To ensure scholarly excellence, Ab Imperio utilizes a rigorous editorial process designed to standardize the diverse range of academic conventions and styles presented by our international authors.
Phase 1: Initial Evaluation
Each submission is first evaluated by the editors for thematic relevance, manuscript length, and bibliographic scope (5–7 days). Manuscripts that do not meet these fundamental requirements may be rejected at this stage without further review. For more information see the journal’s program.
Phase 2: Peer Review & Revisions
Research articles are typically sent to two or more peer reviewers. While we aim for a 4–6 week turnaround, processing times depend on individual reviewer schedules.
At Ab Imperio, we view peer reviews as an early warning system rather than a tribunal. They signal how the professional community will perceive the work. Beyond addressing gaps in historiography and sources, effective revisions must foreground core arguments and rigorously substantiate methodological choices.
Final acceptance of submissions to Ab Imperio, including book reviews and solicited contributions, is conditional on revisions made by the authors at the editors’ request. The response to reviews is measured by the substantive changes made to the manuscript; however, the author is not required to adopt every suggestion.
Effective revisions should dismiss the grounds for any initial criticism, to ensure that the reader cannot miss or misinterpret a thesis and to substantiate the choices of primary sources, secondary literature, and methodological approach. While informed disagreement is a hallmark of scholarship, a lack of clarity regarding research design and methods is grounds for disqualification.
Phase 3: Production
All accepted submissions undergo professional copyediting to ensure that they meet American academic standards and the norms of scholarly Russian and American English (adhering to the Chicago Manual of Style, 18th Edition). If substantial changes are made, the edited text will be sent to the author for approval.
We provide typeset proofs to all authors for final approval before the issue is published. Please note: The “Contributor Publishing Agreement” outlines the limits of permissible edits.
Phase 4: After Publication
Authors of research articles receive two complimentary copies of the journal issue; contributors to discussion forums and book reviewers receive one.
Timeline
Typically 6 months from initial submission to the final published issue.