Request to remove an author after publication

• Clarify the reason for the change of authorship (There are three possibilities)

First: The author(s) provide acceptable reasons for the change.

• Check that all authors agree with the change (including the excluded author)
• Publish the correction

Second: The author(s) allege fraud or misconduct.

• Consult guidance on fabricated data

Third: Authors disagree in their interpretation of the data.

Suggest the author(s) state their point(s) of view in a letter, clarify that you will give the other author(s) an opportunity to respond, and publish both letters, if appropriate (e.g., if they are of appropriate length and without defamation). To do so:

1. The author(s) write a letter
   • Contact the other author(s) and explain what is going on. Then:
     • If the other authors send a response, publish both letters
     • The other author(s) do not wish to respond, publish the letter with the minority point of view
2. Author(s) do not agree to write the letter (or write an unpublishable letter)
   • Then if the author insists on name removal and the other authors agree, then you should consider publishing a correction.