English Language Editing

A great deal of important research in computational social science comes from countries where English is not the first language, and JCSI welcomes it. What we need is that every published article reads clearly, so sometimes a manuscript will need language editing before it can be published.

When Editing Is Needed

Editors and reviewers judge whether the English is clear enough to publish. If unclear phrasing, grammatical errors or awkward sentences could get in the way of a reader understanding the science, we may return the manuscript and ask for language editing before it moves on in review or production.

Fee

When the journal's language editing is required, a fee of $179 USD applies, whatever the article type, in addition to the standard Article Processing Charge. It covers professional editing for grammar, clarity and readability. It does not change the science, the data or the conclusions, which remain the authors' responsibility.

What Editing Does Not Do

• It does not replace peer review of the science, methods or conclusions
• It does not check data accuracy or statistics
• It does not guarantee acceptance

An edited manuscript still goes through full double-blind peer review and is accepted, revised or rejected on its merits.

Your Options

You are welcome to use any professional editing service you prefer before submitting. If your manuscript then meets the standard at screening, you won't need the journal's service or pay its fee.

Independence from Decisions

Whether a manuscript needs editing, and whether a fee is paid, has no influence on peer review or on the decision to accept or reject.