First Steps After Manuscript Rejection

Take a Break, Then Read the Decision Letter Carefully

The initial sting of manuscript rejection can be disorienting, especially if you were hopeful about your submission. It's okay—take a moment. Step away, give yourself space to regroup, and avoid reading the decision letter while emotions are running high. Once you've had some time to gain perspective, return to the email and read the editorial decision carefully and calmly. This letter often contains valuable insights, even if it feels disappointing at first glance.

Identify the Type of Rejection: Desk vs Peer Review

Understanding why your research paper was rejected is essential to planning your next move. Start by identifying whether the rejection came after peer review or was a "desk rejection" (also known as editorial rejection).

• Desk rejection usually occurs when the editor decides the manuscript isn't a good fit for the journal's scope or doesn't meet basic submission requirements. These decisions are typically faster and don't involve external reviewers.
• Peer review rejection, on the other hand, means your paper was sent to reviewers but ultimately declined based on their feedback. This often provides more detailed insights into perceived issues with your study's design, interpretation, or clarity.

Recognising which type of academic paper rejection you've received will help determine whether a revision and resubmission is appropriate, or whether to consider a different journal.

Look for Constructive Feedback

Not all feedback is created equal, but many research manuscript rejection letters, particularly those following peer review, include comments that can help you improve your work. Look for specific points raised by reviewers:

• Were there concerns about methodology?
• Was your argument unclear or unsupported?
• Were there gaps in your literature review or conclusions?

Even if the tone feels critical, try to view this as free expert advice. If the feedback is vague or inconsistent, it may still highlight areas that need clarification. By engaging with this input thoughtfully, you can strengthen your paper and increase its chances of acceptance elsewhere.

Remember, rejection doesn't mean the end of your research journey. Many published papers were once turned down—some more than once. It's what you do next that counts.

Understanding Common Reasons for Rejection

Knowing why your research paper was rejected can make all the difference when deciding what to do next. While every journal has its own criteria, there are several journal rejection reasons that crop up time and again.

Desk vs Peer Rejection

As explained above, one of the first distinctions to understand is desk rejection vs peer review rejection. A desk rejection means the editor declined your manuscript before it reached peer reviewers, usually due to issues like poor fit for the journal's scope, missing formatting elements, or a weak abstract. Peer review rejection, on the other hand, follows a detailed review by external experts and is typically based on the quality, rigour, or interpretation of your research.

Technical vs Editorial

Some of the most common reasons for manuscript rejection are technical: flawed methodology, insufficient data, or unclear results. Others are editorial, such as lack of novelty, poor writing quality, or misalignment with the journal's audience. These issues can overlap, and even small editorial oversights can lead to research paper rejection.

For a more in-depth look at why manuscripts are declined and how to avoid common pitfalls, check out our Common Reasons for Manuscript Rejection article.

What to Do Next

Facing manuscript rejection is never easy, but it can also be a powerful opportunity to improve your work and increase your chances of success next time. Here are the essential next steps after manuscript rejection.

Revise Your Manuscript Based on Feedback

The most immediate action to take after an academic paper rejection is to revise your manuscript. Use the reviewer and editor feedback as a guide—what elements were unclear, unsupported, or missing? Whether it’s refining your argument, adjusting your methods section, or strengthening your discussion, this is your chance to make your research even more compelling. Responding to reviewer comments after rejection may feel daunting, but it’s a skill that improves with each round.

Consider a New Journal (and How to Choose One)

If the journal isn’t open to resubmission, or your manuscript was desk rejected, it’s time to find a new home for your work. Consider:

• The scope and audience of your research
• The journal’s impact factor, open access policies, and submission requirements
• Manuscript rejection rates in top journals (if your target was particularly selective)

To help with this process, check out our article Selecting a Journal for Publication for tips on identifying a better fit. Knowing what to do if your manuscript is rejected includes choosing your next journal strategically, not just quickly.

Rethink Your Framing, Title, or Abstract

Sometimes, it’s not the study itself but how it’s presented that leads to research paper rejection. Does your abstract clearly summarise the key findings? Is your title engaging and informative? Could you reframe your research question to highlight its significance? Editors and reviewers see dozens of papers a week—make sure yours stands out for the right reasons.

