Methods: The authors of articles published in twenty-two social work journals during the year 2000 were contacted and asked to complete a survey evaluating their experiences with the editorial review process pertaining to their article. Information pertaining to the timeliness of editorial communications, the provision and length of editorial reviewer comments, the helpfulness of these remarks, the apparent competence of the reviewers, the respect with which the reviewer comments were framed, and the length of time to publication were gathered and compared across the 22 journals.
Results: The 22 social work journals are ranked according to their timeliness in responding to submissions and in regard to the quality of reviewer suggestions, including respectfulness, competence, helpfulness and overall quality. These results have implications for improving the social work journal editorial review system and provide valuable information to authors considering where to submit manuscripts.
Implications for Practice: The field of social work practice is based on knowledge developed from research. The dissemination of research findings is a crucial requirement for competent and effective practice. Increased efficiency and improved standards in the editorial review process will facilitate the dissemination of knowledge and assist in strengthening the scientific and intellectual integrity of the field of social work practice.