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4 months ago in Scientific publishing By Shraddha
My paper was rejected from my first-choice journal. How do I decide whether to revise and resubmit there, submit to a different journal as-is, or do a major revision?
We got a rejection from Journal A, but the reviewers provided pages of constructive comments. Some suggest major new experiments. Do we try to address them all and resubmit to Journal A (is that even allowed?), submit the current version to a lower-impact journal, or do a partial revision for a different journal?
All Answers (2 Answers In All)
By Daniel Answered 2 months ago
First, check Journal A's policy: some rejections are firm, while others are "reject with resubmission encouraged," which is a de-facto invitation to revise. If the reviewers identified fatal flaws (e.g., missing controls), you must address them before submitting anywhere. If the feedback is about scope or novelty, you have options. I recommend a two-step analysis: 1) Objectively assess the effort: Can you address the major critiques with reasonable, additional work that will genuinely improve the paper? If yes, and the journal is your top choice, a major revision for resubmission is a strong strategy. 2) Honestly assess fit: Did the editor clearly state the work is out of scope? If so, revise with the feedback in mind, but target Journal B. Never submit the exact same manuscript elsewhere; reviewer comments are a gift to strengthen your work, even for a different journal. The most common path is a substantive revision for a new, well-fitted journal.
Replied 2 months ago
By Shraddha
Thank you Daniel, this was really helpful.
Reply to Daniel
By Tanya Answered 2 months ago
Emotionally, it’s tempting to resubmit immediately somewhere else, but taking a pause helps. Reviewer comments often highlight weaknesses you might have missed, and addressing them upfront improves your chances at the next journal.
Submitting the manuscript “as-is” rarely succeeds. Even modest revisions clarifying claims, reframing novelty, or tightening methods can make a big difference. Most of my papers ended up stronger because of an initial rejection.
Replied 2 months ago
By Shraddha
Really helpful advice, thank you Tanya!
Reply to Tanya
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