Complaints & Appeals Policy

The Celebes Nursing Journal (CNJ) is committed to ensuring that all complaints and appeals are handled with transparency, fairness, and professionalism. This policy outlines formal procedures for addressing concerns related to editorial decisions, peer-review conduct, publication ethics, and journal management.
The policy follows best practices from COPE Guidelines on Complaints and Appeals.

1. Scope of Complaints
Complaints may include:

• Alleged editorial bias
• Excessive delays in peer review
• Ethical concerns (plagiarism, authorship, COI, misconduct)
• Reviewer misconduct or inappropriate comments
• Errors in published content
• Breaches of confidentiality

All complaints are taken seriously and treated confidentially.

2. Submission Procedure
Complaints must be submitted to Editor-in-Chief of CNJ (via the official email listed on the journal website). A valid complaint must include:

• Manuscript ID or article citation
• Clear description of the issue
• Evidence (emails, review comments, screenshots, etc.)
• Name and affiliation of the complainant

CNJ will:

• Acknowledge within 5–7 business days
• Perform an internal assessment
• Initiate investigation if warranted
  
  

3. Appeals of Editorial Decisions
Authors may appeal decisions such as:

• Rejection without review
• Rejection after peer review
• Ethical assessments concerning submissions

4. Requirements for Appeal
An appeal must:

• Provide a detailed rebuttal
• Address reviewer/editor concerns point-by-point
• Include new or clarifying evidence if relevant

5. Appeal Review Process

1. Reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief
2. May be forwarded to an independent Editorial Board member
3. Manuscript may undergo additional external review
4. Final decision is issued within 4–6 weeks

The decision on appeal is final.

6. Protection of Complainants
CNJ ensures that complainants acting in good faith are protected from retaliation. All investigations are confidential.

7. Annual Review
This policy is reviewed annually and updated according to COPE appeals and complaints guidance.