Get Input from a Colleague, Mentor, or Medical Writer

A fresh set of eyes can make a world of difference. Share your revised manuscript and reviewer feedback with a trusted colleague, mentor, or professional medical writer. They can help identify lingering issues with clarity, structure, or tone and guide you on how to resubmit a rejected manuscript with confidence.

Be Strategic About Resubmission Timing

While you may feel eager to resubmit right away, avoid rushing. Ensure your manuscript is thoroughly revised and polished. On the other hand, don’t delay so long that the research becomes outdated or the momentum is lost. What happens if your research paper gets rejected is ultimately shaped by the timing and quality of your next steps.

Should You Appeal?

In some cases, appealing a decision may be appropriate, particularly if you believe there’s been a misunderstanding, technical error, or unfair review process.

If you choose to appeal:

• Clearly explain why you disagree with the decision.
• Share any new information not included in your original submission or cover letter.
• Avoid repeating arguments already made.
• If shortcomings were identified, explain how you plan to address them.
• Include a point-by-point response to reviewer comments.
• If you believe a reviewer made a technical error or was biased, provide evidence to support your view.
• Remain respectful and professional in tone—editors will be assessing your response as well as your argument.

If Resubmitting:

When resubmission is allowed, carefully follow the editor’s guidance.

As you revise your manuscript and prepare your response letter:

• Thank the editors and reviewers for their time and constructive feedback
• Begin with a summary of the major revisions made
• Follow with a point-by-point response to each comment
• Address all reviewer and editor concerns, including disagreements, with a scholarly and professional tone
• If additional experiments or analyses are requested, perform them, or justify your reasoning if not
• Use formatting to clearly distinguish reviewer comments and your responses
• Use coloured text, highlighting, or Track Changes in Word. This visual aid should complement your written explanations in the response letter

Timely resubmission matters: submit both your revised manuscript and response letter within the editor’s deadline.

Turning Rejection Into a Research Win

It’s easy to feel discouraged after a research paper rejection, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. In fact, knowing how to handle manuscript rejection can set you up for a stronger, more successful submission next time. With the right mindset—and support—it can become a stepping stone rather than a setback.

Learning from Reviewer Comments

Reviewer feedback, while sometimes hard to hear, is one of the most valuable tools for improving your research. Whether they highlight issues with methodology, clarity, or interpretation, their comments often point directly to what needs refining. Even when feedback feels harsh, it’s rarely personal. Taking the time to revise based on thoughtful critique not only strengthens your manuscript, it sharpens your skills as a writer and researcher.

When we help our clients resubmit after rejection, we often find that even small improvements in structure, framing, or clarity can make a significant difference. Many papers that are initially rejected go on to be published in equally or more suitable journals, often with greater impact.

Success Stories from Resubmitted Papers

Some of the most cited papers in academic literature were initially turned down. A first research paper rejection doesn’t reflect the worth of your work—only how it was perceived at that moment, by that journal. Many researchers find success with resubmission, either to the same journal after revision or to another journal that better aligns with their topic and audience.

If you’re exploring new options for your manuscript, our Selecting a Journal for Publication guide can help you identify the right fit.

Rejection as a Normal Part of Scientific Publishing

Rejection is not a failure—it’s part of the publishing process. Understanding this can take the sting out of hearing “no” and help you move forward more confidently. Top researchers receive multiple rejections throughout their careers. The key is persistence, openness to feedback, and the ability to adapt.

Turning rejection into publication success means reframing it as a growth opportunity. Your work is still valuable—and with the right changes, it’s still publishable.

Final Tips for Moving Forward

Rejection is part and parcel of academic publishing. The key is not to let it define your path.

• Stay persistent – Manuscript rejection happens to everyone. What sets successful authors apart is their willingness to keep going.
• Use every rejection to improve – Treat each response as an opportunity to refine your research, writing, and submission strategy. Over time, this makes your work stronger and your submissions more competitive.
• Know when to ask for help – Whether it’s interpreting reviewer feedback, choosing a new journal, or polishing your resubmission, you don’t have to go it alone. If you’re wondering how to handle manuscript rejection, we’re here to support you, especially when it comes to resubmitting rejected manuscripts and selecting the right journal.

Every rejection brings you one step closer to publication success. Keep going—you’ve got this.

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