Request to add an additional author after publication

• Clarify the reason for the change of authorship (Ask why the author was omitted from the original list, and refer to the journal's instructions or the authorship statement, which should state that all authors meet the appropriate criteria and that no author who deserves to be listed as such has been omitted)
• Check that all authors agree to add the additional author

If all authors agree, then:

• Proceed with publication of the correction

If the authors do not agree, then:

• Explain that authorship will not be changed until written approval from all authors. Provide authorship guidelines, but do not get involved in the dispute

If all authors then agree:

• Publication of the correction, if necessary

If authors still disagree, then:

• Refer the case to the authors' centers and ask for their institutional mediation
• Publish the correction if the center(s) require it

Note: To prevent future problems:

(1) Prior to publication, obtain a signed statement that all authors meet the criteria for authorship and that there are no other authors who meet the criteria but have been omitted.

(2) Publish details of each person's contribution to the research and to the published article.