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Publishing standard

Publication ethics

Clear policies for authorship, corrections, retractions and updates.

Why it matters

A practical foundation for credible publishing.

Ethical publishing requires policies that are understandable, applied consistently and visible to the people who rely on the journal. Clear publication practice strengthens trust before and after an article is published.

Policies have to work in context. Authors need to know what is expected before submitting, editors need guidance when a difficult situation arises, and readers need a transparent record when content is corrected or updated. Harrowell helps turn ethical commitments into usable publishing practice.

Core areas

The operating details that make the difference.

01

Authorship, contributor and competing-interest guidance

02

Transparent procedures for corrections, retractions and expressions of concern

03

Policies that are accessible to authors, reviewers and readers

Service modules

Detailed support, from design through delivery.

Harrowell combines strategic structure with the practical work that keeps a journal moving. The modules below can be delivered as a focused project or as part of an ongoing service.

MODULE 01

Policy architecture

Develop a coherent set of author, reviewer and publication policies that reflect the journal’s discipline, scope, publishing model and editorial responsibilities.

MODULE 02

Author guidance

Present expectations on authorship, declarations, permissions, data availability and submission requirements in language that is clear before submission.

MODULE 03

Post-publication record

Manage corrections, retractions, notices and updates with a process that preserves the scholarly record and communicates changes transparently.

MODULE 04

Editorial guidance

Equip editors with practical decision support for common ethical questions, while defining when specialist or institutional advice is needed.

How Harrowell supports it

Support designed for the way journals actually work.

  1. 1

    Develop and maintain publication-policy content

  2. 2

    Coordinate post-publication updates with appropriate records

  3. 3

    Create practical guidance for editorial teams

  4. 4

    Align policy communication with journal and platform workflows

What good looks like

The outcomes a stronger operating model should create.

  • Policies are easier for authors and editors to use
  • Publication updates follow a documented process
  • The journal has a clearer public ethical position
  • Editorial teams have better support for complex cases

Questions to work through

A practical starting point for your team.

  1. 1

    Are our policies complete, current and easy to find?

  2. 2

    How do we record and communicate a correction?

  3. 3

    What guidance do editors have for authorship or disclosure concerns?

Explore the service model

See how Harrowell connects publishing standards with day-to-day journal delivery.

Explore services →