An early career scholar asked, "Why are my papers getting desk rejected?"
My experience with desk rejection is limited to two roles: senior editor & author.
As a senior editor, I've #rejected papers because either the #editor or I read the paper & could not see a path to #publication. So, we terminate the review process, usually with a short opaque note.
As an author, I've been #deskrejected. Usually, the editor relays the paper isn't a good fit for the journal. Usually, because the comments are short & opaque, it evokes frustration in my author team.
So what does an opaque desk reject really mean?
A #deskreject means that an editor has skimmed your paper & is not convinced that your work is of sufficient quality, novelty, or rigor to earn a spot in their journal's pages.
Some resources explain novelty & rigor issues that cause desk rejection. One of my favorites is "eight reasons I rejected your article" by Peter Thrower (https://lnkd.in/gcaBwcGC) - who notes he rejects #boringpapers.
But, it also means that the mechanics of your submission are not very good. Your submission did not convince the editors that your team will be able to address their concerns.
Fewer resources address this second point - how to avoid #basicerrors that get your paper desk rejected. Academic writing coach Anna Clemens, PhD identifies some of these issues here: https://lnkd.in/gPcw6CWM
So what mechanical issues have caused my papers to get rejected? And you can minimize?
First, typos. Consistent & systematic #typos in a paper suggest that your team is unlikely to craft a paper a successful revision. You lose the benefit of doubt.
Grammar & spell-check your paper.
Second, templates. Editors deny their journals have #templates. In my experience, desk rejection is swift when submissions do not conform to a journal's typical flow, methods, or style.
Some journals post a template. Others make you guess it based on reading papers. Know and conform to it!
Third, style guides. Editors notice if you submit a paper that violates their #styleguide. Why? Because it is a cue that an editor rejected the paper elsewhere.
Make sure you format the paper for the specific outlet.
Fourth, mismatches. When numbers in a graph or table don't match the text, it sends a cue of your work's quality.
Mismatches raise a concern about detail & evoke greater concerns about the accuracy of results.
Finally, sloth. Usually, in your rush to submit, you leave out critical information or make a mistake.
Failing to submit a #conflictofinterest, selecting a curmudgeon as editor, or leaving out necessary documentation, are all fatal mistakes.
Take time to make the submission packet perfect.
Paying attention to the mechanics can help you get off the editor's desk and under peer review. Best of luck!
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