MAFES Manuscript Policies and Instructions

Each of the peer-reviewed publications of the Experiment Station (Bulletins, Technical Bulletins, Research Reports, and Special Bulletins) is distributed to domestic and selected foreign libraries, other SAES's, all MAFES units, and MCES specialists (including county and area offices). Costs for publishing and distributing each of these series for Experiment Station scientists are assumed by the Office of the Director. A total of 900 copies of each publication, including 100 copies for the author(s), is printed for distribution. The author(s) or others may order additional copies in conjunction with the manuscript approval process; costs for the additional copies will be billed to the Banner account designated with the order.

Printing costs for manuscripts originating from USDA/ARS scientists and approved for publication in MAFES peer-reviewed series will be the responsibility of USDA/ARS.

Printing and distribution costs for all other MAFES publications are the responsibility of the author. (NOTE: 10 copies of Information Bulletins, Proceedings, and miscellaneous publications are required in addition to the author's needs: 1 for MAFES files, 9 for library archives. These should be included in the quantity ordered on the Manuscript Approval Form.)

The process below should be followed for all MAFES publications series AND for external publications that DO NOT have their own peer-review process.

1. Author develops manuscript, seeking any needed editorial assistance from publications editors in the Office of Agricultural Communications before peer review, completes upper portion of Manuscript Review Form, develops list of 3-5 suggested reviewers (some of whom are from outside his or her department), and forwards these items with manuscript to Department Head.
2. Department Head selects 3 or more reviewers (one outside unit), then forwards manuscript and review forms to them and to statistical reviewer.
3. Reviewers critically appraise the manuscript as promptly as possible and return edited manuscript and review forms to Department Head who assesses comments and forwards to author.
4. Author makes necessary revisions and forwards revised manuscript, review forms, and earlier edited versions of the manuscript to Department Head for evaluation and approval. If further review was requested, Department Head submits revised manuscript to those reviewers or contacts them directly to work out an accommodation. Footnote recognition for significant contributions by reviewers is strongly encouraged.
5. Department Head approves manuscript and forwards to the Office of the Director (a) the Manuscript Approval Form, (b) all Manuscript Review forms, (c) one double-spaced copy of the manuscript, (d) a diskette containing the manuscript (text and tables in WP5.1 or ASCI files, and (e) all figures (photographs, graphics, etc.).
6. Manuscripts approved by the Director will be forwarded to the Publications Section, Office of Agricultural Communications, 103 Bost, for assignment of appropriate publication number. Manuscripts for external publication will be returned to the senior author's department for submission to the intended publisher. Manuscripts for MAFES publications will be edited, typeset, paged, and returned to the senior author for final review and approval prior to publication.

NOTE: Citations of MIS project number and extramural support by grant or contract number and agency are required. If research reported (internal or external publications) was part of a thesis or dissertation, credit must also be included in footnote citation (i.e. "Research conducted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the ___ degree in ___.")

Special Instructions

For external publications that have a peer-review process.

Same instructions as above, EXCEPT:

1. Author will document internal review by three peers using MAFES Manuscript Review Form.
2. Manuscripts for external publications will be returned to the author with MAFES manuscript number assigned. Department Head will notify Director of final disposition of the manuscript and supply two copies (or reprints) of the published article.
3. Manuscripts for Information Bulletins, Society Proceedings, or other internal publications should be reviewed according to the policy established within the author's department. Magazine articles, newspaper features, and television presentations are the sole responsibility of the author.
4. All manuscripts for external publication MUST cite the assigned MAFES journal number in footnote (i.e. "Approved for publication as Journal Article No. J-0000 of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Mississippi State University.")

Manuscript Review Form

Manuscript Approval Form

Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station

Mississippi State University

Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine

Last date modified April 2, 1997.

URL = http://www.mafes.msstate.edu/admin/manupol.htm

MSU is an equal opportunity institution.