Peer Review Process

All submissions to Digital Communication Research undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure academic quality, originality, and relevance to the journal’s scope.

  1. Initial Editorial Screening
  • Upon submission, each manuscript is first evaluated by the editorial team to determine its fit with the journal’s focus and scope.
  • Manuscripts that do not meet the basic standards of quality, originality, or formatting requirements will be desk rejected without external review.
  1. Double-Blind Peer Review
  • Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are sent to two independent reviewers with expertise in the relevant field.
  • The identities of both the authors and reviewers are kept confidential throughout the review process.
  • Reviewers are asked to evaluate the manuscript based on:
    • Originality and contribution to the field
    • Theoretical and/or methodological rigor
    • Clarity of writing and organization
    • Ethical research standards
    • Relevance to the journal’s focus on digital communication
  1. Review Timeline
  • The typical review period is 6 to 8 weeks, though it may vary depending on reviewer availability and the complexity of the manuscript.
  • Authors are encouraged to be patient during this process and will be notified of any delays.
  1. Editorial Decision

           Based on the reviewers' recommendations, the editor will make one of the following decisions:

  • Accept
  • Accept with Minor Revisions
  • Revise and Resubmit (Major Revisions)
  • Reject

          Authors receiving a "Revise and Resubmit" decision must submit a detailed response letter addressing
          each reviewer comment along with a revised manuscript.

  1. Final Acceptance and Publication
  • Once a manuscript is accepted, it will undergo final editing and proofreading before publication.
  • Accepted articles are published online-first and later assigned to a regular issue.
  1. Reviewer Ethics and Confidentiality
  • Reviewers are expected to provide objective, constructive, and timely feedback.
  • They must declare any potential conflicts of interest and maintain strict confidentiality throughout the process.
  • Any form of unethical behavior or research misconduct discovered during review will be reported and handled in accordance with COPE guidelines.

If you are interested in becoming a reviewer for Digital Communication Research, please contact the editorial office or register as a reviewer in our online submission system.