The Early Decision workflow in Editorial Manager enables a decision to be made on a new submission by the Receiving Editor, either directly or on behalf of another editor. For a traditional workflow it allows the Editorial Office to take action on behalf of the editors without need to assign the submission or proxy for the editor. In a Direct-to-Editor workflow, it allows the receiving editor to skip the initial steps of assigning the submission to themselves, and go straight to submit a decision.

Contact your Journal Manager or other Support Contact with any questions about your journal configuration.

How?

1. Locate the submission in one of the folders:

   • New Submissions
   • New Submissions Requiring Assignment
   • Direct-to-Editor New Submissions
2. Select the 'Submit Early Decision' action link.
3. Select the Editor who will be responsible for the decision. When the decision is submitted, it will be as if the chosen editor was assigned and made that decision.

   • If your role is enabled to be assigned and make decisions, you will have the option 'Assign to Me'.
   • o If you need to select someone else, first select an Editor role, then a name. All roles empowered to be assigned and make decisions will appear.
4. The decision form is displayed based on the Editor Role selected:

   • Select a Decision Term from the available Early Decision terms.
   • Add comments to author, answer custom questions, etc.
   • See How do I make a decision in Editorial Manager? for more details about the possible parts of the Decision Form.
5. Select 'Proceed' to submit the decision.

After the Early Decision is submitted:

• The chosen editor is assigned and the decision is submitted as one action.
• If you have permission to Notify Author, then a draft of the decision letter appears. See Draft and Send Decision Letters.
• If you do not have permission for Notify Author then it moves to 'All Submissions With Decision' and the responsible person will send the letter.