Congratulations! It sounds like you have converted your thesis into a manuscript, submitted it via the journal’s online portal, and are now wondering what happens next!
The peer-review process varies from journal to journal, however, here is an outline of what happens next (with explanatory notes below):
Notes.
a What?! My Article Can Only be Submitted to One Journal at a Time?
Yes.
A manuscript must not be submitted to more than one journal for simultaneous consideration.
Usually when you submit your manuscript you will be required to confirm that you have not submitted the work to another journal for consideration.
Which, ultimately, potentially makes getting published a potentially slow process...
b "Desk-rejected" 😲 Why?!
Your article may be desk rejected by the Editor for a number of reasons:
The manuscript doesn't fall within the aims and scope of the journal. If you would like to see a copy of the journal scope, visit the relevant journal home page.
The manuscript fails a technical screening (e.g., it is over the word limit! Or you forgot a title page etc)
The Editor does not think the article makes an important contribution to the literature.
The standard of the research is too low. That is, you have not demonstrated scientific rigour, conducted an extensive literature search, or carefully assessed the validity of any conclusions presented in the manuscript.
The standard of the writing is too low.
The Editor will give you a reason for why they are desk-rejecting it. My tip: try not to worry, your paper will find a home. You may not know it yet, but you are actually lucky that the journal didn't keep the article for six months and then reject it...
c Don't get Discouraged
No body likes rejection, but try not to get discouraged. If you do get rejected, Aaliyah said it best:
Read my tips for finding a new home for your article.
d How long will these extremely busy reviewer's have my article for? 🤓🤓🤓
It varies. I have waited more than 6 months for feedback on a submission. A number of journals will actually provide you with data re the average speed of acceptance. For example The Journal of Positive Psychology journal metrics state they take:
30 days avg. from submission to first decision
95 days avg. from submission to first post-review decision
13 days avg. from acceptance to online publication
Why do these extremely busy reviewer's take so long?
While you are waiting, waiting, waiting to hear back about your article, keep in mind that reviewers are volunteers and have given up their own time to evaluate your paper in order to contribute to the research community. Reviewers very rarely receive formal compensation beyond a thank you email from the Editor for the hours they spend reading and providing comment on your paper.
e Why are the Reviewer's (sometimes) so MEAN?!
I don't know, but they can be. Some times the reviews can be harsh (or they may gush over your brilliant work!!). I have at least once received a review that felt like a dagger to the heart. But, note point c) above (unpaid work for extremely busy people), and remember 1: they might just be cranky because they are not getting paid; and 2; ultimately they are just trying to improve your work (for which you will receive full credit, and they will receive nothing).
f What is a Minor vs Major Revision?
Minor Revision: A minor revision is... a good outcome!! If you receive a “minor revision” your article likely has a very good chance of being accepted for publication. However, the reviewer’s have requested minor changes. For example, they may not like a particular term you use; or they may want you to reference a specific study; or a justification for an analytical decision made; reformat the Method section; or include/remove subheadings.
These changes can likely be made quite quickly. When the article is sent back to the Editor it may not go out to the reviewer’s again and the the Editor may instead decide whether to accept the revision and publish.
The journal will normally allow you a few weeks to make these changes.
This is typically the best outcome that authors should hope for
Major Revision: Your article has a chance of being accepted, but the reviewers have requested substantial changes to be made. This may include, for example, undertaking a new data analysis procedure; or considering the application of a new theory; or recruiting more participants.
These changes are expected to take significantly longer and the journal will allow a longer deadline for you to submit. This may be, e.g., 1 to 3 months, but this can vary. The revised article will be sent back to the reviewers.
Journals may conditionally accept your paper - subject to these revisions OR (more likely) they request that you revise and resubmit and they will then reconsider the paper.
How long will I have to complete the revision?
Journals have different revision deadlines which vary from as little as a few weeks to a few months depending on the revisions that need to be made. If you do not think you will be able to return a revised manuscript in the allotted time tell the Editor immediately. They should be able to offer you an extension.
g The Revision Letter
Drafting the revision letter deserves its own post - coming soon!
h After all that I got rejected!
Sometimes you can complete multiple revisions and still be rejected from a journal. That is just the game, unfortunately. And the rejection game is HUGE.
The Journal of Positive Psychology, for example, has an acceptance rate of just 12%.
You can often find the acceptance rate on the Journal website (Googling the journal name and "acceptance rate" or "rejection rate" might be easier).
If you do get rejected, here are my tips for how to find a new home for your article.
And never forget Aaliyah's advice.
Happy Publishing!
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