Navigating the Publication Journey: What Happens When a Manuscript is Submitted to a Journal for Review

Getting an article published in a reputed journal is every author’s dream. However, the process can be complex and often leaves authors confused. This guide will help you understand the entire manuscript submission process from start to finish, ensuring a smoother journey towards publication.

Submission

Before you start the submission process, it's crucial to prepare your manuscript in accordance with the journal's guidelines. Your manuscript should be blinded, meaning it must not include the author’s names and details. Instead, include a separate title page providing all necessary information as specified by the journal. Follow any additional directions from the journal during submission.

Initial Screening

Upon receiving your submission, the editorial board evaluates your manuscript against the journal's scope objectives and standards. This initial review is quick but thorough. If your manuscript does not meet certain criteria, it may be rejected at this stage. This early rejection can save authors valuable time and resources.

Peer Review

Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are sent for peer review, where they are assessed by experts in the field. These reviewers provide feedback on whether revisions are necessary, the originality of your study, and its significance to the academic community. This phase is crucial for enhancing the quality of your manuscript.

Decision by the Editorial Board

Based on the feedback received from the reviewers, the editorial board makes a decision regarding acceptance, rejection, or requested revisions. This decision is communicated to the authors. If revisions are required, the manuscript is returned with specific instructions for improvements. Patience is key during this phase as important modifications are made.

Revised Manuscript

Given a specified time frame, authors must incorporate the requested revisions and resubmit the revised manuscript. The editorial board re-evaluates the manuscript after revisions. Depending on the feedback, the manuscript may be accepted, rejected, or further revised. This iterative process ensures the highest quality of the final publication.

Processing Fee

Once the manuscript is accepted, authors are invoiced for the article processing fee. Paying this fee finalizes the acceptance and moves the manuscript to the production phase.

Production

The article then enters the production phase, where it undergoes copyediting and formatting to meet the journal's standards. This phase ensures the manuscript is ready for publication and error-free.

Galley Proof

After production, the copyedited article is sent to the authors for final corrections, including any missing information and ensuring the draft is free of errors. Authors review and make necessary adjustments before the approval for publication.

Publishing

Upon approval, the journal publishes the article in their monthly editions. Authors are notified of the publication, marking the conclusion of the manuscript submission process.

The entire journey, from submission to publication, can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months, and in some cases, up to a couple of years. Factors such as the journal's workflow, the credibility of the process, and the authors' responsiveness to revision requests all play a role in the timeline. Patience and effective communication are key to navigating this complex process successfully.

By following these steps, authors can increase their chances of a smooth and successful publication journey in reputable journals.