{"id":8978,"date":"2017-08-18T18:00:37","date_gmt":"2017-08-18T12:30:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/?p=8978"},"modified":"2023-11-17T18:57:49","modified_gmt":"2023-11-17T12:57:49","slug":"know-the-journey-behind-an-editorial-decision-in-the-digital-age","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/know-the-journey-behind-an-editorial-decision-in-the-digital-age\/","title":{"rendered":"Know the Journey Behind an Editorial Decision in the Digital Age"},"content":{"rendered":"

After months of data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation, it is a huge relief when you finally submit your manuscript for publication. However, what happens to a research paper<\/a> after you have clicked \u201dsubmit\u201d? The review process can take many months; this is a long time to wait when you have no idea what is going on. In this article, we describe the review process step-by-step and explain how editors and reviewers appraise a\u00a0manuscript.<\/p>\n

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Does Your Paper Fit the Bill?<\/h2>\n

The first person to see your research paper is the managing editor, who decides whether it is suitable for peer review<\/a> or not. During this preliminary screening process, your manuscript will be assessed based on its relevance, originality, quality, and whether or not it fits the scope of the journal. Papers that do not meet these basic criteria are rejected outright<\/a> without review. Consulting and adhering to the author guidelines can help to avoid this. The reasons for outright rejection are usually explained. Fortunately, most journals will make this decision quickly, allowing the author to submit their paper elsewhere.<\/p>\n

Manuscript Appraisal<\/h2>\n

Once the editorial team decides that your manuscript is worthy of consideration they will send it out for peer review. In most cases, at least two reviewers are chosen. Reviewers are selected based on their knowledge of the subject and their ability to assess the manuscript within the time-frame allotted by the journal. The role of the peer reviewer is to critically assess the manuscript and make a recommendation about its suitability for publication. One role of the editor is to monitor the process and ensure that it is completed fairly and in a timely manner. The editor also evaluates the peer review reports and makes a final decision.<\/p>\n

Most journals have an online manuscript tracking system that shows the manuscript\u2019s current status. Paper status indicators include:<\/p>\n