Peer Review Process

Peer Review Process

The Persian Literary Studies Journal (PLSJ) employs a rigorous double-blind peer review system to ensure the scholarly integrity and quality of all published material. In this model, the identities of both the reviewers and the authors are concealed from each other throughout the process.

  1. General Workflow for Research Papers

The review process generally takes an average of two months and proceeds through the following stages:

  • Stage 1: Initial Editorial Screening (Desk Review)

Upon submission, the Editor-in-Chief or a designated Associate Editor performs an initial check to ensure the manuscript adheres to the journal’s scope and formatting guidelines. Manuscripts that lack academic merit, have significant language errors, or fall outside the scope of the journal will be rejected at this stage to avoid delays for the authors.

    • Plagiarism Check: All submissions are screened for plagiarism using similarity detection software.
  • Stage 2: Expert Peer Review

Manuscripts passing the initial screening are assigned to at least two independent experts in the specific field of the paper. Reviewers are selected based on their specialized knowledge and lack of conflict of interest. They evaluate the manuscript based on:

    • Originality and contribution to the field.
    • Methodological rigor and theoretical framework.
    • Clarity of argument and quality of writing.
    • Relevance to the journal’s global readership.

Note on Innovation: PLSJ actively supports innovative critical approaches. We welcome well-argued manuscripts that challenge established literary paradigms or offer "radical readings" of canonical texts, provided they are theoretically grounded and methodologically sound.

  • Stage 3: Editorial Decision

Based on the reviewers' reports, the Editor-in-Chief makes one of the following decisions:

    • Accept: The paper is accepted without changes (rare).
    • Minor Revisions: The author is given a deadline to address specific comments.
    • Major Revisions: The paper requires significant rewriting and re-evaluation.
    • Reject: The paper does not meet the journal's standards.
  1. Review Process for Other Submission Types
  • Special Issues

Special issues are usually managed by Guest Editors under the supervision of the Editor-in-Chief.

    • Proposal: Prospective Guest Editors should submit a detailed proposal.
    • Review: All papers in a special issue undergo the same double-blind peer review process as regular submissions. To ensure objectivity, at least one reviewer for each paper will be external to the Guest Editor’s immediate circle. The Editor-in-Chief retains the final right of acceptance for all articles.
  • Book Reviews

PLSJ publishes reviews of fiction and non-fiction books relevant to Persian and Iranian studies.

    • Solicited vs. Unsolicited: While we commission many reviews, we also welcome unsolicited reviews.
    • Process: Book reviews are generally reviewed by the Book Review Editor and one external referee to ensure fair assessment and critical depth.
  • Article Reviews (Critical Responses)

We believe that peer review extends beyond publication. PLSJ encourages "Post-Publication Peer Review" in the form of Critical Response Essays.

    • We welcome scholarly critiques of articles previously published in PLSJ (or other major forums since 2011).
    • Authors of the criticized articles will be offered the opportunity to write a Rejoinder. Both the critique and the rejoinder are subject to editorial review to ensure a constructive academic tone.
  • Translations

Given our mission to introduce Persian literature to a global audience, we consider high-quality translations of Persian poetry and prose.

    • Requirement: Translators are required to submit the original Persian text alongside their translation.
    • Native Check: If the target language is not the translator's mother tongue, we strongly recommend collaboration with a native speaker.
    • Review: Translations are reviewed by experts fluent in both languages to assess accuracy, literary quality, and fidelity to the original tone.
  • Reports and Commentaries

Reports on the state of Persian literary studies, conference reports, and opinion pieces are reviewed by the Editorial Board. While not subject to full double-blind peer review, they must meet the journal's standards for clarity and relevance.

For any further inquiries regarding the review process, please contact the editorial office.