Author Guidelines

Nawala Politika's submission process consists of seven structured stages designed to ensure compliance with academic standards and streamline manuscript evaluation. Authors must carefully follow each step to avoid technical rejection.

Stage 1: Understanding Journal Guidelines

This foundational stage ensures alignment with the journal's core requirements:

Focus & Scope

  • Review journal's topical coverage
  • Match research theme with keywords
  • Highlight relevance in abstract
  • Check Scope ?

Publication Ethics

  • Ensure original, unpublished work
  • Accurate source citation
  • Transparent authorship
  • COPE standards compliance

Plagiarism Policy

  • <20% similarity threshold
  • Pre-check with Turnitin
  • Proper paraphrasing
  • Avoid self-plagiarism

Critical: Non-compliance at this stage may result in immediate technical rejection.

Stage 2: Manuscript Preparation

Proper document preparation using journal templates:

Manuscript Content

  • Clear academic language
  • Logical narrative flow
  • Highlight original contribution
  • Data/theory supported arguments

Formatting

  • Use official template
  • 150-word abstract
  • 3-6 relevant keywords
  • Proper reference format
  • Transferring Draft to Template (Download the draft template from Nawala Politika's website, transfer your manuscript content, and adjust elements like title, abstract, keywords, and references per template instructions.)

Cover Letter

  • Statement of relevance
  • All authors' approval

Turnitin Report

  • PDF format
  • <20% similarity
  • Clear filename

Stage Three: Manuscript Upload

Authors must upload manuscripts and supporting documents through Nawala Politika's online submission system (Open Journal System/OJS).

Uploading Draft via Submission Feature

What is it? Nawala Politika's online portal (OJS) for uploading manuscripts and supporting documents.
Action required: Create an account on Nawala Politika's website (if new), log in to the "Submission" menu, and follow upload steps.
Tips: Ensure stable internet connection and save submission proof (e.g., submission ID number).

Completing Submission Form

What is it? An online form containing manuscript information like title, author names, affiliations, and contacts.
Action required: Complete the form in the same language as your manuscript (English or Indonesian, per journal policy). Ensure email and contact details are accurate.
Tips: Double-check author name spellings and affiliations to prevent errors.

Completing Metadata

What is metadata? Information like abstract, keywords, and references that help journal indexing.
Action required:
  • Abstract: Write a concise summary (150 words) covering research purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.
  • Keywords: Select 3-6 relevant political science keywords (e.g., "democracy," "public policy," "elections").
  • References: Enter references per Nawala Politika's required format.
Tips: Use specific, relevant keywords to enhance article discoverability.

Uploading Files

Action required:
  • Draft (Article Text): Upload main manuscript in .docx (or other specified format). Select "Article Text" in OJS.
  • Cover Letter (Others): Upload scanned PDF cover letter, select "Others."
  • Turnitin Report (Others): Upload Turnitin PDF report, select "Others."
Tips: Use clear filenames like "Draft_Title.docx," "CoverLetter_Author.pdf," "OriginalityStatement_Author.pdf," and "Turnitin_Title.pdf."
Important Note: Ensure all files upload to correct OJS categories. Upload errors may cause delays.
 

Stage Four: Editorial Screening Process

Nawala Politika editors conduct initial screening to verify manuscripts meet technical and substantive standards.

Compliance Check

What is checked?
  • Formatting: Whether manuscript matches Nawala Politika template (font, margins, structure).
  • Scope alignment: Whether topic aligns with journal focus (e.g., political issues).
  • References: Whether references are current, relevant, and properly formatted.
  • Document completeness: Whether cover letter, originality statement, and Turnitin report were uploaded.
Tips: Always use Nawala Politika's official template to avoid formatting issues.

Editor Actions

Actions:
  • If non-compliant: Editors will contact authors via OJS or email requesting revisions within a deadline.
  • If compliant: Manuscript proceeds to double-blind peer review.
Tips: Respond promptly to revision requests and document changes made.
Important Note: Screening is the initial filter. Many manuscripts are rejected at this stage for technical non-compliance, so carefully follow the template.

Stage Five: Peer Review Process

Manuscripts passing screening undergo anonymous review by field experts through double-blind assessment.

Review Process

Reviewer responsibilities: Selected political science experts evaluate:
  • Research novelty
  • Methodological validity
  • Argument clarity and analysis
  • Contribution to political science or public policy
Tips: Ensure your manuscript presents strong arguments, valid data, and clear writing.

Review Outcomes

Possible recommendations:
  • Accept without revision: Ready for publication.
  • Accept with revisions: Requires minor/major improvements.
  • Reject: Fails to meet standards (e.g., lacks originality or has weak methodology).
Tips: If revisions are requested, carefully address all reviewer comments and document changes.
Important Note: Peer review may take weeks to months depending on reviewer availability and journal policies.
 

Stage Six: Copyediting and Acceptance Letter

Approved manuscripts (with or without revisions) proceed to final editing and official publication.

Copyediting Process

What is copyediting? Final editing to ensure manuscripts meet journal quality standards, including grammar, writing style, formatting, and consistency. Editors verify compliance with Nawala Politika's template.
Author responsibilities: Review copyedited versions sent via OJS or email. Approve changes or professionally raise objections if needed. Ensure manuscript maintains template compliance.
Tips: Pay attention to details like spelling, punctuation, and reference formatting. Carefully implement any additional revisions to expedite processing.

Statement of Originality

What is it? After the draft is accepted, the author must submit a statement of originality to the editor using Nawala Politika's template, which declares that the manuscript is original, unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere.
Action required: Download the template, complete per instructions, and ensure all authors sign. Scan to PDF. 
Tips: Ensure all original authors provide clear signatures. Keep copies for your records.
 

Letter of Acceptance (LoA)

What is LoA? After successful copyediting, editors issue an LoA via OJS or email confirming manuscript acceptance for publication.
Action required: Save the LoA as official acceptance proof. Confirm receipt if requested.
Tips: LoAs are often used for academic/administrative purposes (e.g., promotions or research reporting). Store securely.
Important Note: This stage indicates your manuscript is nearly complete. Maintain clear communication with editors regarding any additional revisions or template clarifications.
 

Stage Seven: Publication

The final stage involves completing editorial processes and scheduling manuscript publication in Nawala Politika.

Final Editorial Process

Processes:
  • Editing: Final verification of grammar, writing style, and formatting compliance.
  • Proofreading: Identifying minor errors like typos or punctuation mistakes.
  • Layout: Final typesetting including image/table placement and page numbering.
Author responsibilities: If requested, review final PDF proofs to verify accuracy. Approve or request minor corrections.
Tips: Verify table/figure placement and reference consistency. Respond promptly to maintain publication schedules.

Publication Scheduling

Process: The Editor-in-Chief assigns publication timing according to the journal's periodicity (monthly, quarterly, or annual). Manuscripts are included in specific issues and published online.
Action required: Await official notification of issue number and publication date. Verify all information when published.
Important Note: This completes the publication journey. Adhere to all deadlines and maintain professional communication with editors.