This policy provides information about writing a guest editorial (commissioned by COPE) or opinion article (uncommissioned) for publication in COPE Digest, and across COPE’s multimedia channels.
Aims and scope
- We are looking to widen the scope of discourse regarding research and publication ethics in COPE membership communications by including voices and opinions beyond those of COPE Council and Trustees.
- Our aim is to include a greater diversity of voice and of issues raised, and to include more variety of content in COPE communications. Members will have more of a voice, as will the groups we partner with.
- These additional contributions will allow COPE to further participate in the debate around integrity issues. They will also give COPE the opportunity to engage with issues that might be more controversial, and to be more responsive to current issues.
Who can submit
We welcome guest editorials or opinion articles that give the authors’ perspective on a topical issue. Where appropriate, authors should provide a balanced view of different opinions in the field, and make it clear where they are expressing their own personal views and why.
- Any COPE Member can submit a proposal for a guest editorial or opinion piece, and we will also commission content from members, non members and other organisations.
- When submitting a proposal, write a brief outline of what your article will cover.
- Please submit your proposal to the editors, COPE Digest. COPE Trustees and Council Members will be welcome to submit under the same guidance as above.
Authors
If more than one author, all authors should have made a significant contribution to the work and agree to be accountable for the parts of the work they have done. All authors should approve the final version for publication. Details of each author’s contribution must be listed in the Author contributions section.
Type and length
Guest editorial or opinion pieces are intended to stimulate discussion on topics related to publication ethics. They will be limited to 750 words (plus up to 5 references).
Language
All articles must be written in plain English. For authors whose first language is not English, it may be beneficial to have the manuscript read by someone with fluent or advanced proficiency in English and expertise in the topic.
The tone of the contribution must be professional and courteous.
Decision making
The decision whether a guest editorial or opinion article is suitable for publication ultimately lies with the editors of COPE Digest. The articles may be edited by the editors to ensure they are accessible to our readership.
Publication
Articles will be clearly labelled as guest contributions that may not represent COPE views. For example,
“This document (insert chosen name of the feature) by a member of COPE, whose opinions may not reflect official COPE guidance”.
Competing interests
Any financial, personal, or professional competing interests for any of the authors must be disclosed and will be displayed alongside the article.
If you do not have any competing interests, add the text ‘No competing interests were disclosed’.
Copyright
Authors must obtain any necessary permission/s for reproduction or adaptation of copyrighted material. Copyright of each post remains with that post’s author.
Unacceptable submissions
We will not accept submissions that promote products or services, or are potentially libellous or offensive.
Commenting
Comments on guest editorials or opinion pieces are welcomed. Publication of a comment does not indicate an endorsement of the opinions in any comment. Opinions expressed in comments are those of the individuals making the comments. All comments will be moderated by the newsletter editors.
Disclaimer
COPE is not responsible for verifying the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of any information contained in a guest editorial or opinion article, and the author is solely responsible for ensuring that nothing in the submitted piece infringes on any intellectual property, privacy, or other right of any third party. Acceptance of a guest editorial or opinion article should not in any way be construed as express or implied endorsement by COPE of the author, the author’s views, or any products or services offered by the author or referenced in the author’s article. COPE accepts no liability for any loss or damage caused or occasioned as a result of the publication of a guest editorial or opinion article.
Publication history
This policy will be reviewed and updated at the discretion of the editors.
Published: 25 January 2022
Updated: 20 June 2023