During the Editorial Office Assessment stage, Synthesis and Sintering meticulously checks submitted manuscripts to verify compliance with the journal’s Author Guidelines. This involves checking the paper’s composition and arrangement to ensure the inclusion of all required items and adherence to specified stylizations. It’s important to note that the quality of the paper is not assessed at this initial stage, focusing solely on verifying adherence to submission requirements.

At the stage of appraisal by the Editor-in-Chief, manuscripts undergo a thorough evaluation to determine their suitability for publication. The Editor-in-Chief assesses whether the paper aligns with the journal’s scope, ensuring it is sufficiently original and interesting. If the manuscript does not meet these criteria, it may be rejected without undergoing further review. Additionally, the Editor-in-Chief may appoint a Handling Editor to oversee the peer review process. 

In the stage of Invitation to Reviewers, either the Editor-in-Chief or a designated Handling Editor extends invitations to individuals, typically two, deemed suitable for reviewing the manuscript. Potential reviewers consider the invitation according to their expertise, conflicts of interest, and availability. They then accept or decline the invitation. If declining, they may also suggest alternative reviewers. This process ensures that the review panel comprises experts capable of providing valuable insights and evaluations, thereby upholding the standards of peer review at Synthesis and Sintering.

During the Review Process, reviewers dedicate time to thoroughly examine the manuscript. Initially, they read the paper to form an initial impression of the work. If major issues are identified at this stage, the reviewer may consider rejecting the paper without further assessment. Otherwise, they proceed to read the paper several more times, making detailed notes to construct a comprehensive point-by-point review. Subsequently, the review is submitted to the journal along with a recommendation to either accept or reject the manuscript or with a revision request. This review process ensures the quality and integrity of publications in Synthesis and Sintering.

In the stage of journal evaluation of reviews, the Handling Editor carefully considers all returned reviews to inform the overall decision-making process. If the reviews present varying perspectives, the editor may invite an additional reviewer to provide an extra opinion before reaching a final decision. This thorough evaluation ensures that decisions regarding manuscript acceptance or rejection are well-informed and uphold the high standards of quality at Synthesis and Sintering.

Following the editorial deliberation, the Handling Editor sends an email to the corresponding author conveying the decision, along with any pertinent reviewer comments. These comments remain anonymous, providing constructive feedback while preserving reviewer confidentiality. This communication ensures authors are informed of the outcome and equipped with valuable insights to enhance their manuscript, aligning with the commitment to excellence in scholarly publishing at Synthesis and Sintering.

In cases where revisions are required, reviewers may expect to receive a new version unless they have opted out of further participation. In instances where only minor changes are requested, the Handling Editor may undertake the follow-up review. This comprehensive approach ensures effective communication and collaboration throughout the publication process at Synthesis and Sintering.

Upon acceptance, the manuscript undergoes a series of steps as it progresses toward publication. Firstly, the author is typically notified of the acceptance decision and provided with any necessary instructions required for the publication process. The manuscript is then forwarded to the production team, where it undergoes copyediting, typesetting, and formatting to ensure compliance with the journal’s style and standards. Figures, tables, and other elements are also reviewed and formatted as needed. Once the production process is complete, the manuscript is prepared for online publication, including the assignment of DOI (Digital Object Identifier) and inclusion in the journal’s online platform. Throughout this process, the production team works closely with the author to address any queries or concerns, ensuring a smooth transition from acceptance to publication.