Review process

Web Ecology performs a single-blind peer review. However, it is up to the referees to reveal their identity. Once the manuscript has been registered (as a regular manuscript or part of a special issue), the author will receive a manuscript number from the online editorial support system, the Copernicus Office Editor, and will be asked to upload the manuscript files as described in the manuscript submission.

• The Copernicus Publications Editorial Support performs an incoming inspection of the submitted files and consults the author if necessary. A plagiarism check is applied and a report is available to editors and referees (if applicable).
• The Copernicus Office Editor assigns the manuscript to the managing editor, who then assigns it to the subject editor/special issue editor covering the relevant subject areas. She/he gets access to the entire manuscript.
• The subject editor/special issue editor nominates at least two independent referees. As soon as a referee has agreed, she/he receives the manuscript.
• Once at least two independent referee reports have been received, the Copernicus Office Editor contacts the subject editor/special issue editor to read these reports and to make a decision. In addition to acceptance/rejection, the subject editor/special issue editor can request technical corrections (no further review), minor revisions (further review by subject editor/special issue editor only), as well as major revisions (further review by referees and subject editor/special issue editor).
• The Copernicus Office Editor informs the author of the manuscript about the decision and provides a link to the reports of the subject editor/special issue editor and the referees.
• For the final decision, the subject editor either directly recommends to the managing editor in charge the acceptance/rejection of the revised manuscript for publication or consults again referees. In case of acceptance or rejection, the managing editor is asked to verify the decision of the subject editor. She/he can either approve it or request additional corrections.
• The peer-review process of each manuscript is summarized in the manuscript records. Topic editors/special issue editors, authors, and referees have access to parts that concern them.