarly English | ... |
| 4 | Logical manuscript structure (abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion) | ... |
| 5 | Abstract is concise and effectively summarizes the manuscript | ... |
| 6 | Methodological rigor and appropriate research design | ... |
3. Manuscript Length (Max: 3 points)
| No. | Criterion | Score (0–3) |
| 7 | Within word limit (≤8,000 words, incl. references/tables/figures), or exception is well-justified | ... |
4. Referencing and Citation Style (Max: 6 points)
| No. | Criterion | Score (0–3) |
| 8 | Consistent in-text citations and reference list in APA 7th | ... |
| 9 | Hyperlinked DOIs and in-text citations linked to corresponding references | ... |
5. Formatting and Presentation (Max: 9 points)
| No. | Criterion | Score (0–3) |
| 10 | Manuscript formatting follows ISELT guidelines and templates (as per: ISELT Guide for Authors) | ... |
| 11 | Tables, figures, and supplementary materials are clear and properly labeled | ... |
| 12 |
All the required files are provided: - Main Manuscript Template (without author identifying details) - Title Page Template (Author Information) - Copyright Form Template (Form 1) - Conflict of Interest Form Template (Form 2) |
... |
6. Decision Bands
Maximum Score: 36 points
| Decision Band | Total Points | Editorial Action |
| Pass | 27–36 | Proceed to external peer review |
| Resubmit | 20–26 | Request revisions & resubmission prior to review |
| Fail | 0–19 | Desk reject |
Total Score: ________ Recommended Action: __________
7. Reviewer Suggestions (Mandatory)
Provide names, affiliation, emails, and confirm no conflict of interest.
| No. | Name | Affiliation | Conflict of Interest? (Y/N) | |
| 1 | ||||
| 2 |
8. Additional Comments (Optional)
If recommending resubmission, provide detailed feedback addressed to the author(s) regarding required revisions.
Do not reference your recommended editorial action, as editorial decisions rest with the Editor-in-Chief.
| Special Editor's Comments for the Author(s) (If resubmission is recommended) |
|
|
Thank you very much for your assistance and review.
ISELT Editorial Office