Submissions

Author Guidelines

1. Manuscripts can be sent using any Word compliant word processor, following the instructions indicated in the previous template that can be downloaded here. Some malware detection software can identify this as dangerous, but it is completely safe. Full instructions for authors including norms to follow for references are found within the template. In the example, only Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results and Conclusions are explicitly stated, but it is possible to add other sections if needed.  Manuscripts submitted which are not compliant with the required author instructions will be returned to the authors until they are prepared following these guidelines. Word (or any Word fully compatible open source word processor, as OpenOffice) is the preferred file format for submission. Please bear in mind that the production stage will be much faster when providing manuscripts in Word fully compatible format, meaning shorter publication times. A manuscript will only be accepted for evaluation when its topic is strictly within the scope of LAAR. Please observe the author´'s preparation checklist and upload all the required material before submitting. 

2.   A single file of the manuscript should be submitted to the Editor-in-Chief (who will decide about its compliance with the scope of the journal) through this online platform following the instructions provided for registration and logging in. Authors can cite articles previously published in LAAR as a way to adapt the manuscript to the scope of the journal. During the submission stage there is the possibility of including a graphical abstract ("Cover image") which is not mandatory but desired.

3.  Along with the manuscript, authors should supply a list of at least 5 reviewers, with their corresponding affiliations and e-mail addresses. This should be supplied as a separate file with the name "Suggested_reviewers" and loaded in the type of file "Suggested reviewers" or "Other" after uploading the manuscript (Once the article text is uploaded there will be an option "upload another file"). Alternatively, the list of reviewers can be provided in the "comments to the editor" box. To complete the submission all metadata should be provided, especially the list of authors in the order appearing in the manuscript. This is extremely important. All incomplete submissions or not compliant with the guidelines will be declined. Authors can resubmit provided that resubmission is compliant and complete.

4. Manuscrips are accepted for review only if they comply with the maximum number of words of up to 10000, 5000 and 3000 words for Review Papers, Articles and Notes respectively. The number of figures should not exceed 14, 8 and 4 for Review Papers, Articles and Notes respectively. 

5.  Manuscripts exceeding these number of words for each type of contribution could be eventually accepted, based on their scientific quality.

6. For some accepted submissions from authors outside Latin America a small article processing charge may apply. This will be communicated to authors before sending the manuscript to the subject editor.

EDITORIAL AND REVIEW PROCESS

1.  Once a manuscript is submitted an identification code is assigned. The manuscript stage is "submission". OJS manager checks whether the manuscript complies with formatting requirements and sends it to the Editor-in-Chief. 

2.  The Editor-in-Chief assigns a Subject Editor, and the authors are notified accordingly.

3.  The Subject Editor is in charge of the entire review process. When the Subject editor assigns the reviewers, the manuscript appears at stage "Review". Therefore, any inquiry about the status of the manuscript should be directed to them. Besides the Subject Editor's own opinion, each manuscript is submitted to the evaluation of at least two external peer reviewers. The reviewing process is blind. There will be as many review rounds as required by the Subject Editor. Please, when submitting your revised version of the manuscript include a cover letter stating all the changes made to the manuscript, responding to all the reviewers queries. Failing to do this will result in unnecesary delays. Please be thorough, stating "changed" or "modified" is not enough.

4.  Once a final decision is taken by the Subject Editor and in case the paper is accepted the authors should submit the final version in the source file format (Word or any open word processor fully compatible with Word). The Subject Editor submits the accepted version of the manuscript to the Editorial Office for style review (Copyedit stage).  Then the authors receive a galley proof for final acceptance formatted in its final form (Production stage).

5.  After the galley proof is accepted by the authors, manuscripts are "published ASAP" without page number but assigned to an issue, waiting for the printing queue. They will be available to subscribers only.