Publication Readiness Checklist
Ensure manuscript readiness before journal submission.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common reasons manuscripts get desk rejected before peer review?
Common desk rejection reasons: (1) Poor fit with journal scope - research does not match aims and audience, (2) Exceeded word/page limits or wrong format, (3) Insufficient novelty or contribution - incremental findings, (4) Major methodological flaws evident in abstract/methods, (5) Poor writing quality making manuscript unreadable, (6) Missing required sections or information, (7) Duplicate or overlapping prior publications, (8) Ethical concerns (no IRB approval, data integrity issues). Prevent desk rejection by: carefully reading journal aims and scope, reviewing recent issues, following author guidelines exactly, having colleagues review before submission. Desk rejection often happens within 1-2 weeks - much faster than peer review rejection but just as final.
Should I submit my manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously to save time?
No - simultaneous submission to multiple journals violates ethical guidelines and journal policies. Submit to one journal at a time. If rejected, revise based on feedback and submit to next choice. While frustrating (peer review takes 2-4 months), simultaneous submission creates ethical violations and awkward retractions if multiple journals accept. Exception: some fields allow preprints (arXiv, bioRxiv) concurrent with journal submission - this shares findings immediately while peer review proceeds. Track submission dates carefully to avoid accidental overlap. Focus energy on choosing right journal first rather than increasing submissions.