Instructions for Authors
Authors are invited to submit original research articles, review articles, case studies, and short communications that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in humanities and social sciences. All submissions must be written in English and must not have been previously published or submitted for publication elsewhere.
Manuscript Preparation
- Word count: Research articles (6,000-8,000 words), Review articles (8,000-10,000 words), Case studies (4,000-6,000 words), Short communications (2,000-3,000 words)
- Format: Double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins
- Structure: Title, Abstract (250 words max), Keywords (5-7), Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, References
- Figures and tables: High-resolution (300 dpi), numbered consecutively, with descriptive captions
- References: Follow APA 7th edition formatting
Submission Process
Manuscripts should be submitted online through the journal's submission system. Authors must create an account and follow the step-by-step submission process. All submissions undergo initial screening by the editorial team, followed by double-blind peer review by at least two anonymous reviewers.
Article Processing Charge
To support open access publication and cover costs associated with peer review, copyediting, typesetting, and online hosting, SDS charges an Article Processing Charge (APC) for accepted manuscripts.
APC Rate (Effective January 1, 2025)
- All Manuscript Types: ￥: 2300 CNY
Waiver Policy
A limited number of full and partial waivers are available for authors from low-income countries (as defined by the World Bank) or those experiencing financial hardship. Waiver requests must be submitted during manuscript submission and include a detailed explanation of financial need.
Payment Process
The APC is payable upon acceptance of the manuscript. Authors will receive an invoice with payment instructions (credit card, bank transfer, or PayPal). The APC is non-refundable once payment is received.
Editorial Process
SDS follows a rigorous editorial process to ensure the quality and integrity of published research. The process consists of the following stages:
1. Submission
Authors submit manuscripts through the online system with all required files.
1
Manuscripts must adhere to author guidelines and include all required sections.
Editorial team checks for guidelines adherence, scope relevance, and initial quality.
2
2. Initial Screening
Manuscripts are screened by the Editor-in-Chief or Associate Editors.
3. Peer Review
Manuscripts passing screening are sent to at least two anonymous reviewers.
3
Reviewers evaluate originality, methodological soundness, and significance.
Authors address reviewer comments with a point-by-point response.
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4. Revision
Authors revise manuscripts based on reviewer feedback (may be repeated).
5. Decision & Publication
Editor-in-Chief makes final decision (accept, revise and resubmit, or reject).
5
Accepted manuscripts undergo copyediting, typesetting, and online publication.
Average time from submission to first decision: 1-3 business days. Average time from acceptance to publication: 5-9 weeks.
