- For authors
- Open access · CC BY 4.0
- Published by Open Access Pub
Instructions for Authors
How to prepare and submit a manuscript to the Journal of Biosemiotic Research: submission routes, article types, manuscript structure, ethics statements, and fees.
Submission routes
- ManuscriptZone
Primary route. The publisher's online submission and review system. - Simple manuscript submission form
Alternative route. A single-page form that opens with the journal selected. - info@openaccesspub.org
Assisted route, where permitted. Send the manuscript files with a cover letter to the editorial office.
Authors must use only one submission route for the same manuscript.
Article types
Original Research
Empirical or experimental studies of sign processes in living systems. Abstract; Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions. State the research question and, where applicable, the hypotheses and outcomes.
Theoretical Contribution
Conceptual or formal frameworks, models, and arguments. Abstract; a clear statement of the problem, the framework, its relation to existing work, and its implications or testable consequences.
Review
A synthesis of existing work on a defined question in biosemiotics. Abstract; the question, how the literature was identified and selected where applicable, the synthesis, and open problems.
Methods
New, adapted, or validated analytical or experimental methods, including approaches to semiotic modeling. Abstract; rationale, a description detailed enough for others to apply it, and a worked application.
Short Communication
A concise report of a focused or preliminary finding. Brief abstract; condensed Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion.
Commentary
A reasoned perspective on a published article or a current question in the field. Brief abstract or summary; argument supported by citations.
Structure and format
Requirements depend on the format; the points below apply to all types.
- Length. There are no fixed length limits for any article type; manuscripts should be concise and proportionate to their content.
- File. Submit the manuscript as a Word (.docx) file with line numbers for reviewer reference.
- Title page. Title, all authors with affiliations, the corresponding author, and ORCID iDs where available.
- Abstract and keywords. A short abstract that states the question, approach, and main conclusion, followed by keywords.
- Figures and tables. Number them in order of citation, give each a self-explanatory caption, and supply figures as high-resolution image files.
- References. Use a consistent style, cite every reference in the text, and include DOIs where they exist.
- Supplementary files. Upload supplementary material as separate files and cite it in the text.
- Reused material. Obtain permission where required by the source license for material reproduced from other sources, and state the source.
Peer review
Single-blind by default; double-blind review is available on request.
All submissions undergo initial editorial screening. Manuscripts that meet the journal's scope and minimum requirements proceed to independent peer review.
Manuscripts that proceed to external peer review are normally evaluated by at least two independent subject-matter experts.
For double-blind review, remove author names, affiliations, acknowledgments, funding details, institution names, and other identifying information from the reviewer manuscript. Provide identifying information separately in the title-page file or submission form.
Ethics and declarations
Declarations are part of every submission, as applicable to the article type.
- Ethics approval and informed consent, or a waiver documented by the ethics committee, where applicable (theoretical papers and Commentaries without human or animal participants do not require study approvals)
- Conflicts of interest and funding sources
- A data-availability statement for empirical research manuscripts (not required for theoretical papers or Commentaries)
- Disclosure of any use of generative AI tools
- Registration of interventional clinical trials in an accepted public trial registry at or before the first participant provides consent for enrollment, with the registry name, registration number, and registration date reported in the manuscript
License and charges
Articles are published under CC BY 4.0, and authors retain copyright.
The article processing charge is USD 1,200, payable only after acceptance. Withdrawal after submission is subject to the journal's withdrawal policy. Fee-relief inquiries are considered case by case; contact the editorial office before or at submission.
Before you submit
- The manuscript fits the scope and is in one of the six article types
- The title page and declarations are complete, including a data-availability statement for empirical research
- Figures, tables, and references are cited and formatted
- Permission for reused material is in hand where required by the source license
- You have chosen one submission route