The practice of peer review is to ensure that good science is published. It is an objective process at the heart of good scholarly publishing and is carried out on all reputable scientific journals. Our referees therefore play a vital role in maintaining the high standards of Pattern Recognition Letters and all manuscripts are peer reviewed following the procedure outlined below.
Special issues may have different peer review procedures involving Guest Editors. Authors contributing to these projects may receive full details of the peer review process on request from the Editorial Office, patrec@elsevier.com.
Initial manuscript evaluation
The Editor-in-Chief first evaluates all manuscripts. It is rare, but it is entirely feasible for an exceptional manuscript to be accepted at this stage. Reasons for rejection at this stage include insufficient originality and scientific merits, obvious technical flaws, poor writing, inappropriate length, and improper match to the aims and scope of the journal. Those that meet the minimum criteria are passed on to an Area editor or an Associate editor for further evaluation, and if satisfactory, for peer review typically by two external experts.
Type of Peer Review
This journal employs single blind review, where the referee remains anonymous throughout the process.
How the referee is selected
The Editor-in-Chief may choose to assign the paper to reviewers directly, or delegate this task to an Area Editor or Associate Editor. In both cases, referees are matched to the paper according to their expertise. Our database is constantly being updated. We welcome suggestions for referees from the author, through these recommendations may or may not be used.
Referee reports
Referees are asked to evaluate whether the manuscript:
- Is original
- Is methodologically sound
- Has results which are clearly presented and support the conclusions
- Correctly references previous relevant work
Referees are not expected to correct or copyedit manuscripts. Language correction is not part of the peer review process. Authors wishing to hire language editing services may consider the companies International Science Editing (http://www.internationalscienceediting) or Asia Science Editing (http://www.asiascienceediting.com). Please note Elsevier neither endorses nor takes responsibility for any products, goods or services offered by outside vendors through our services or in any advertising.
How long does the review process take?
Typically the manuscript will be reviewed within four months, but review time may be longer or shorter in individual cases. Should the referees' reports contradict one another or a report be unnecessarily delayed, a further expert opinion will be sought. Revised manuscripts are usually returned to the initial referees within two weeks. Referees may request more than one revision of a manuscript.
Editor-in-Chief's Decision is final
If the Editor-in-Chief has asked an Area Editor or Associate Editor to assign referees to a paper, the member of the Editorial Board gives a decision recommendation to the Editor-in-Chief based on the referee reports. The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for the final decision to accept or reject the article.
Final report
The final decision to accept or reject the manuscript will be sent to the author along with any recommendations made by the Editor-in-Chief, the Area Editor or Associate Editor (if involved) and by the referees, and may include verbatim comments by the referees, the Associate Editor, the Area Editor and the Editor-in-Chief.
Becoming a Referee for Pattern Recognition Letters
If you are not currently a referee for Pattern Recognition Letters, but would like to be added to the list of referees for this title, please contact the Editorial Office at patrec@elsevier.com. The benefits of refereeing for Pattern Recognition Letters include the opportunity to see and evaluate the latest work in your research area at an early stage, and to be acknowledged in an annual statement in Pattern Recognition Letters if you have reviewed a manuscript in the preceding twelve months. You may also be able to cite your work for Pattern Recognition Letters as part of your professional development requirements for various professional societies and organisations.
