Request to remove an author before publication

• Clarify the reason for the change in authorship
• Check that all authors agree to remove the author

If all authors agree, then:

• Correct, as appropriate, the author list and contributor details (role of each contributor or author) and acknowledgements
• Proceed with revision or publication

If the authors do not agree, then:

• Suspend the review or publication of the article until authorship is agreed upon
• Inform the excluded author(s) that if they do not agree with the resolution of the case, they should continue to deal with their co-authors or their centers, and not with the publisher

Note: It is very important to contact the author(s) whose name(s) are to be removed from the article and obtain their written consent.