Withdrawal Policy

Manuscript Withdrawal Policy

The Annals of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ACGH) allows authors to withdraw manuscripts at various stages of the publication process. This policy defines the procedures, timelines, fees, and implications for manuscript withdrawal to ensure transparency, maintain publication integrity, and protect the interests of all parties involved.

1. Pre-Review Withdrawals

1.1 Before Initial Submission

Authors may freely withdraw manuscripts before final submission without penalty. Once the submission button is clicked, the manuscript enters the journal’s processing system.

1.2 After Submission, Before Peer Review

Withdrawal requests during initial editorial screening (within 7 days of submission) can be processed without major implications. Authors must:

  • Submit a formal request to [email protected]
  • Include manuscript ID and reason for withdrawal
  • Allow 2–3 business days for processing
  • Fee: No charges at this stage

2. Post-Acceptance Withdrawals

2.1 Limited Circumstances

Post-acceptance withdrawal is permitted only in exceptional cases:

  • Critical errors affecting study conclusions
  • Discovered ethical violations or misconduct
  • Duplicate submission accepted elsewhere
  • Legal restrictions preventing publication

2.2 Editorial Approval

All post-acceptance withdrawals require:

  • Written justification from corresponding author
  • Editorial board review and approval
  • Ethics committee consultation if necessary
  • Timeline: 10–15 business days for decision
  • Fee: $1500 USD administrative fee may apply

3. Removal vs. Retraction

Action When Applied Record
Removal Pre-publication withdrawal No permanent record in journal
Retraction Post-publication issues Permanent retraction notice published

4. Withdrawal Request Steps

  1. Email Submission: Send request to [email protected]
  2. Required Info: Manuscript ID, title, all author details, reason for withdrawal, supporting documents
  3. Editorial Review: 2–5 business days for decision
  4. Confirmation: Written confirmation sent to all authors
  5. System Update: Status updated in submission system

Contact: [email protected] | Phone: +1-555-ACGH (2244)
Response Time: 24–48 hours for acknowledgment

5. Associated Fees

Withdrawal Stage Fee Amount Payment Timeline
Pre-submission No Fee N/A
Under initial review No Fee N/A
During peer review $750 USD Within 30 days
Post-acceptance $1500 USD Within 15 days
After typesetting $2500 USD Within 10 days

Note: Fees are waived in cases of proven ethical violations or research misconduct necessitating withdrawal.

Important Reminders

  • Requests must be submitted by the corresponding author
  • All co-authors will be notified of withdrawal requests
  • Withdrawal does not prevent future submissions to ACGH
  • Authors are responsible for notifying other journals if submitted elsewhere
  • Processing times may vary during peak submission periods

Last updated: August 2025 | Policy effective immediately