Manuscript Rejected: What to Do Next

Rejection is a normal part of publishing, and it happens to experienced authors too. What matters is what you do with it. Here is a practical way to move on.

1. Read the decision carefully

Was the paper rejected without review, or after review? A desk rejection usually means scope or format did not fit. A rejection after review comes with comments that can make the paper stronger.

2. Take the comments seriously

Reviewers at the next journal may raise the same points. Fix what you reasonably can: missing details, a clearer timeline, better figures, a sharper teaching point.

3. Decide whether to appeal

Appeals are appropriate only when there is a clear factual error in how the paper was assessed. Disagreeing with a reviewer's opinion is rarely enough. If you appeal, be brief, specific and polite.

4. Choose the next journal on fit

  • Match scope and article type to your paper.
  • Check fees, peer review and indexing honestly stated.
  • Reformat fully to the new journal's author guidelines.

5. Write a fresh cover letter

Address the new editor by name where possible. You do not need to mention the earlier rejection, but if you do, explain how the paper has improved.

Consider ASIDE Case Reports

If your paper is a case report, case series or clinical image, ASIDE Case Reports publishes open access with double-anonymous peer review and no fee at any stage.

Submit your case report, free Why publish with ASIDE Case Reports →