When and how should you protest a journal’s rejection of your paper? And how about for a desk rejection? Here are a few thoughts on the issue. Thanks to @lbodnar for the push to do this. @TimothyLash @nicolamlow please comment! 1/n
Sending a request to reconsider a journal’s decision can be effective, but it should be rare. And you can do it with either a post-review rejection or a desk rejection. Just don’t expect the decision to be reversed. 2/n
If you have what you feel is a strong paper and the journal seems truly to be the best choice for that paper, you might consider an appeal. You should plan on making three key points in the appeal. 3/n
First, why is the paper important? What is special about this particular paper? You need to make the point that this paper truly deserves reconsideration. 4/n
Second, if any errors were made by the reviewers or the editors in their assessment, point those out gently. The editors need to know that an error (or errors) were made. Also, point out if the reviewers were unfair or biased. 5/n
Third, if desk rejected, why do you think the reviewers will disagree with the editors’ decision? What is it about the paper that you think predicts success in review? 6/n
If the paper was reviewed, don't be surprised if the editor decides to get another review or two before making a final decision, so it may take more time. 7/n
Be respectful. The editors are nearly always acting in good faith. Recognize that they may have other considerations, such as how the paper fits with their journal. Most journals cannot publish every paper that is acceptable. 8/n
Recognize that editors’ decisions to reverse a decision are uncommon, but definitely possible. So pick the times to appeal carefully and judiciously. If they say yes, wonderful! If they say no, say thanks for considering and move on. 9/9
