an independent publishing & arts press
general
Peace, Land, and Bread is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in scholarly and artistic publishing. As an independent nonprofit press, our ethical framework is guided by principles of editorial independence, intellectual rigor, transparency, collective responsibility, and a commitment to the public good of the working class. Our policies are informed by widely recognized best practices in scholarly publishing, including those articulated by organizations such as the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and are adapted to the specific structure and mission of the press.
responsibilities of the press
Stewardship of the Scholarly Record
The press recognizes its role as a steward of the published record. We are responsible for ensuring that all works are produced and disseminated with accuracy, clarity, and integrity. Where errors or ethical concerns arise, we will take appropriate action, including issuing corrections, clarifications, or retractions as necessary.
Editorial Independence
Editorial decisions are made independently of commercial considerations, donor influence, or external pressures. The selection and development of manuscripts are based solely on intellectual merit, historical significance, and alignment with the editorial program.
Transparency and Accountability
We are committed to transparent editorial processes. Submission guidelines, review procedures, and publication expectations are clearly communicated. The press remains accountable for maintaining ethical standards across all stages of the publishing process.
Nonprofit Mission and Access
As a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)), the press prioritizes public access to knowledge. We work to make our publications widely available through affordable print editions and, where possible, free digital formats.
Collaborative Editorial Model
Many of our publications incorporate contributions from multiple scholars in the form of introductions, afterwords, study guides, and critical essays. This collaborative model requires careful attribution, coordination, and editorial oversight to ensure clarity and integrity across all contributions.
responsibilities of editors
Publication Decisions
Editors are responsible for determining which submissions are accepted for publication. Decisions are based on rigor, originality, clarity, and relevance, and may be informed by external review where appropriate.
Fair and Impartial Evaluation
Submissions are evaluated without regard to the author’s race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, institutional affiliation, or political position. Editorial evaluation is grounded solely in the quality and substance of the work.
Confidentiality
Editors must treat all submitted materials as confidential. Manuscripts under review are not disclosed or used outside the editorial process.
Conflicts of Interest
Editors must disclose any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from decision-making where impartiality may be compromised.
Oversight of Review Processes
Where peer or editorial review is used, editors are responsible for ensuring that the process is fair, timely, and conducted by individuals with appropriate expertise.
responsibilities of reviewers
Contribution to Editorial Decisions
Reviewers assist editors by providing informed, constructive, and objective evaluations of submitted work.
Confidentiality
Review materials are confidential and must not be shared or used for personal or professional advantage.
Ethical Awareness
Reviewers should identify and report potential ethical issues, including plagiarism, misrepresentation, or other forms of misconduct.
Objectivity and Disclosure
Reviews should be conducted without bias. Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest and withdraw where necessary.
responsibilities of authors & contributors
Accuracy and Integrity
Authors are responsible for presenting their work truthfully and clearly. Arguments, interpretations, and claims must be supported by appropriate evidence and citation. Fabrication, falsification, or misrepresentation of material constitutes a breach of publishing ethics.
Originality and Plagiarism
Submissions must be original and properly cite all sources. Plagiarism in any form is unacceptable.
Authorship and Attribution
All contributors must be appropriately credited. In collaborative works, including editorial apparatus, contributions should be clearly identified.
Submission Standards
The press evaluates completed manuscripts. Submissions should not be materially identical to works already published. Authors may submit simultaneously to other publishers unless otherwise specified.
Conflicts of Interest
Authors must disclose any financial or personal relationships that could influence the work.
Data and Source Transparency
Where applicable, authors should be prepared to provide access to source materials or data supporting their work.
editorial & production standards
Style and Citation
The press follows the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS 18th edition) as its primary reference for citation and formatting.
Use of Automated Text Generation (AI)
Submissions must consist of original human-authored work. Text generated through automated or AI systems is not accepted as a basis for publication.
Corrections and Retractions
The press is committed to maintaining the accuracy of the published record. Where significant errors or ethical concerns are identified, we will:
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issue corrections or clarifications
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publish notices of concern where appropriate
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retract works when necessary
All such actions will be undertaken transparently and with due consideration for the integrity of the record.
final principle
Publishing is understood as a collective and ongoing intellectual practice. The press exists not only to disseminate work, but to help construct a durable, accessible, and ethically grounded body of knowledge. All participants—authors, editors, reviewers, and collaborators—share responsibility for maintaining the standards that make such a project possible.