What is the Meaning of a Desk Reject?
A desk reject (also known as a desk rejection) is a decision made by an academic journal editor to decline a manuscript immediately, without sending it out for peer review.
Unlike a standard rejection, which comes after months of scrutiny by external experts, a desk reject usually occurs within 2 to 14 days of submission. It acts as a filter to remove manuscripts that do not meet the journal's basic standards or scope before they burden volunteer reviewers.
Desk Reject vs. Peer Review Rejection: What is the Difference?
Understanding the difference between these two types of rejection is crucial for authors.
| Features | Desk Reject | Peer Review Reject |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | happens quickly (days or weeks) | Happens slowly (3 to 6+ months) |
| Decision Maker | Editor-in-Chief or Associate Editor | Editor, based on reports from 2–4 external reviewers |
| Feedback | Usually minimal or generic (e.g., "Not a good fit") | Detailed technical comments on data, methodology, and validity |
| Status | The paper was never reviewed by experts in the field | The paper failed to convince experts of its merit |
Top 6 Reasons for Desk Rejection
Why do editors reject papers at the desk? According to publishing data, most desk rejections stem from these six common issues:
1. The Paper is "Out of Scope"
This is the #1 reason for desk rejection. If you submit a clinical case study to a journal focused on molecular theory, it will be rejected immediately. The research may be excellent, but it does not fit the journal's specific audience.
2. Failure to Follow Formatting Guidelines
ournals have strict "Instructions for Authors." A manuscript may be desk rejected if:
- It exceeds the word count.
- The citation style is incorrect (e.g., using APA instead of AMA).
- Figures and tables are not formatted correctly.
- The paper was not blinded (anonymized) for review.
3. Poor Language and Readability
If the English is poor, contains excessive grammatical errors, or lacks logical flow, an editor cannot assess the scientific value. Editors are not proofreaders; they expect a polished manuscript.
4. Lack of Novelty or Impact
High-impact journals require "groundbreaking" findings. If a study merely confirms what is already known (incremental research) or lacks a significant contribution to the field, it will likely face a desk rejection.
5. Fatal Methodological Flaws
If an editor spots a major error in the first read—such as a sample size that is clearly too small, missing control groups, or an outdated methodology—they will reject it immediately rather than wasting reviewers' time.
6. Plagiarism and Ethical Issues
Journals run automatic plagiarism checks (like iThenticate) upon submission. High similarity scores result in an automatic desk reject and potential blacklisting.
How to Avoid a Desk Rejection: 3 Quick Tips
To increase your chances of passing the initial screening, follow these steps:
- Read the "Aims and Scope": Ensure your paper fits the journal's niche perfectly.
- Proofread Rigorously: Use tools like Grammarly or professional editing services to fix language issues.
- Write a Strong Cover Letter: Use the cover letter to explain why your paper is a perfect fit for their specific readership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is a desk reject a bad thing?
A:While disappointing, a desk reject is actually better than a rejection after review. Because it happens quickly, you do not lose months waiting for a result. You can immediately reformat and submit to a different journal.
Q: Does a desk reject count as a rejection?
A: Yes, but it is a rejection of the submission, not necessarily the science. It often means "wrong journal," not "bad science."
Q: Can I appeal a desk reject?
A: Appeals are rarely successful for desk rejections, especially if the reason is "out of scope." It is usually more efficient to submit to a more suitable journal.
