When a manuscript is submitted to a scientific journal, it enters an intensive revision process. It has to pass through several checkpoints on the road to publication, and rejection lurks around every corner.
If you are in the business of publishing original research articles in medical journals, chances are you’ve had at least one of your papers rejected by a journal. A common issue is not correctly writing a cover letter or not following the proper submission guidelines.
The Initial Screening: Editorial Rejection
Upon submitting your manuscript, an editor first inspects the paper and performs the initial screening. Journal editors check if the paper falls within the scope of the journal. This helps them determine if the content will be of interest to their readers. This is particularly important for an international journal.
They check if the authors followed the journal guidelines for structure and format. They also look for potential technical issues, such as poor language or a messy reference list.
This initial editorial rejection is often quick. If you get a rejection soon after submission, you probably got an editorial rejection. If the manuscript is deemed of sufficient quality and interest, it will go on to the peer review process.
How to Avoid Editorial Rejection
- Read the submission guidelines carefully. Every target journal has specific requirements.
- Ensure your paper fits within the scope of the journal.
- Double-check your journal format and reference lists before sending. Pay special attention to article titles in your reference lists.
Deeper Scrutiny: Peer Review & Common Pitfalls
With all the scrutiny a manuscript undergoes, it is useful to know the most common pitfalls identified by peer reviewers. Fortunately, there are a few peer-reviewed studies analyzing editors and reviewers’ comments on rejected papers. Also, several of the main publishers, like Elsevier, Springer, and Wiley, have issued guides on the most common reasons for rejection.
Here we have compiled for you the most common issues identified in the revision process, or the Top 10 ways to get your paper rejected.
1. Ignore the Author Guidelines and journal format
A paper that doesn’t follow journal format is easy to spot. This is one of the first things editors notice. To avoid this, dedicate time to strictly following all submission guidelines provided by the journal.
2. Write unsupported conclusions
Overinterpretation of the results can lead to invalid conclusions. Unsupported and inaccurate conclusions are one of the most frequent causes for manuscript rejection. Make sure your conclusions are directly supported by your data and analysis.
3. Skip the spellcheck and proofreading
Reviewers won’t be able to focus on the scientific value of your work if they’re distracted by bad spelling or grammar. A high-quality paper must be well-written. Consider having a professional proofread and edit your work.
4. Stick to a deficient study design
This includes using a sample size that is too small or biased, as well as lacking adequate controls. These methodological flaws are a primary reason for rejection, as they undermine the core scientific value of the work.
5. Create sloppy tables and figures
Misaligned figures and tables, and incomplete or inconsistent data will confuse reviewers. Inadequate or confusing visual arguments are also common reasons for rejection. Ensure all visuals are clean, clear, and accurately presented.
6. Use outdated methods and skip the details
Using outdated methods, unsuitable instruments, or not supplying additional information to ensure reproducibility can also result in rejection. Always use the most recent research and methods relevant to your field.
7. Overlook the journal’s aim and scope
Falling outside a journal’s aim and scope, as well as not providing enough context, means a paper won’t be of interest to the journal’s audience. This is a common mistake that leads to editorial rejection. This can apply to both regular and open-access journals.
8. State the research motive vaguely
Reviewers are likely to reject a paper when the problem it addresses is unclear. Make sure your research question and motivation are explicitly stated at the beginning.
9. Be careless in your analysis
Flaws in the analysis, including incorrect or missing statistics, are one of the most consistently mentioned reasons for rejection. Double-check all your data and statistical analysis. This is particularly crucial for a clinical trial or a study in health care.
10. Forget to mention the work of others
Not considering the most relevant recent research and filling a manuscript with self-citations can also lead to rejection. A good scientific journal expects to see a comprehensive reference list that shows the authors are aware of the current state of the field.
The Path to a High-Quality Submission
Some of these points are certainly easy to avoid. Language quality, for example, is easy to fix but often overlooked.
Strengthening Your Manuscript Before Submission
Reviewers frequently mention the importance of presenting a well-written document. In fact, being well written was among the top strengths noted by peer reviewers on papers recommended for publication in the proceedings of the Research in Medical Education conference. Having a professional proofread and edit your work can mean the difference between rejection and success.
Why Methodology Matters Most
But not all of the issues are so easy to fix. Technical problems associated with the methodology employed can be more challenging. Unfortunately, they can also be quite common. According to an article published in Science Editor, poor study design was the number one reason for rejection of manuscripts submitted to medical journals, accounting for 71% of rejections.
When a study design is flawed from its inception, even the most meticulous writing and editing cannot salvage it. Researchers must therefore invest significant effort into ensuring their methodology is robust, their controls are adequate, and their sample size is appropriate and unbiased.
Build Trust Through Transparency
A well-designed study provides a strong foundation for the entire paper, making it difficult for reviewers to find fault with the core scientific merit. Furthermore, providing explicit details about the methods used, including instrument calibration and data collection procedures, is crucial for reproducibility and building trust with the reviewers. This level of transparency is a hallmark of a high-quality submission.
Other Common Rejection Factors
These are, of course, not the only reasons for rejection. Other factors, like conflicts of interest, can also play a role. But keeping these points in mind will certainly improve the odds of success for your manuscript and its journey through the peer review process.
– Written by Marisa Granados, Research Medics Editorial Desk –
