Last updated: April 2026 · 9 min read · Audience: Authors, students, early-career researchers · Reading level: Introductory
Who this page is for
This reference is for authors who would benefit from active editorial assistance: first-time authors uncertain about formatting, international authors needing language support, researchers between fields who want guidance on disciplinary norms, and anyone whose institutional context does not provide a writing or publishing mentor.
Established authors with strong institutional support may not need this layer of service, but the same journals tend to handle established authors well also.
Overview of publishing options
Editorial support varies across journals but tends to fall into three patterns.
| Support pattern | Typical features |
|---|---|
| Light support | Author guidelines page; email contact |
| Structured support | Pre-submission enquiries; checklists; faster correspondence |
| Full support | Language editing; figure preparation; concierge-style guidance |
Most established journals fall in the structured-support category. Full support is more common at flagship journals or specialty venues that compete for high-quality submissions; it sometimes carries an explicit fee. Light support is the floor and is acceptable for experienced authors but limiting for first-time authors.
Considerations particular to authors seeking editorial support
Editorial support is not the same as a high acceptance rate. Many of the most supportive journals are also among the most selective; the support helps authors prepare strong submissions, not bypass review. Confusing the two leads to disappointment when supportive editorial offices still produce rejections after thorough review.
A second consideration is the documentation of support. A journal claiming 'extensive editorial support' on a marketing page but providing no specifics is often less useful than a journal listing concrete services on its policies page. Documentation indicates that the support is part of the workflow rather than ad hoc.
Best option based on situation
If budget is the primary constraint
Some forms of editorial support are free at most reputable journals: structured author guidelines, responsive editorial offices, and clear submission systems. Paid services such as language editing or figure preparation are typically separate and optional. Diamond open-access journals often have lower formal support due to volunteer staffing but can be exceptionally responsive on individual requests.
If speed is the primary constraint
Editorial support typically slows the front-end of the process slightly (pre-submission discussion, checklist completion) but speeds the back-end (fewer revision rounds for technical issues). Net effect on total timeline is usually positive when support is well-designed; negative only when bureaucratic without substantive value.
If credibility is the primary constraint
Strong editorial support is one of the better signals of a real, well-run journal. Predatory venues do not provide it because their workflow does not include the steps support would attach to. A journal that responds within 24 hours to specific submission questions, with substantive answers, is almost certainly legitimate.
A recommended approach
A practical sequence for authors seeking guided support is: identify two or three plausible journals, send a pre-submission enquiry to each editorial office describing the manuscript and asking about fit, evaluate the responses (substance, speed, professionalism), and submit to the most useful contact. The pre-submission enquiry itself takes ten minutes and can save weeks of misdirected effort.
After submission, use the support proactively: ask specific questions when uncertain, request clarification on reviewer comments if needed, and engage with proof corrections promptly. Journals that offer support expect it to be used.
What improves the chances of acceptance
- Send pre-submission enquiries to clarify scope fit before drafting; this prevents misdirected effort.
- Use the journal's checklists literally; bypassing them often signals carelessness to editors.
- Engage with editorial requests for clarification or additional information promptly.
- Cite recent articles from the journal where genuinely relevant; this demonstrates attention to scope.
- Treat editorial support as a working relationship, not a transaction; quality of correspondence affects perception.
Decision guidance: how to choose between options
If two journals offer comparable scope and indexing, the better-supported one is usually the better choice for first-time, international, or career-transitioning authors. The reverse can be true for experienced authors who prefer minimal editorial intervention; in that case, support that the journal cannot 'turn off' may feel intrusive.
| Indicator | Stronger support | Weaker support |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-submission enquiry | Substantive reply within 48 hours | Generic auto-response or none |
| Author resources | Documented checklists, exemplars | Single guidelines page |
| Reviewer feedback | Structured, point-by-point | Brief generic comments |
| Post-acceptance | Active proof and copy-editing dialogue | Final notification only |
Example scenarios
Scenario: a master's student writing a first journal article
A first-time author can save substantial time by selecting a journal with structured author guidance: pre-submission checklists prevent technical desk-rejections, responsive editorial offices answer formatting questions, and structured reviewer feedback provides usable revision direction. The best journals at this level are often mid-tier, not flagships.
Scenario: a PhD researcher transitioning between disciplines
PhD candidates publishing in a field adjacent to their thesis area often misjudge disciplinary conventions. Pre-submission enquiries to journals in the new field, asking about scope fit and any field-specific expectations, help calibrate the manuscript. Editors usually appreciate the question and respond substantively.
Scenario: a low-budget international author
International authors writing in English as an additional language benefit from journals offering language editing as part of the editorial process or through partner services. Some journals waive editing fees alongside APC waivers for eligible regions; this should be requested at submission. Even free language-editing referrals from the editorial office can reduce the burden on the author.
What to do next
If editorial support is a priority, the immediate next step is to send a pre-submission enquiry to two or three plausible journals and evaluate the responses. Authors targeting EP Journals Group venues can email the editorial office directly; the office responds within 24 hours and can advise on scope fit before manuscript preparation begins.
Frequently asked questions
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Related reading and next steps
- Submission portal — Submit a manuscript to any EP journal
- Journals list — Browse the full portfolio with scopes and ISSNs
- How to publish a research paper — Step-by-step submission to publication
- Responding to reviewer comments — Constructive ways to handle revision requests
- Publishing in education — Field-specific scope and submission notes
- Structured vs unstructured publishing process — Why documented workflows matter
Editorial enquiries
Questions about this guide or about preparing a manuscript for submission may be directed to the editorial office. Where a query relates to a specific journal in the portfolio, please indicate the journal abbreviation in your message.
Email: editor@ep-journals.org