Complaints and Appeals

Authors, reviewers and readers may raise concerns about editorial decisions, publication ethics, service delivery or the conduct of the Press. Send the concern to info@maltonlondonpress.com with “Complaint” or “Editorial appeal” in the subject line. Include the publication title or submission reference, relevant dates, a concise explanation, supporting material and the outcome you are seeking.

Editorial appeals

An appeal should explain a material factual mistake, an undisclosed conflict of interest or a significant departure from the stated assessment process. Disagreement with an unfavourable judgement alone does not establish a procedural error. Submit an appeal within 30 calendar days of the decision where possible; explain any reason for a later submission.

An unconflicted editor considers the decision record and relevant evidence. They may consult an independent specialist or obtain an additional review. The outcome may uphold the decision, reopen assessment or require another remedy. The result and its reasons are communicated to the author. Payment or a promise of payment cannot influence the appeal.

Complaints about conduct or service

A complaint about a person is not decided solely by that person. Where the complaint concerns the principal editorial contact, it is referred to an independent qualified person and the complainant is told who is handling it. Service complaints may result in correction of an error, an explanation, a revised delivery arrangement or a remedy under the agreement.

Response targets and confidentiality

We aim to acknowledge complaints within 5 working days and provide a substantive response or progress update within 30 working days. These are service targets rather than guaranteed completion dates. Complex investigations may take longer; we explain the next step and expected update. Information is shared only with those who need it to assess the matter, subject to legal and institutional obligations.

Further consideration

A request for reconsideration should identify new evidence or a material procedural issue. We explain whether further internal review is available and why. Research-integrity concerns may also be referred to the relevant institution or authority. This policy does not restrict any applicable legal rights or external complaints route.