Withdrawal Policy

Sometimes authors need to withdraw a manuscript. This policy explains how that works at each stage. Withdrawal is free at every stage.

Before Peer Review

You can withdraw freely at any point before review begins by writing to the editorial office.

During Peer Review

We discourage withdrawal once review has started, because editors and reviewers have already given their time, but we will honour a written request. Please include a short reason.

After Acceptance, Before Publication

An accepted manuscript can be withdrawn only in exceptional circumstances. Examples include a serious error found by the authors, an ethical problem they have identified, or a duplicate submission they have discovered. This requires a formal written request agreed by all authors and is subject to editorial review.

If authors stop responding to the journal after review and provisional acceptance, we treat the manuscript as withdrawn.

After Publication

Once published, an article is part of the permanent scholarly record and cannot be withdrawn. Serious errors or ethical problems found afterwards are dealt with under Corrections and Retractions and Misconduct and Sanctions, following COPE guidance.

Ethical Considerations

Withdrawing a manuscript in order to submit it elsewhere at the same time, to escape an unfavourable review, or to otherwise game the editorial process is unethical and breaches our Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement.

Author Responsibilities

By submitting to GSF, authors agree to tell the editorial office promptly and honestly about any withdrawal and the real reason for it.