Sample Letters Organized by Subject

This compilation of sample correspondence relates to specific situations that journal editors face when managing ethical issues, grouped by subject. Links to the corresponding section of the CSE White Paper on Publication Ethics are provided.

Plagiarism/Duplicate Publication

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

To Other Journal re: Duplicate Publication – 2.2.6 Author Responsibilities and 3.3 Reporting Suspect Manuscripts

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Authorship

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

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Peer Review

Reviewer Breach of Confidentiality – 2.3 Reviewer Roles and Responsibilities

Response to Complaint about Reviewer – 2.3 Reviewer Roles and Responsibilities

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Conflict of Interest

Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest – 2.2 Authorship and Authorship Responsibilities and 2.3 Reviewer Roles and Responsibilities

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Research Ethics

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

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Institutions

Request for Investigation by Author’s Institution – 3.3 Reporting Suspect Manuscripts

Request for Investigation by Reviewer’s Institution – 3.3 Reporting Suspect Manuscripts

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Funding

Request for Funding Agency Investigation – 2.4 Sponsor Roles and Responsibilities and 3.3 Reporting Suspect Manuscripts

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Complainant

Response to Allegation (General) – 3.3 Reporting Suspect Manuscripts

Response to Complaint about Reviewer – 2.3 Reviewer Roles and Responsibilities

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Request for Information

Request for Original Data – 3.1.2 Falsification and Fabrication of Data

Request for a Revised Figure  3.4 Digital Images and Misconduct

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Manuscript Status Notifications

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

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