PLOS ONE Editorial Manager: Secure Access & Submission Portal
Quick Summary
- Official portal for PLOS ONE submissions.
- Streamlines peer review processes.
- Supports authors, reviewers, and editors.
The PLOS ONE Editorial Manager serves as the central online platform for authors, reviewers, and editors engaged with PLOS ONE, a leading open-access scientific journal. This digital portal streamlines the entire manuscript submission and peer-review process, ensuring efficient and transparent handling of scholarly work. It's built on Aries Systems' Editorial Manager platform, widely adopted by academic publishers worldwide. Whether you're submitting a new research article, tracking a revision, providing peer review feedback, or managing editorial decisions, this online account management system provides the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of academic publishing. This guide will walk you through its essential functionalities, helping you to confidently interact with the platform.
- 📋 Preparing for Manuscript Submission to PLOS ONE
- 📍 Accessing Your PLOS ONE Editorial Workspace
- ⭐ Navigating Manuscript Workflows in PLOS ONE Editorial Manager
- ⚠️ Resolving Access Hurdles on the PLOS ONE Platform
- 🔒 Ensuring Account Integrity in Your PLOS ONE Digital Portal
- 🎧 Official Help Desk Contacts
- ❓ Key Inquiries About PLOS ONE Editorial Processes
Preparing for Manuscript Submission to PLOS ONE
- An active internet connection and a modern web browser are necessary to access the cloud-based Editorial Manager system.
- A registered user account with a unique username and password is required for all interactions.
- Corresponding authors must provide an ORCID iD, and it's recommended for all co-authors to also link theirs.
- Manuscripts should be prepared in accepted formats such as DOC, DOCX, or RTF for text, with figures submitted separately.
- Compliance with PLOS ONE's comprehensive editorial and publishing policies, including ethical guidelines, data availability statements, and conflict of interest disclosures, is mandatory before submission.
Accessing Your PLOS ONE Editorial Workspace
- Open your web browser and navigate to the official PLOS ONE Editorial Manager portal at www.editorialmanager.com/pone.
- Locate the login area, typically found on the homepage.
- Enter your registered Username and Password into the respective fields.
- Click the 'Login' or 'Editor Login' button to proceed to your personal dashboard.
- If you are a new user, select the 'Register Now' option to create a new account before attempting to log in.
Navigating Manuscript Workflows in PLOS ONE Editorial Manager
- Manuscript Submission: Authors can submit new manuscripts, upload necessary files like cover letters and figures, and manage revisions through a structured, multi-step process.
- Submission Tracking: All users can monitor the real-time status of their manuscripts, from initial checks through peer review and final decision.
- Peer Review Management: Academic Editors can invite and assign reviewers, assess reviews, and make informed editorial decisions.
- Reviewer Portal: Reviewers receive invitations, access assigned manuscripts, and submit their feedback directly within the system.
- User Role Management: The platform supports distinct roles for authors, reviewers, and editors, each with tailored functionalities and views.
- Communication Tools: Facilitates direct communication between authors, editors, and the journal office regarding manuscripts and editorial processes.
- Personal Profile Management: Users can update their personal information, manage contact details, link their ORCID iD, and set unavailability dates if they are an editor or reviewer.
Resolving Access Hurdles on the PLOS ONE Platform
⚠️ Forgot Username or Password
Cause: You cannot recall your login credentials for your digital portal.
Solution: We know being locked out is stressful. The fastest fix is to go to the login page and click the 'Send Login Details' or 'Forgot Password?' link. Enter the email address associated with your account, and the system will send you an email with either your username or a link to reset your password.
⚠️ Accessing Older Manuscripts (Submitted before July 26th, 2010)
Cause: Your manuscript was submitted before the migration to the current Editorial Manager system.
Solution: Manuscripts submitted prior to July 26th, 2010, are not in the current system. You must use the old system's link: http://one.plosjms.org to access these specific submissions.
⚠️ Manuscript Stuck 'Under Review' for an extended period
Cause: The peer review process is taking longer than expected.
Solution: PLOS ONE's median first decision time is approximately 29 days. If your manuscript has been 'Under Review' for 4 weeks, it's generally within the typical window. However, if it extends past 8-12 weeks, a polite inquiry to [email protected], referencing your manuscript ID, is appropriate.
⚠️ General Technical Issues or Submission Errors
Cause: You are encountering unexpected technical problems or issues during the submission process.
Solution: For any technical problems or specific errors, especially during submission or technical checks, refer to any instructions provided in emails from PLOS. You can also directly contact the journal office at [email protected] for assistance.
Ensuring Account Integrity in Your PLOS ONE Digital Portal
- 🔒 Always use a strong, unique password for your Editorial Manager account and consider using a reputable password manager.
- 🔒 Be vigilant against phishing attempts; PLOS will never ask for your password via email. Always verify the authenticity of emails requesting action on your account.
- 🔒 Log out of your Editorial Manager session after completing your tasks, especially when using a shared or public computer, to prevent unauthorized access to your digital portal.
- 🔒 Keep your registered email address secure, as it is used for password recovery and important communications regarding your submissions or reviews.
- 🔒 Regularly review your profile information, including contact details and ORCID iD, to ensure accuracy and maintain account integrity.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
For manuscript inquiries and general assistance, you can contact the PLOS ONE journal office directly via email at [email protected]. Academic Editors needing support for their specific role can email [email protected].
Key Inquiries About PLOS ONE Editorial Processes
Q: What system does PLOS ONE use to manage manuscript submissions?
PLOS ONE, like other PLOS journals, utilizes Editorial Manager by Aries Systems to manage all aspects of manuscript submissions, including screening, reviewer assignment, revisions, and decision-making.
Q: Is an ORCID iD required for submitting to PLOS ONE?
Yes, a corresponding author is required to provide an ORCID iD when submitting a manuscript to PLOS ONE. Co-authors are also strongly encouraged to register and link their ORCID iDs.
Q: How long does the peer review process typically take for PLOS ONE?
The median time for a first decision on a manuscript submitted to PLOS ONE is approximately 29 days. The overall submission-to-acceptance timeframe for successful papers usually ranges from 3 to 6 months, which may involve multiple revision rounds.
Q: Where can I find instructions for editors using PLOS ONE Editorial Manager?
PLOS provides a dedicated 'Academic Editor's guide to Editorial Manager' with step-by-step instructions and screenshots to assist editors in handling manuscripts. This guide covers logging in, managing expertise, inviting reviewers, and making decisions.
Q: Can I submit a preprint alongside my manuscript to PLOS ONE?
Yes, PLOS ONE offers the option to have your submission forwarded to platforms like bioRxiv or medRxiv for consideration as a preprint. You can choose this option on the 'Additional Information' screen during the submission process.
Wrap Up
The PLOS ONE Editorial Manager is a robust and integral platform for the scholarly community, enabling efficient and transparent management of research submissions. By understanding its functionalities and adhering to best practices, authors, reviewers, and editors can contribute to the seamless flow of high-quality scientific communication. This digital portal underscores PLOS ONE's commitment to open science and rigorous peer review, facilitating the dissemination of impactful research globally.