FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the review rounds in the Biodiversidade Brasileira journal system?

Review rounds are part of the editorial process and refer to the cyclical peer-review workflow. Each time a manuscript is evaluated and returned to the author for revisions, a new review round begins. The process continues until the article is accepted, after the authors have made the required corrections.

 

How do I start the first review round?

1. If the submitted manuscript is accepted to continue in the editorial process after the preliminary review, the editor must send the file to reviewers. Click “Send for Review” on the left side of the screen.

2. To begin the review, the editor must select the Review tab.

3. Then, invite reviewers by clicking “Add Reviewer.”

4. After sending the invitation, the editor must monitor the response and, if the reviewer accepts, wait for the completed review.

 

What should I do if the reviewers do not respond to the invitation to review the manuscript?

1. The journal system allows automatic reminders to be sent.

2. On the Review panel, click the reviewer's name and select “Send Reminder.”

3. If the reviewer still does not respond after the reminders, you may dismiss them by clicking “Dismiss Reviewer,” and then invite another reviewer by clicking “Add Reviewer.”

 

How do I start a new review round?

1. If reviewers request revisions, go to the Review tab.

2. Send the reviewer comments to the authors and request a revised version of the manuscript.

3. Once the new version is submitted, you can Start a New Review Round to send the revised manuscript to the same or to new reviewers.

 

Can I keep the same reviewers for new review rounds?

Yes, you can:

1. Access the submission under the Review tab.

2. When starting a new round, click “Add Reviewer” and select reviewers from the previous round or choose new reviewers.

 

When is it necessary to start a new review round?

A new round is generally initiated when:

• reviewers request major or substantial revisions;

• the author submits a revised version of the manuscript;

• the editor considers it necessary to obtain additional feedback or involve new reviewers.

 

How do I manage reviewer feedback for the author?

1. In the Review tab, access the reviewers’ comments.

2. Click “Add Comments” to edit or compile the feedback to be sent to the author.

3. Send the comments to the authors along with your editorial decision (request revisions, accept, reject, etc.).

4. The author will receive a notification with the reviewers’ comments and may upload a revised version.

 

What should I do when the author submits a new version after making corrections?

1. Once the author submits the revised version, it will appear in the section called Revisions.

2. The editor may analyze the new version and decide whether a new review round is needed or whether the article can be accepted.

3. If a new round is required, simply assign reviewers and start the new cycle.

 

How do I make editorial decisions after each review round?

1. After receiving the reviewers’ comments and making your decision, select one of the options on the left: Request Revisions, Accept Submission, or Reject Submission.

2. If revisions are requested, the manuscript enters a new review round when the author submits the revised version.

3. In each round, the editor may evaluate the suggestions and decide whether a new round is necessary or if the article is ready for acceptance.

 

How many review rounds can be carried out?

There is no predefined limit to the number of review rounds. The process continues until the manuscript meets the journal’s standards or is rejected.

 

What happens if the reviewers disagree in their recommendations to the editor?

1. If there is disagreement between reviewers (e.g., one accepts and another rejects), the editor may:

   • request a third opinion;

   • make a decision based on their own judgment, considering the article’s merit and the feedback provided.

2. The editor has the final authority regarding acceptance or rejection.

 

Can the author see the reviewers’ comments directly?

Yes. The editor may choose to share the reviewers’ comments directly with the author. Before sending them, the editor can review and remove any parts deemed inappropriate.

 

How do I close a review round?

1. A review round is automatically closed when the editor makes a final editorial decision (accept, reject, or request revisions).

2. If the article is accepted, it proceeds to the Copyediting stage.

3. If it is rejected, the process ends and the author is notified.

 

What should I do if the author disagrees with the requested corrections?

1. The author may respond with justifications or partial corrections.

2. The editor may evaluate these justifications and decide whether another review round is needed or if the article can be accepted based on the changes made.

3. In some cases, it may be helpful to involve the reviewers again for a final assessment.