Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the word or page limit for manuscripts submitted to China Scientific Data?
There is no limit on the number of words and pages, generally 3000-5000 words is appropriate.
2. How can I change author information after submission?
Before articles are formally published in Zone II, authors can make requests through a written letter or email (csdata@cnic.cn). Author information cannot be changed once the contributor’s agreement is signed.
3. How can I revise my manuscript after submission?
Manuscripts will enter a review process soon after submission. To facilitate timely feedback, authors should only submit when the manuscript is deemed as the final version. In case of substantial deficiencies or other urgent requests, please contact the Editorial Office at: csdata@cnic.cn.
4. What's the review process?And what's the differences between zone Ⅰ and zone Ⅱ.
All the manuscripts submitted to China Scientific Data will undergo a rigorous two-tier review process, including an editorial screening conducted by an editor-in-charge, followed by peer reviews. Usually, manuscripts will be published online in zoneⅠupon editorial screening, before it is accepted. Soon after that, it is the peer review stage, when the manuscript is sent out for external review. Peer review goes simultaneously with public rating. After the two-tier review process is the editorial board voting, when at least three members of the Editorial Board are asked to decision. Finally, an executive editor from the Editorial Board comprehensively considers and synthesizes all the feedback to make a final decision, including “accept”, “minor revision(s)”, “major revision(s)” or “reject”. Accepted manuscripts shall be published in zone Ⅱ.
5. What's the key points in writing a data paper
We ahere to the following criteria when making a decision of acceptance:
(1) Rigorous experiment and high data quality
-Whether the data are generated in a rigorous and methodological fashion
-Credible data validation and error analysis
-Sufficient background information (e.g., spatial and temporal information) as per its discipline and clear data usage notes.
(2) Complete, open-access data storage
Make sure the data is deposited in an accredited data repository (e.g., www.scidb.cn) suitable for peer review and long-term sharing and reuse.
(3) Integrity of the description
-Detailed description on research methods and data processing steps, including data source, process, software used, and data file types, which would facilitate easy reproduction, integration and reuse of the data sets.
-Description of metadata, dataset profile, other data information as per the data sets described.
