Publication Process – Islamic Journal of Cultural Studies (IJCS)
The Islamic Journal of Cultural Studies (IJCS) follows a rigorous and transparent publication process to ensure the highest academic quality and integrity. The publication workflow is as follows:
1. Manuscript Submission
Authors submit their manuscripts via the official online submission system. All submissions must follow the IJCS Author Guidelines, including formatting, referencing style, ethical standards, and manuscript structure.
2. Editorial Screening
The Editorial Office conducts an initial assessment to determine:
- Suitability with the journal’s aims and scope
- Quality of writing and organization
- Completeness of submission documents
- Compliance with author guidelines
Manuscripts failing to meet basic requirements may be returned for correction or rejected without review.
3. Plagiarism & Similarity Check
All manuscripts undergo plagiarism screening using standard similarity detection software. Manuscripts with a high similarity index may be rejected or sent back for correction.
4. Assignment to Handling Editor
A qualified Section Editor or Handling Editor is appointed to manage the manuscript. The editor evaluates academic merit and determines if the manuscript proceeds to peer review.
5. Double-Blind Peer Review
IJCS practices a double-blind peer-review system, where both authors and reviewers remain anonymous.
- Minimum of two reviewers are assigned
- Reviews assess originality, methodology, contribution, ethical standards, and clarity
- Reviewers may recommend: Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject
6. Review Decision & Editorial Evaluation
Based on reviewers’ reports, the Handling Editor makes a preliminary decision and may:
- Request revisions
- Seek additional review
- Reject the manuscript
- Recommend acceptance
Authors receive detailed reviewer comments for improvement.
7. Author Revision
Authors revise their manuscripts and provide a Response to Reviewers document. Revised manuscripts must clearly address all comments for further editorial evaluation.
8. Final Decision by Editor-in-Chief
The Editor-in-Chief (EIC) reviews all reports, revisions, and recommendations before making the final decision:
- Accept
- Minor Revision
- Major Revision
- Reject
Accepted manuscripts proceed to production.
9. Copyediting & Proofreading
Professional copyediting is conducted to ensure:
- Grammar accuracy
- Academic tone and clarity
- Correct citations and formatting
- Ethical compliance and consistency
Authors may be contacted to clarify content.
10. Typesetting & Galley Proof Preparation
The article is formatted into the IJCS publication template.
- A galley proof is sent to the author for final correction
- Only minor adjustments are allowed at this stage
11. Online First Publication
Once finalized, the article is published under Online First (early view) with a DOI (if applicable). This ensures rapid dissemination of research.
12. Issue Publication
The article is included in the relevant issue (March or November).
Each issue undergoes final verification by the Editorial Office before being released on the website.
