Peer Review Policy

STAR Scholars Press maintains rigorous scholarly standards through an independent peer-review process for all books and edited volumes published by the press. Peer review ensures that each publication demonstrates originality, methodological rigor, and a meaningful contribution to scholarly knowledge.

Peer Review Process

All manuscripts submitted to STAR Scholars Press undergo external, independent peer review prior to publication.

The peer review process typically follows these stages:

1. Editorial Screening

Upon submission of a book proposal or full manuscript, the editorial office conducts an initial assessment to determine whether the work aligns with the mission, scope, and scholarly standards of the press. Submissions may also be evaluated by relevant book series editors.

The screening assesses:

  • relevance to the publisher’s academic scope

  • originality and scholarly contribution

  • clarity of the research purpose

  • methodological soundness.

Manuscripts that meet these criteria proceed to external review.

2. External Independent Peer Review

Each manuscript is evaluated by at least two independent reviewers who are recognized scholars or subject-matter experts in the relevant field. Reviewers are not affiliated with the authors and are not members of the editorial staff responsible for the publication.

STAR Scholars Press generally employs a double-blind peer-review model, meaning:

  • the identities of authors are concealed from reviewers

  • the identities of reviewers are concealed from authors.

In certain disciplinary contexts, a single-blind review may be used when appropriate.

3. Reviewer Reports and Recommendations

External reviewers provide detailed written reports evaluating the manuscript and recommending one of the following decisions:

  • Accept with minor revisions

  • Revise and resubmit after major revisions

  • Conditional acceptance subject to revisions

  • Decline publication

Reviewer reports are shared with authors (with reviewer identities removed) to guide revisions.

4. Editorial Decision

The final decision regarding publication is made by the editorial office in consultation with series editors and editorial boards, taking into account the recommendations provided by external reviewers.

Editorial decisions are based solely on scholarly merit and are independent of institutional affiliation, nationality, or funding status.

Reviewer Evaluation Criteria (Rubric)

Reviewers are asked to assess manuscripts according to the following scholarly criteria.

1. Originality and Contribution to Knowledge

  • Does the work present original ideas or new research findings?

  • Does it make a meaningful contribution to its academic field or interdisciplinary scholarship?

2. Scholarly Rigor and Methodology

  • Is the research design or analytical approach appropriate and clearly explained?

  • Are sources, data, and methods used appropriately?

3. Engagement with Existing Literature

  • Does the manuscript demonstrate familiarity with relevant scholarship?

  • Does it situate the work within current academic debates?

4. Organization and Clarity

  • Is the argument logically structured and clearly presented?

  • Are chapters well organized and coherent?

5. Relevance and Audience

  • Is the book appropriate for an academic readership?

  • Does it have potential value for scholars, researchers, or advanced students?

6. Overall Quality

  • Does the manuscript meet the scholarly standards expected for academic book publication?

Reviewer Responsibilities

Reviewers are expected to:

  • evaluate manuscripts objectively and fairly

  • maintain confidentiality throughout the review process

  • declare any potential conflicts of interest

  • provide constructive feedback that supports scholarly improvement.

Author Responsibilities

Authors are expected to:

  • respond carefully to reviewer comments

  • revise the manuscript accordingly

  • ensure that the work meets scholarly standards and ethical research practices.

Commitment to Scholarly Integrity

STAR Scholars Press is committed to maintaining transparent editorial procedures and independent scholarly evaluation. The peer-review process ensures that all publications meet the highest standards of academic quality and contribute meaningfully to global scholarship.

 

Research Integrity, AI Use, and Plagiarism Policy

STAR Scholars Press

STAR Scholars Press is committed to maintaining the highest standards of scholarly integrity in all publications. Authors, editors, reviewers, and contributors are expected to adhere to ethical research and publishing practices that ensure the originality, transparency, and credibility of academic work.

This policy outlines expectations regarding the use of artificial intelligence tools, plagiarism, similarity checks, and responsible scholarly writing.

Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Scholarly Writing

STAR Scholars Press recognizes that authors may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as language models, grammar assistants, or data analysis software to support aspects of the research and writing process. However, the use of AI must follow responsible academic practices.

Authors may use AI tools for purposes such as:

  • language editing and grammar improvement

  • organizing ideas or outlines

  • assistance with formatting or summarizing content

  • preliminary literature exploration.

Authors must ensure that:

  • all ideas, interpretations, and conclusions remain the intellectual responsibility of the author

  • AI tools are not listed as authors

  • the use of AI does not replace scholarly analysis or original research.

Where AI tools have significantly contributed to the preparation of the manuscript, authors should disclose this use in an acknowledgment or methodology section.

Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the content submitted for publication.

Plagiarism Policy

STAR Scholars Press does not tolerate plagiarism in any form. Plagiarism includes presenting another person's work, ideas, data, or language as one’s own without proper acknowledgment.

Examples of plagiarism include:

  • copying text without citation

  • paraphrasing ideas without attribution

  • submitting previously published work without disclosure

  • using images, tables, or figures without permission or citation.

All submitted manuscripts must represent original scholarly work that has not been previously published elsewhere.

Similarity Checks and Screening

All manuscripts submitted to STAR Scholars Press may be evaluated using similarity detection tools to assess textual overlap with existing publications.

These checks are used to identify:

  • potential plagiarism

  • excessive textual similarity

  • improper citation practices.

A high similarity score does not automatically indicate plagiarism, but manuscripts may require revision if substantial overlap with existing sources is identified.

Managing Similarity and Preventing Plagiarism

Authors are encouraged to follow best practices to reduce similarity and avoid plagiarism concerns:

Proper Citation

All sources, including books, journal articles, reports, and online materials, must be clearly cited using an appropriate academic citation style.

Paraphrasing with Attribution

When summarizing or paraphrasing another author’s ideas, authors must provide proper attribution and ensure that the wording is genuinely original.

Quotation of Source Material

Direct quotations should be clearly marked and accompanied by full citation.

Original Analysis

Authors should ensure that their work emphasizes original analysis, interpretation, and scholarly contribution rather than reproducing previously published material.

Editorial Response to Plagiarism or Ethical Concerns

If plagiarism or unethical research practices are identified during the review or editorial process, STAR Scholars Press may take actions including:

  • requesting revision and proper citation

  • rejecting the manuscript

  • withdrawing acceptance prior to publication

  • issuing corrections or retractions when necessary.

Commitment to Responsible Scholarship

STAR Scholars Press supports responsible and ethical academic publishing practices that promote transparency, originality, and scholarly integrity. By maintaining rigorous editorial standards and ethical guidelines, the press aims to foster trust and credibility within the global academic community.