Author Inactivity and Non-Responsiveness

Journal of Marine Studies (JoMS) is committed to maintaining a timely, transparent, and high-quality editorial process. Active participation and prompt communication from authors are essential to ensure the integrity, efficiency, and fairness of scholarly publishing. This policy outlines how JoMS manages cases of author inactivity or non-responsiveness during the submission, review, and revision stages.

1. Definition of Author Inactivity

Author inactivity refers to the absence of any response or communication from the corresponding author regarding editorial correspondence—such as revision requests, decision notifications, or clarification inquiries—within a reasonable timeframe. Inactivity is determined when the corresponding author fails to respond, request an extension, or provide a valid explanation for the delay.

2. Definition of Non-Responsiveness

Non-responsiveness is a specific form of inactivity characterized by the failure to reply to direct communications from editors or reviewers, including decision letters, revision instructions, or additional information requests. This includes instances where an author has received messages via the submission system or email but does not acknowledge or respond to them within the specified period.

3. Standard Response Expectations

Authors are expected to maintain timely and consistent communication throughout the editorial process. The standard response period for revision requests is the timeframe stated in the decision letter (typically up to five months). If the author does not submit a revised manuscript or respond to the editorial office within five (5) months—and no prior communication or extension request has been received—the submission will be considered inactive.

4. Editorial Actions for Inactive Submissions

Once a manuscript is classified as inactive, the editorial office will:

• Send a final reminder to the corresponding author, requesting a response within a specified grace period (usually 14 days);
• If no response is received after the final reminder, the submission will be formally withdrawn from the journal’s editorial system;
• The author will be notified of the withdrawal decision and advised to submit a new manuscript if they wish to continue the publication process in the future.

This procedure ensures the effective management of editorial resources and helps maintain an efficient workflow for active submissions.

5. Consequences of Repeated Inactivity or Non-Responsiveness

Authors who demonstrate repeated patterns of inactivity or non-responsiveness across multiple submissions may face the following measures:

• Temporary restrictions on submitting new manuscripts to JoMS;
• Documentation of inactivity in the journal’s editorial records; and
• Consideration of prior non-responsiveness during future editorial assessments.

These measures aim to uphold fairness and respect for the time and effort invested by editors and peer reviewers.

6. Requesting Extensions

Authors who anticipate delays in responding to editorial or reviewer communications are encouraged to contact the editorial office as early as possible via joms@unimal.ac.id to request an extension. Extension requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, considering the author’s circumstances and the stage of the editorial process.

7. Appealing a Withdrawal Decision

If a manuscript has been withdrawn due to inactivity, authors may appeal the decision within thirty (30) days of receiving the withdrawal notice. The appeal must include a written explanation outlining the reasons for the inactivity and justification for reinstating the submission. The editorial team will review the appeal and determine whether the manuscript may be reactivated or whether a new submission is required.

8. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with best practices in scholarly publishing and editorial management. Updates may be implemented as needed to reflect evolving standards or operational requirements. Authors are advised to consult the most recent version of this policy before submitting or managing a manuscript.

9. Contact Information

For questions or further clarification regarding this policy, please contact the editorial office at:
joms@unimal.ac.id