Review process

Scientific Drilling 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 executive editor, who then assigns it to the editor/special issue editor covering the relevant subject areas. She/he gets access to the entire manuscript.
• The 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 editor/special issue editor to read these reports and to make a decision. In addition to acceptance/rejection, the editor/special issue editor can request technical corrections (no further review), minor revisions (further review by editor/special issue editor only), as well as major revisions (further review by referees and 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 editor/special issue editor and the referees.
• For the final decision, the editor either directly recommends to the executive editor in charge the acceptance/rejection of the revised manuscript for publication or consults again referees. In case of acceptance or rejection, the executive editor is asked to verify the decision of the 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.