Assign Submission to Editor Chain

Publication offices may configure the use of Editor chains for Editor assignments. Editor chain templates display the list of steps in the chain and allow the assigning Editor to select all the Editors and assignment letters at one time. Editor chain templates are configured by Article Type.

When the Editor/editorial staff receives a new (or revised) submission of an applicable Article Type the assignment process described below will apply. Once the chain of Editors is assigned, the Editor at the end of the chain (the last assigned) becomes the Handling Editor. Higher-level Editors do not need to take any immediate action.

To assign an Editor chain for a new (or revised) submission:

Click the Assign Editor link. This opens the Assign Editor Chain pop-up window.
Each step in the chain is displayed on a row of the Define Editor Assignment Chain table. For each step:
1. Role: The role defined in the template for a step appears by default. Use the drop-down menu to select a different role, if necessary.
2. Editor: Selection method depends on configuration.
  - Editor drop-down menu: Select from the list of all users with selected Editor role.
  - Editor Search option: Perform a search and then use the radio button to select an Editor from the results list.
  - If only one user with the selected Editor role is available, that name appears in the Editor column as soon as Role selection is made.
3. Assignment Letter: Use the drop-down menu to select the letter to send. Default letter for the role is displayed. (Use the Customize link to make edits to the selected letter, if applicable.)
After making all selections, click Create Chain and Send Letters. Once letters are sent, a confirmation page displays the chain of assigned Editors.

Additional steps may be added to the Editor chain. Use the drop-down menu below the table to select a role and click Add to Chain.

Steps may be removed from the chain. Click the Delete icon (trashcan) next to the row to be removed.

To skip chain assignment and assign an individual Editor, click Assign Individual Editor. This opens the Assign Editor pop-up window. Follow steps to assign an Editor as described in Assign or Invite Editors.

Additional options for revised submissions

Publications may provide other options for assigning Editor chains for revised submissions. Depending on configuration, a Reassign Editors pop-up window may be displayed.

The Reassign Editors pop-up window shows all valid Editor chains assigned to previous versions of the submission. (A previous Editor chain is considered invalid if one or more of the Editors is no longer available, e.g., their Editor role was changed.)

Editors in the reassigned chain are assigned directly to the submission (not invited) even if their role is configured to receive invitations.

To assign an Editor chain for a revised submission:

Click the Assign Editor link. This opens the Reassign Editors pop-up window.
Choose a reassignment option. Assignment for the revision may be done several ways.
- If more than one previous Editor chain is displayed, use the radio button to select the chain to be used.
  - Reassign with Default Letter: Click to select the same Editors and send letters immediately. Once letters are sent, the confirmation page displays the chain of assigned Editors. (If no letter is associated with Editor chain reassignment, then no letters are sent, but the submission's status will change.)
  - Reassign with Custom Letter: Click to select the same Editors and customize letter before sending. This sends the same customized letter to all Editors. (If no letter is associated with Editor chain reassignment, a blank letter form will be displayed and may be completed and sent.)
  - Edit this Chain: Click to open the Assign Editor Chain pop-up window with previous Editors selected. Follow the steps for a new submission (above).
- Create a New Chain: Click to open the Assign Editor Chain pop-up window with no Editors selected. Follow the steps for a new (or revised) submission (above).
- Assign Individual Editor: Click to open the Assign Editor pop-up window. Follow steps to assign an Editor as described in Assign or Invite Editors.