Resources
Essential Readings for Editors
ICMJE Recommendations
The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) developed the “Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals” (ICMJE Recommendations). These recommendations include a range of topics, including ethical guidelines for authorship, conflicts of interest, and patient protection. They also provide instructions for authors on manuscript preparation and submission. For editors, the ICMJE Recommendations outline established best practices for conducting peer review and handling submissions with confidentiality, timeliness, and sound editorial decision-making.
Link: https://www.icmje.org/journals-following-the-icmje-recommendations/
EQUATOR Network
Established in 2008, the EQUATOR Network (Enhancing the Quality and Transparency Of health Research) serves as a valuable resource for editors seeking specific reporting guidelines for various research types. The Equator offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including an online library, educational programs, and established reporting guidelines, to assist editors in ensuring the quality and reliability of health research publications.
WAME
The World Association of Medical Editors (WAME), established in 1995, is a resource of peer-reviewed medical journals from its membership of over 1,000 journals across 92 countries. This international, non-profit organization fosters collaboration and communication among editors through various initiatives. WAME's core mission is to elevate editorial standards and promote professionalism within medical editing. This is achieved by providing educational resources, encouraging self-criticism and self-regulation, and supporting research on editorial practices.
Link: https://wame.org/
COPE
The Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) is an international organization established to provide advice and guidance on best practices for dealing with ethical issues in journal publishing. Originally focused on editors and publishers of academic journals, COPE's membership has expanded to include universities, research institutions, and individuals involved in publication ethics. COPE offers various resources and guidance, including: (i) Policies and practices on good publication ethics; (ii) An eLearning course on topics such as plagiarism, falsification, authorship, conflicts of interest, and misconduct; and (iii) Participation in discussions on current ethical issues.
TOOLS
- WAME Recommendations on Chatbots and Generative Artificial Intelligence in Relation to Scholarly Publications, Revised May 31, 2023
This revised statement updates the January 2023 recommendations on chatbots in scholarly publishing. These Recommendations are intended to inform editors and help them develop policies for using chatbots in papers published in their journals. The goal is to inform editors, authors, and reviewers on best practices and the need for manuscript screening tools to ensure content authenticity.
- DOI
A DOI, or Digital Object Identifier, is a unique and persistent code assigned to scholarly works, like articles, papers, and some books, to permanently identify them. DOIs persist even if the location of the content changes, ensuring reliable access to the publication.
Link: https://www.doi.org/
- WAME Manuscript submission checklist
The World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) offers a Manuscript Submission Checklist as a template for medical journal editors to utilize during the manuscript submission process for their respective publications. The checklist is a tool to guide medical journal editors in identifying potential issues like duplicate publications, conflicts of interest, authorship concerns, and the use of AI tools. Additionally, the checklist helps verify the ethical conduct of research, data access, and proper reporting standards.
- WAME Recommendations on Publication Ethics Policies for Medical Journals
This article summarizes a comprehensive publication ethics policy covering key areas for contemporary science journals. Editors can adapt these recommendations for their own journals and publish them publicly (print or web) while tailoring them to fit specific needs.
Link: https://wame.org/recommendations-on-publication-ethics-policies-for-medical-journals
- WAME Syllabus for Prospective and Newly Appointed Editors
This syllabus guides potential and newly appointed editors of peer-reviewed research journals. It outlines the editor’s key responsibilities, along with an editorial process overview. The syllabus includes (i) Editor Roles and Responsibilities, (ii) Questions and insights to help individuals assess their suitability for an editor position, and (iii) an Explanation of the steps involved in editing a journal, including potential challenges and solutions.
Link: https://wame.org/syllabus-for-prospective-and-newly-appointed-editors