Receiving a rejection letter from a journal editor can be disheartening, especially if you submitted your article with the hopes of having it published. You may begin to wonder if getting published is even a feasible possibility, and whether your work is relevant to the academic world. “We are sorry to notify you that the editors believe that your current article is not fit as a research paper for our journal,” a journal editor would often say when they decide to reject your manuscript. This could be discouraging because it does not request a big adjustment or edits. It is a flat-out rejection letter known as “Desk Rejection.” The worst thing you could do is become discouraged and abandon your paper.
What Should You Do When Your Paper is Rejected?
Receiving a rejection letter from a journal editor can feel disheartening, especially when you’ve submitted your work with high hopes. At times, the rejection might not even suggest revisions, which can make it seem more final. This type of outright rejection is often referred to as a “desk rejection.” But don’t let it discourage you. There are several ways to approach the situation and still get your work published.
1. Can I make changes and resubmit to the same journal?
Yes, this can be an option if the journal invites you to resubmit after making revisions. Carefully address the reviewers’ concerns, and then submit your improved manuscript. If the journal rejects the new version as well, consider submitting it to another journal. However, respect the journal’s decision if they decline subsequent submissions.
2. Should I consider submitting to a different journal after making changes?
Absolutely! If your paper was rejected after peer review, it’s important to carefully read the feedback provided. By making the necessary changes and improvements to your manuscript, you increase the chances of success when submitting to a different journal. Always remember to tailor the paper to fit the scope and guidelines of the new journal.
3. Is it okay to submit my paper to another journal without making any changes?
While you can submit the same paper to another journal, it’s not advisable to do so without making changes. Ignoring the feedback from the first group of reviewers means you miss out on the opportunity to improve your paper. Even if some suggestions seem incorrect, others may be helpful. It’s worth taking the time to address the issues raised before submitting to a new journal.
4. What if I feel the paper isn’t worth resubmitting?
Even if you feel disheartened, it’s rarely a good idea to discard your manuscript. Your research still holds value and could be beneficial to other researchers. Additionally, your work might prevent others from encountering similar challenges or unfavorable outcomes. Instead of giving up, consider revising the paper and submitting it elsewhere.
5. Can I appeal the rejection?
Yes, many journals allow authors to appeal rejection decisions. However, it’s essential to approach the appeal logically and not emotionally. If the reviewers rejected your manuscript due to a misunderstanding or factual error, you can outline these issues in a respectful manner to the editor. Avoid criticizing the reviewers or arguing about the scope or importance of your work, as these appeals are less likely to succeed.
Rejection is a common part of the academic publishing process, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your manuscript’s journey. By making thoughtful revisions, exploring new journal options, and appealing when appropriate, you can improve your chances of seeing your work published.
Tips to deal with the rejection
- Make changes and resubmit to the same journal
Upon responding to the reviewers’ concerns, the journal may reject your initial submission but invite you to resubmit. This may be your best option if you intend to publish in that journal. You should respect the decision of the journals if they do not accept any subsequent versions of your manuscript. Try another journal instead.
- Make changes and submit to a different journal
Read reviewers’ remarks carefully, strive to enhance your manuscript, and then submit it to another magazine. Before resubmitting, make any necessary changes required.
- Make no changes and submit to another journal
Although it is a simple option, it is not suggested. You negate all the effort put in during the first round of review by refusing to recognize the revisions made by the first group of reviewers. Your manuscript may benefit from some of these ideas, even if some of them are incorrect. You now have the chance to remedy some flaws that you may notice from new reviewers. A new journal might review your manuscript by the same personnel.
- Discard the manuscript and never resubmit it
Even if you feel it’s not worthwhile to resubmit your manuscript, keep in mind that your work still has value. It’s possible that the information you’ve gathered will be helpful to someone else, or that your work may prevent another researcher from getting similarly unfavorable outcomes.
- Appeal the rejection
The journal’s policy for appealing editorial decisions should be made public. As an author, you have the right to appeal a rejection, but you must do so logically rather than emotionally. If the reviewers recommended rejection due to a reasonable misunderstanding or error, outline your reasons to the editor without demeaning the reviewers or being combative. Appeals based on the journal’s scope or the perceived significance of your work is unlikely to be successful.
Conclusion
Paper rejection is undoubtedly disheartening but it is wise to act smart and not be emotionally pessimistic about it. Keeping the above tips in mind and working on it will surely get your paper accepted in the journal of your choice. Do you want more research-related solutions? Please visit our website at https://www.manuscriptedit.com/scholar-hangout/. You can mail us at support@manuscriptedit.com for assistance. Happy reading!!!
Ms. Swati C
