Pre-submission enquiry email template helps authors ask whether a journal may be suitable before sending a full manuscript.

This is useful when the paper sits between fields, the journal scope is broad, or the author is unsure whether the article type fits. A short enquiry can save time, but it should not become a full submission by email.

When to Send a Pre-Submission Enquiry

Consider sending one when:

• The topic is interdisciplinary
• The journal scope is unclear
• The article type may not fit
• The paper is a review, case study or methods article
• The journal invites pre-submission enquiries

Do not send one if the journal says it does not accept them.

What to Include

Keep the email short. Include:

• Manuscript title
• Article type
• Brief research topic
• Main contribution
• Why the journal may fit
• Abstract, if requested or appropriate
• Corresponding author contact

Pre-Submission Enquiry Email Template

Subject: Pre-submission enquiry for [Journal Name] - [Short Manuscript Title]

Dear Editor,

We hope you are well. We are writing to ask whether our manuscript, titled "[Manuscript Title]", may be suitable for consideration in [Journal Name].

The manuscript is a [Article Type] that examines [brief topic]. Its main contribution is [one-sentence contribution]. We believe it may fit the journal's scope because it addresses [specific scope point].

The abstract is included below for your reference.

[Paste abstract]

We would be grateful for any guidance on whether this manuscript appears suitable for formal submission.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
[Author Name]
[Institution]
[Email]

What Not to Ask

Avoid asking:

• Will the paper be accepted?
• Can review be guaranteed quickly?
• Can the editor promise indexing?
• Can fees be waived without context?

Editors can advise on fit, but they cannot replace peer review.

FAQs

Q: Does a positive enquiry reply guarantee acceptance?
A: No. It only suggests the paper may fit the scope. Peer review still decides.

Q: Should the full manuscript be attached?
A: Only if the journal requests it. Usually, an abstract is enough.

Q: How long should the email be?
A: Keep it short, usually under 250 words plus the abstract.

Q: What if the editor does not reply?
A: Follow the journal's policy. If no response arrives, authors may submit formally or choose another journal.

Ask About Fit, Not Acceptance

A good enquiry helps authors avoid poor-fit submissions while respecting the editor's time. That is the purpose of a Pre-submission enquiry email template.