Finding an editor

Copernicus Publications has established an innovative online editorial support system, the Copernicus Office Editor, to automate the selection of associate editors and referees for submitted manuscripts. The Copernicus Office Editor reduces to a minimum the time that a paper spends in review. Associate editors are selected to handle a manuscript based on the manuscript subject areas and index terms chosen by the authors. Because BG has many associate editors, papers are normally handled by a scientist with a high degree of specialist knowledge of the submitted work. There are two index term categories: subject area and research area. At least one index term must be selected for each category. Optionally, a second index term may be selected for one or more of the categories. The Copernicus Office Editor will assign the most appropriate associate editor based on the best match of first- and second-choice index terms and available associate editors. Manuscripts will usually be assigned to an associate editor whose subject areas match the selected index terms. If, however, none of these associate editors is available, also other competent members of the editorial board may help out and process the submission.

Index term category	First choice	Second choice
Subject	Biodiversity & ecosystem function
Research area	Palaeo

Index term category	First choice	Second choice
Subject	Biodiversity & ecosystem function
Research area	Palaeo	Marine

Index term category	First choice	Second choice
Subject	Biodiversity & ecosystem function	Palaeobiogeosciences
Research area	Palaeo	Organic biomarkers

After submission of a manuscript, the Copernicus Office Editor sends an email request to every associate editor whose subject areas match the first-choice index terms. Based on the manuscript information and abstract, the addressed editorial board members are asked to act as the responsible associate editor for the new submission. As soon as one of them accepts the task, they are assigned as the associate editor for this submission and receive the complete manuscript. The authors are informed accordingly.

If none of the initially addressed associate editors accepts the task within a few days, the request is extended to associate editors whose subject areas match the second-choice index terms. In case of another unsuccessful call, the request is extended to all members of the editorial board.

If none of the editorial board members is available to start the review process, the co-editor-in-chief is asked to assign the manuscript to one of the associate editors.