Proofreading Policy

JASF publishes articles in English, and clear, correct language is essential for the review and dissemination of research. This policy explains the authors’ responsibilities for language quality before submission and for checking the proof after acceptance.

Before submission

  • Authors are responsible for the language quality of their manuscript. Manuscripts must be written in clear, standard academic English, with correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and must follow the JASF template and Author Guidelines.
  • Authors are encouraged to have the manuscript checked by a colleague fluent in English or by a professional language editor. This is recommended but not required, and JASF does not require a proofreading certificate.
  • Authors may use basic language tools to check grammar and spelling. These tools do not need to be declared. Generative AI tools used for more than basic language correction must be declared in line with the Plagiarism Check and AI Writing Policy.

During review

  • Manuscripts whose language prevents a fair assessment of their content may be returned to the authors for language improvement before peer review.
  • Reviewers and editors may ask the authors to improve the language as part of the revision. The authors remain responsible for the final language of the revised manuscript.

After acceptance: proof checking

  • After copyediting and layout, the corresponding author receives the proof (galley) of the article.
  • The authors must check the proof carefully and return any corrections within five working days.
  • Only corrections of typographical errors, data errors, and minor language errors are allowed at this stage. Changes to the content, findings, authorship, or references are not permitted, except with the approval of the editor.
  • If the authors do not respond within the deadline, the editor may proceed with publication based on the proof.

Once published, an article can only be changed through a formal correction notice, as described in the Post-Publication Discussions and Corrections policy.