Instructions for Reviewers

All manuscripts are blind reviewed. The editor will endeavor to remove all identifying information from the manuscript.  This is not always possible in some cases but the editor will remove names at the minimum.  Reviewers are to read the manuscript and determine if it should be published.  Here are some points to consider:

• Is the topic of the manuscript appropriate for MLA Forum?
• Is it well written (spelling, grammar, etc.)?
• Is the information of significant interest to the readers?
• Is the title accurate in relation to the content?
• Is the purpose of the paper clearly stated?
• Are the methods appropriate and scientifically sound?
• If a manuscript is based on data, do the data represent an adequate population and is a valid statistical justification included to support the conclusions?
• Are the conclusions supported by the data presented?
• Are the tables and figures well designed and do they add to understanding of the text?
• Are the references cited the most appropriate to support the manuscript?
• Should the manuscript be shortened? Lengthened?
• Anything else which you think is important when you read the manuscript.

The editor will give all reviewers four weeks to contemplate the manuscript and get back to me.  Reviewers should make a decision to recommend publication, require revisions, or to reject.  Most of the time, the reviewers agree with each other.  If there is a disagreement between reviewers, the editor will make use of the feedback given and make the decision on the status of the manuscript.  When a reviewer decides to request revisions or reject, they should include a paragraph or two listing the reasons. The editor will share these with the author but will not reveal the identity of the reviewer.