Most academic activities involve a rigorous process of competitive selection and quality control, leading to frequent rejections. Publishing an article in a peer-reviewed journal is no exception. While rejection can feel less painful if deemed unfair, it nonetheless provides an opportunity to reflect on the quality of your work.
Articles are typically written by a single author and submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. The editor anonymizes the submission and sends it to reviewers, whose identities remain confidential. Even though crowd-sourced peer review can be more objective, it’s rare in academic publishing because it takes a lot of time to thoroughly review text-based articles.
Journal review times vary significantly; some promise a decision within three months, while others may take up to a year, depending on the availability of reviewers.
Eventually, you will receive an email with the outcome, which may or may not include feedback.
Understanding Peer Review
Peer review involves critical evaluation by experts to ensure the quality and validity of scholarly work. It is crucial for maintaining standards and enhancing the credibility of published research.
Handling Rejection
When facing rejection, view it as valuable feedback. Readers’ responses guide improvements, and discussing the article with a critical friend or mentor can offer new perspectives. If rejected without feedback, consider submitting your article to a different journal that might better match its profile.
Rejection with Feedback
If you receive comments, study them carefully. Reviewers, being your first and thorough readers, provide essential insights. Some journals request reviewers to offer two sets of comments: one for the editorial board and one for the author, promoting both thoroughness and kindness. However, not all reviewers may be considerate, so remember their critiques are not personal.
Seeking Constructive Feedback
Engage with a critical friend—someone you trust to provide honest feedback confidentially. They don’t need to be in your field but should challenge your work constructively.
Rewriting Stage
Reevaluate your objectives for writing the article. Consider if it is part of an ongoing project or an experimental piece. Feedback will indicate areas for development, guiding whether the revised version should be more detailed or concise.
Adhering to Journal Guidelines
Make sure your first submission follows the journal’s style guide. This shows commitment and earns goodwill. Avoid submitting the same work to multiple journals, as this is discouraged.
Revise and Resubmit
A “revise and resubmit” is not a rejection but an invitation to refine your work based on detailed reviewer feedback. When resubmitting, follow the reviewers’ recommendations meticulously.
If uncertain about specific suggestions, consult the editor. Explain any unimplemented recommendations or ask for guidance on conflicting reviewer advice. The editor may involve a third reviewer if doubts persist after resubmission.
By embracing feedback and continually refining your work, you enhance your chances of successful publication and contribute to the advancement of your field.
