How to submit a manuscript online to JCAL

JCAL now only accepts papers that are submitted online at http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jcal.  This document describes how you may do this.

The process in outline

Authors can upload their papers once they have registered details of their identity with the service at the above URL.  Once registered, you may return to the site later for repeated submissions.  The submission process requires you to type in author(s) details and to answer standard questions regarding the status of the paper, including its title and abstract.  You then upload however many files you need to: at the very least an anonymised “main document”, and a “title page”.  You may also want to upload tables and figures.  All this is done in groups of files browsed from your local disc and uploaded in batches of up to three.  When completed, a PDF manuscript file is constructed from your uploads which you may view before committing your actions.  Once finally submitted, you will be sent a confirming email.

The procedure in detail

Probably you will be able to follow the online instructions.  However, they are expanded below in case you experience difficulty or uncertainty.  In addition, support can be obtained by phone: +1 434 817 2040 ext. 167, Monday-Friday, or at http://mcv3support.custhelp.com. If you cannot submit online, please contact the Editorial Office by telephone: +44 (0) 1509 223 034, or by e-mail: jcal@lboro.ac.uk.

(1) Get an identity
If you are not known to http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jcal, then you must “create an account”. This is a tiny link in the top right of the web browser.

(2) Log in with your identity
The home page invites you to declare your username (email address) and password

(3) Main Menu
Usually this will only offer the choice “author centre”.  Chose it.

(4) Author Dashboard
What is here depends on how vigorous you are in submitting papers.  If it’s the first time then “my manuscripts” will have lots of zeros.  There is a link to “submit a new manuscript”.  This gets you started on a 5-step process of submission.  You can move back and forth in this via the linkable ladder on the left of the activity area.

(5-1) Manuscript type, title and abstract
(i) For a normal article select “article” from pull down menu, for a Special Issue article select "Special Issue article"
(ii) Type in the Title
(iii) Type or paste in the Abstract
When happy, click “save and continue”

(5-2) Authors and institutions
You will be entered by default, although the “edit” icon allows you to change this
If you have a co-author then you should add their details under “add a new author”  If you have more than one then “clear” and add the remainder in the same fashion.  Then “save and continue”

(5-3) Details
Here you are asked standard tick box questions about the status of the paper.  When done, “save and continue”

(5-4) File upload
All authors will upload a main document and a title page.  The main document should have no author identifying material.  The title page should have author(s) details.  Many authors will also want to upload some number of figures and tables.  For all these file actions you must “browse” your computer discs for the files you want and then “select” to indicate the nature of each.  The “upload files” icon allows the set that are currently showing to be uploaded.  It then empties the boxes and allows you upload more if you need to.  On Upload, the system will endeavour to construct a PDF file from your material.  This may take a few minutes. 

(5-5) Review and submit
If you have not completed all the preceding steps you will be alerted with a red cross against the step that’s at fault.  Click the “edit” icon for this section and complete what is required.  Step 5 will probably be crossed, you need to view and confirm the formed PDF file.   When you have don’t that you may click the “submit” icon and confirm that you are ready to finalise the process.  An email will follow when the manuscript is acknowledged as in the system for review

The process that follows

The Editor is alerted to your manuscript.  Usually within the next couple of days the paper will be considered.  First the Editor in collaboration with the Deputy Editor will decide whether the paper should be sent for full review.  If they agree that it should not be reviewed, then they will send you an email explaining their reservations.  Otherwise, you will be contacted again with the outcome of the review process.  This may result in an immediate acceptance, a request for revisions, or a rejection of the paper for publication in JCAL.

Guidelines for writing papers

Please remember to consult the advice that the journal has prepared for authors.  Informal guieds are at http://jcal.info/guidelines_for_authors/index.htm.  A fuller indication of manuscript production requirements are given on the inside cover of the printed journal or at the publishers website http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/submit.asp?ref=0266-4909

The most common problems are identified here, you may speed you manuscripts progress if you have attended to this advice

Charles Crook, Chief Editor
August 2007