Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the impact factors of the AACR journals?
A: Impact factor and other important journal metrics can be found on the AACR Journals Metrics page page.
Q: I cannot recall my log-in name and/or password for the SmartSubmit system. How can I retrieve this information?
A: On the bottom of the log-in screen, click the “Forgot your Password? Click Here” link and follow the instructions. You will receive an email that allows you to reset your password.
Q: Is there a standard font and point size I should use for my submission?
A: Please use 12 point Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman font. Be sure to number all pages.
Q: What are the length restrictions for manuscripts submitted to AACR journals?
A: The word counts and figure limits vary among the different article types for each journal. For exact restrictions, please see the links to the individual journals on the Article Style and Formats page.
Q: What are the acceptable file formats to use when uploading a new or revised manuscript?
A: The following are acceptable file formats for NEW submissions:
- Manuscript File: PDF, Word or RTF format
- Graphics Files: PDF, JPG, TIFF, PNG, EPS, PS or PowerPoint format
When submitting a revised manuscript, original source files MUST be submitted. Acceptable file formats are:
- Manuscript File: Word or RTF format
- Graphics Files: EPS, TIFF, AI, PSD, PNG or PS format. PowerPoint (PPT, PPTX) files are discouraged.
Q: When uploading files in the SmartSubmit system, what is the difference between the “review only” and “publication only” options for supplementary data?
A: When uploading supplementary files, selecting "Review Only" will allow reviewers and editors to see your supplementary files. However, this data will not be available to readers if your manuscript is accepted for publication. “Publication Only” refers to data that will be made available to reviewers and editors during the peer review process as well as readers if your article is published.
Q: After I approved the conversion of my files and submitted them for consideration, I noticed a mistake in one of the files. How can I have the manuscript returned so that the mistake can be corrected?
A: You may contact the journal office by logging into the SmartSubmit site and locating the manuscript through the “Live Manuscripts” link. Click the “Send MS Correspondence” link, select “Staff” as the recipient, and type your message into the text box provided.
Q: How can I track my manuscript's status through the review process?
A: Log on to the SmartSubmit site and locate the manuscript through the “Live Manuscripts” link. Click the “View Manuscript” link to get to the manuscript details page. On this page, scroll to the bottom portion of the screen and click the “Check Status” link. Scroll down and you will find a table that will provide a detailed status report.
Q: My manuscript was not accepted for publication and I would like to appeal this decision. How should I go about this?
A: Policies on requesting reconsideration of previously rejected manuscripts are provided in the Appeals section of the Information for Authors.
Q: How long after receipt of the acceptance letter should I expect to receive my page proofs?
A: Page proofs are sent approximately two to three weeks after the date of the acceptance letter.
Q: I have received proofs for my accepted article but I do not understand; what are the notations in the margin of the proofs?
A: The margin callouts are as follows:
- Q1, Q2, etc.: Indicate queries from the copyeditors. The questions appear on the last page of your proof package and require your attention.
- F1, F2, etc.: Indicate figure callouts and require no action.
- FN1, FN2, etc.: Indicate footnote callouts and require no action.
- T1, T2, etc.: Indicate table callouts and require no action.
- SF1, SF2, ST1, ST2, etc.: Indicate supplementary materials intended for online-only publication. We have this material in-house and no further action is required.
Q: Can a figure be printed in black and white in the print journal and in color in the online journal?
A: No. Figures must be the same (either in color or black and white) both in print and online. Please note also that once the printer has rendered your figures in color, you will incur the color cost even if you revert to black and white.
Q: I have been queried to send new, higher-resolution figure files back with my proof corrections. These files are too large to send by e-mail. How should I send them?
A: Figures too large (larger than 12MB) to send by e-mail should be uploaded to our FTP site. Instructions for upload to FTP can be obtained by contacting the journal that accepted your manuscript. Journal e-mail addresses are as follows:
| Blood Cancer Discovery: | bloodcancerdiscov@aacr.org |
| Cancer Discovery: | cancerdiscovery@aacr.org |
| Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention: | cebp@aacr.org |
| Cancer Immunology Research: | cancerimmunolres@aacr.org |
| Cancer Prevention Research: | cancerprevres@aacr.org |
| Cancer Research: | cancerres@aacr.org |
| Clinical Cancer Research: | ccr@aacr.org |
| Molecular Cancer Research: | mcr@aacr.org |
| Molecular Cancer Therapeutics: | mct@aacr.org |
Q: In the process of revising my manuscript, it has become necessary to change the order or composition of the author list. What steps need to be taken?
A: Please note this information in the cover letter and the manuscript file when you resubmit. In addition, the AACR journals require written notification from each author on the paper (including those being added or removed) stating that they are aware of and agree to the change(s). For your convenience, we offer a template form which authors can use to collect the signatures. The form is available for download: Authorship Change Form (PDF).
Q: Can I make changes to my article's title or authorship at the proof stage?
A: Although it is discouraged, changes may be made to an article's authorship or title at the proof stage. However, changes to the composition or order of the author list require signed statements from all authors approving these changes. Failure to provide these will result in a delay in publication.
