Greetings, this is Emily, and I'd like to welcome you to this uni-edit video.
I've been rejected by one journal. Should I resubmit to the same journal or try another?
Some especially less experienced authors believe that if their paper is not accepted
for publication on their first submission, then there is no chance of publication in
that journal. This reaction is understandable but not realistic. Successful publication on the first
submission is very rare. Authors need to learn how to comprehend the journal response letter and what
actions on the paper or research are required before resubmitting the same paper. However,
sometimes a paper is rejected from a journal with no chance of publication in that journal.
The author should learn how to identify this situation too and look for a new target journal.
Typical journal responses to a paper submission review come in five forms:
Accept: This means the journal publishes your paper in its current state.
Accept with minor revisions: The journal is willing to publish your paper given
you or the co-authors make minor corrections as suggested by the reviewers or handling editor.
Accept with major revisions: The journal is willing to publish your paper given you or the
co-authors make major corrections as suggested by the reviewers and/or the handling editor.
Revise and resubmit: This means that the journal rejects your paper in its
current state but is willing to consider publishing it following major revisions
and a new peer review cycle. Reject: The journal will not
publish your paper in its current state or any alternative or modified states.
One of these decisions on your paper determines its fate for that journal and whether or not you
can resubmit to the same journal. Receiving an outright rejection decision on your paper from
a journal is usually the final decision at the handling editor's or editor-in-chief's
discretion. Therefore, if rejected, your only option is to submit to another journal.
Can a reject decision be changed? Only in extenuating circumstances can authors
contest a paper rejection. There are two types of issues: editorial and technical.
Let's look at the different kinds of issues that you might see in a Journal response letter. Each
kind of issue requires a different action by the author. Some issues don't prevent you from
resubmitting to the same journal; other issues do mean that you need to find a new target journal.
Lack of adherence to journal formatting requirements: This issue can be fixed by
language editors, and the paper can be resubmitted to the same journal.
Lack of clarity, quality, or detail in language and data presentation:
This issue can be fixed by language editors. If the issue is insufficient up-to-date references,
the authors can add and update the references, and the paper can be resubmitted to the same
journal. If the editorial issue is insufficient impact or value for the
journal (the journal does not feel this paper is a good fit), you should consider
submitting to another journal. If the issue is that it is out of scope for the journal,
the paper could be submitted to another journal as it could be within the scope of another journal.
Weak, unclear, or scientifically invalid research objectives or hypotheses: This issue can be fixed
by the authors by strengthening and revising the objectives or hypotheses. Editors can clarify the
language, and the paper can be resubmitted to the same journal, depending on the review decision.
Practical example for Life Sciences: Most journals within the life sciences employ the same paper
accepted criteria previously discussed in this video. In the notes of the video, there will be
a useful link to a SlideShare presentation on how to write a scientific paper and get it published.
Practical example for social sciences: Journals within the social sciences rely on the general
criteria outlined previously in the video, with the exception of cases whereby you can demonstrate
that the reviewers are subject to unfair bias or have misunderstood the research. Generally,
however, it is ideal to pursue a new journal following rejection by submitting the next
highest impact journal on your list of preferred publications for the research.
Determine a new target journal if the reason for rejection is based on the unsuitability
of your research or results for the journal. Determining the right journal to submit to
is your priority. Reading past issues of one journal to acquire a sense of the aims, scope,
level, length, and readership of the journal could help you determine if the journal is
right for your research and thus enhance the probability of your research being accepted.
Once again, this is Emily from uni-edit. Thanks for watching and have a wonderful day.