1.3.1 Revisions

Before a manuscript is sent to copyediting, the editor must determine that it meets the agreed expectations for the project. If the manuscript does not satisfy those requirements, whether in scope, structure, completeness, formatting, or technical preparation, it may be returned to the author for revision before editorial work proceeds. §1.1 Before Submitting a Manuscript and §1.2: Submitting a Manuscript describe the general conditions for acceptable manuscripts

The editor may also require larger changes to bring the work into its intended form. These may include reorganization, expansion, deletion, clarification, or other substantive revisions. The author and editor should work together to produce a manuscript that is acceptable for publication and faithful to the purpose of the project.

Once the manuscript enters copyediting, routine matters of house style will generally be applied without negotiation. However, if a copyeditor proposes a change that may affect meaning, especially in theological, ritual, historical, or technical material, the author is responsible either for approving the change or offering an alternative that preserves the intended sense. Any such alternatives may be reviewed by the editor before final acceptance.