Finding an editor

Copernicus Publications has established an innovative online editorial support system, the Copernicus Office Editor, to automate the selection of editors and referees for submitted manuscripts. The Copernicus Office Editor reduces to a minimum the time that a paper spends in review. Editors are selected to handle a manuscript based on the manuscript subject areas and index terms chosen by the authors. Because HESS has many editors, papers are normally handled by a scientist with a high degree of specialist knowledge of the submitted work, whereas opinion articles are handled by the executive editors only. The following information will help you select appropriate subject areas and index terms. There are two index term categories: disciplinary field and domain of integration. 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 (see table below). The Copernicus Office Editor will assign the most appropriate editor based on the best match of first- and second-choice index terms and available editors. Manuscripts will usually be assigned to an editor whose subject areas match the selected index terms. If, however, none of these 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
Disciplinary fields	surface processes
Domains of integration	hillslope

Index term category	First choice	Second choice
Disciplinary fields	surface processes
Domains of integration	hillslope	catchment

Index term category	First choice	Second choice
Disciplinary fields	surface processes	chemical processes
Domains of integration	hillslope	catchment

After submission of a manuscript, the Copernicus Office Editor sends an email request to every 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 editor for the new submission. As soon as one of them accepts the task, they are assigned as the editor for this submission and receive the complete manuscript. The authors are informed accordingly.

If none of the initially addressed editors accepts the task within a few days, the request is extended to 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 executive editor is asked to assign the manuscript to one of the editors.