STEP 1

Author Submission

Author submits manuscript through the online submission system. The editorial office performs an initial technical check for completeness and formatting compliance.

Duration: 1-2 days

1
STEP 2

Initial Editorial Screening

Editor-in-Chief evaluates the manuscript for scope fit, originality, and basic quality standards. Manuscripts that do not meet criteria are desk-rejected with feedback.

Duration: 3-5 days

2
STEP 3

Reviewer Assignment

Editor assigns at least two expert peer reviewers with relevant expertise. Reviewers are selected based on their qualifications and lack of conflicts of interest.

Duration: 1-2 weeks

3
STEP 4

Peer Review

Reviewers evaluate the manuscript using our double-blind review process, assessing quality, theological accuracy, contribution, and clarity. They provide detailed feedback and recommendations.

Duration: 4-6 weeks

4
STEP 5

Editorial Decision

Editor evaluates reviewer reports and makes a decision: Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject. Authors receive detailed feedback and decision letter.

Duration: 1-2 weeks

5
STEP 6

Revision & Resubmission

If revisions are requested, authors address reviewer comments and submit revised manuscript with a response letter. Additional review may be required for major revisions.

Duration: 2-4 weeks (author) + 2-3 weeks (review)

6
STEP 7

Final Decision & Acceptance

Editor makes final decision based on revised manuscript. Upon acceptance, the manuscript moves to production for copyediting, typesetting, and publication.

Duration: 1-2 weeks

7
STEP 8

Publication

Article is copyedited, formatted, and published online in the next available issue. Authors receive DOI, citation information, and access to published version.

Duration: 2-4 weeks

8

Double-Blind Review

Hakmah Theological Journal uses a rigorous double-blind peer review process. Both authors' and reviewers' identities are hidden from each other to ensure impartial evaluation.

  • Author names removed from manuscript
  • Reviewer identities confidential
  • Prevents bias and favoritism
  • Focuses solely on scholarly merit

Review Criteria

Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on established criteria to ensure consistent, high-quality assessments.

  • Originality and significance
  • Methodological rigor
  • Theological accuracy and depth
  • Clarity and organization
  • Relevance to journal scope
  • Ethical compliance

Decision Types

After review, editors provide one of the following decisions with detailed feedback:

  • Accept - No further changes needed
  • Minor Revision - Small corrections required
  • Major Revision - Substantial changes needed
  • Reject - Not suitable for publication

4-6

Weeks for Initial Review

2-3

Reviewers per Manuscript

95%

Reviewer Satisfaction

100+

Active Reviewers

Reviewer Responsibilities

  • Provide objective, constructive feedback
  • Maintain confidentiality of manuscripts
  • Declare any conflicts of interest
  • Meet designated deadlines
  • Evaluate based on scholarly merit only
  • Suggest improvements where possible
  • Refrain from personal criticism
  • Identify relevant unpublished work

Author Responsibilities

  • Submit original, unpublished work
  • Ensure all authors approve submission
  • Respond to reviewer comments thoroughly
  • Disclose conflicts of interest
  • Follow journal formatting guidelines
  • Provide revisions within timeframe
  • Notify editors of any errors post-publication
  • Maintain research data availability

Appeal Process

Authors may appeal editorial decisions if they believe the decision was based on factual error or misunderstanding. Appeals should:

  • Be submitted within 14 days of decision
  • Provide clear rationale for appeal
  • Address specific reviewer concerns
  • Be directed to the Editor-in-Chief

Appeals will be reviewed by a senior editor, and a final decision will be provided within 30 days.

Expedited Review

In exceptional circumstances (e.g., time-sensitive research, urgent corrections), authors may request expedited review. Criteria include:

  • High urgency and significance
  • Public health or policy implications
  • Correction of published errors

Expedited review completes within 3 weeks. Requests should be explained in the cover letter.

Become a Reviewer

We welcome qualified scholars to join our reviewer pool. If you have expertise in theology, biblical studies, ethics, or related fields, we invite you to contribute to the scholarly community.