What Does It Mean When Your Paper Is Rejected and Suggested for Another Journal or Conference?

If a paper is rejected after being formally reviewed, it generally means that the reviewers believed the paper was not of publishable quality or was not suitable for that particular journal. In many cases, this rejection doesn't necessarily reflect the overall quality of your work but rather its fit with the specific publication's scope and audience. Transparency in this process is crucial, and it is reasonable to take the reviewers' suggestions seriously.

Why It Happens and What You Can Do

One of the primary reasons for such rejections is that the publication you initially submitted your paper to is looking for more 'earth-shaking' or groundbreaking research. In other words, if your work is solid but not revolutionary, it may be considered more appropriate for a different venue. Additionally, the editor or reviewers might think the paper aligns better with the focus of another journal, which offers a more relevant or supportive platform.

Another scenario is when the editor or reviewers conclude that, despite the quality, the piece doesn't fit the upcoming issues' themes. Yet, they still believe in the value of your submission. In such cases, they typically recommend another journal or conference where your work might find a more suitable home. You should pay careful attention to these recommendations and respond accordingly.

How to Handle the Situation

Resubmitting to the suggested journal or conference is often the best course of action. Showing initiative by following their advice demonstrates your commitment to improving your work and finding an appropriate audience for your research. It also helps to mention in your cover letter that you have a recommendation from the previous journal. This can be a significant factor in the new reviewers' evaluation of your paper.

Example Cover Letter:

Dear Reviewers at [Suggested Journal], I am writing to resubmit my paper titled [Title of Paper], which was previously submitted to [Your First Journal]. The reviewers at [Your First Journal] found my submission worthy of publication but suggested that it might be more appropriate for [Suggested Journal]. They provided valuable insights and feedback, which have significantly improved the current manuscript. I have revised the paper following their recommendations and sincerely believe that [Suggested Journal] would be a more fitting home for this work.

By providing clear and concise information in your cover letter, you maintain transparency and respect the journal’s professionalism. Remember, your primary goal should be to find the most suitable platform for your work, ensuring it reaches the appropriate audience and contributes positively to the field.

Conclusion

When a paper is rejected, especially with a suggestion to resubmit to another journal or conference, it is a valuable opportunity rather than a setback. Use this feedback constructively and make the necessary improvements. Following the editors’ suggestions can lead to a more successful publication journey, enhancing your academic and professional standing in the field.

Keywords

journal rejection paper resubmission conference submission publication feedback editorial suggestions

Further Reading

For more information on handling paper rejections and improving your submission process, consider checking out the following resources:

The Cell Press Blog offers insightful articles on navigating the peer review process. MIT’s newsroom provides tips on how to effectively respond to feedback and resubmit work. Check out the SAGE guide on responding to editor reviews and improving your manuscript.