Sentinel Research & Policy Institute

Editorial Review

Reviewer Instructions

Thank you for supporting Sentinel Research & Policy Institute (SRPI). This form is used for all phases of review, including Initial Review, Editorial Review, Handling Editor Decision, and final Editor-in-Chief approval. The form will display different questions based on the role you select.

Before You Start

  • Open the manuscript file you were assigned and confirm you are reviewing the correct version (Original, Round 1, Round 2, or Final).
  • Set aside 10–20 minutes for article reviews, and longer for book or chapter reviews.
  • If you believe you were assigned the wrong manuscript or role, stop and contact the SRPI editorial team before submitting the form.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete the Form

  1. Enter your name and email so SRPI can match your review to the correct assignment.
  2. Select your Role in Review Process carefully. This controls what sections appear.
    • Initial Reviewer: Technical quality only (writing, clarity, formatting, citations).
    • Editorial Reviewer: Scholarly merit (originality, contribution, relevance, accessibility).
    • Handling Editor: Synthesize reviewer feedback and produce a consolidated recommendation.
    • Editor-in-Chief: Make the final publication decision.
  3. Confirm the Publication Type and Manuscript Type (Journal Article, Magazine Article, Book Manuscript, or Book Chapter).
  4. Complete the rating questions using the 1–5 scale.
  5. Use the checkboxes to flag issues. Only the “Suggestions” boxes require written comments.
  6. Provide your Final Recommendation when prompted.
  7. Complete the conflict-of-interest question, then sign and date the form.
  8. Submit the form once. Your submission becomes part of the official editorial record.

How to Use the 1–5 Rating Scale

  1. Serious deficiencies
  2. Below acceptable standard
  3. Acceptable but needs improvement
  4. Strong
  5. Excellent / publication-ready

Role Guidance (Quick Reference)

  • Initial Reviewers: Focus on grammar, writing style, clarity, formatting, citation errors, and overall academic quality of writing. Do not assess originality or contribution to the field.
  • Editorial Reviewers: Focus on originality, contribution to scholarship, relevance to current research or policy debates, accessibility to non-specialists, and credibility of sources and citations. Do not spend time on minor grammar unless it affects comprehension.
  • Handling Editors: Consolidate reviewer input into a clear summary for the author and a defensible recommendation for the Editor-in-Chief.
  • Editor-in-Chief: Reviews the full record and issues the final decision.

Confidentiality and Professionalism

Please treat manuscripts and the review process as confidential. Do not distribute submissions or discuss them outside the review process. If you identify a potential conflict of interest, select “Potential conflict” in the form and notify the SRPI editorial team.

Need Help?

If the form does not load properly, refresh the page or open the form in a new tab. If you need clarification about your assignment, contact the SRPI editorial team.