Appeals & Complaints
We take all appeals and complaints seriously. Authors, reviewers, and readers may appeal editorial decisions or raise complaints about any aspect of the journal's process.
Appeals Against Editorial Decisions
If you believe an editorial decision was based on a substantive error or significant misunderstanding, you may appeal once.
How to appeal:
- Email editor@stardomjournal.org within 30 days of the decision.
- State the manuscript reference code and decision date.
- Provide a concise, evidence-based argument addressing each reviewer/editor point you contest.
- Do not simply repeat the original arguments; new evidence or a clear misinterpretation is required.
The Editor-in-Chief (or a delegated editor not previously involved) reviews the appeal. A response is provided within 6 weeks. The decision of the Editor-in-Chief is final.
Complaints
Complaints may relate to:
- Process — delays, communication, or system issues.
- Misconduct — by an author, reviewer, or editor.
- Content — published material believed to be erroneous or misleading.
- Conflicts of interest.
How to complain: Email editor@stardomjournal.org with the subject "Complaint: [topic]". The editorial office will acknowledge within 5 working days and aim to resolve the matter within 8 weeks.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may escalate the complaint to the Publisher (Stardom University), or, where applicable, to the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) at https://publicationethics.org.
Confidentiality
All appeals and complaints are handled confidentially. The journal will not retaliate against anyone who raises a good-faith concern.