This compilation of sample correspondence relates to specific situations that journal editors face when managing ethical issues, grouped by recipient. Links to the corresponding section of the CSE White Paper on Publication Ethics are provided.
Editor to Corresponding Author
Manuscript Overlap (before publication) – 3.1.3. Piracy and Plagiarism
Manuscript Overlap (after publication) – 3.1.3. Piracy and Plagiarism
Figure Duplication – 3.1.3. Piracy and Plagiarism
Request for Original Data – 3.1.2 Falsification and Fabrication of Data
Request for a Revised Figure – 3.4 Digital Images and Misconduct
Addition or Deletion of Author before Publication – 2.2.5 Changes to the Author Byline
Addition or Deletion of Author after Publication – 2.2.5 Changes to the Author Byline
Authorship Dispute – 2.2 Authorship and Authorship Responsibilities and 2.1.9 Addressing Authorship Disputes
Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest – 2.2 Authorship and Authorship Responsibilities and 2.3 Reviewer Roles and Responsibilities
Clinical Trial Not Registered – 2.2.6 Author Responsibilities
Request to Comply with RCT Reporting Guidelines – 2.1 Editor Roles and Responsibilities
Human/Animal Research Protections – 2.2.6 Author Responsibilities and 3.1.1 Mistreatment of Research Subjects
Manuscript on Hold Pending Further Investigation – 3.3 Reporting Suspect Manuscripts
Rejection of Manuscript after Journal Investigation – 3.3 Reporting Suspect Manuscripts
Response When Editor Remains Concerned after Author Responses – 3.3 Reporting Suspect Manuscripts
Response When Authors Have Responded Satisfactorily to Initial Concerns – 3.3 Reporting Suspect Manuscripts
Editor to Reviewer
Reviewer Breach of Confidentiality – 2.3 Reviewer Roles and Responsibilities
Editor to Editor
To Other Journal re: Duplicate Publication – 2.2.6 Author Responsibilities and 3.3 Reporting Suspect Manuscripts
Editor to Funder
Request for Funding Agency Investigation – 2.4 Sponsor Roles and Responsibilities and 3.3 Reporting Suspect Manuscripts
Editor to Complainant
Response to Allegation (General) – 3.3 Reporting Suspect Manuscripts
Response to Complaint about Reviewer – 2.3 Reviewer Roles and Responsibilities
Editor to Institution
Request for Investigation by Author’s Institution – 3.3 Reporting Suspect Manuscripts
Request for Investigation by Reviewer’s Institution – 3.3 Reporting Suspect Manuscripts