Turning challenges into opportunities: helping authors find the right place to publish

In times of rejection, you're not alone in finding a path forward…

Have you ever wondered how many journals an author typically has to submit to in order to get their research published? While not an exact science, it's safe to say that success on the first try is more of a goal than a reality. Multiple submissions, revisions and rejections are more common than you might think.

To better understand this aspect of the publication journey — and to show you there is light at the end of the tunnel — we’re exploring some of the behind-the-scenes work that goes on to find articles a good home. In this article, we examine the role our editors play in guiding authors through challenges and helping their work find the right journal.

How do you identify more suitable journals to recommend for rejected manuscripts?

“In our portfolio, there are several journals to which a manuscript could be transferred. I am familiar with most of their aims and scopes. If I have doubts, ScienceDirect is the best place to refresh my memory! I am also in the somehow “privileged” position of working for four of the BBA journals and knowing all the others. This makes transfers within our BBA family of journals easier, since I can discuss articles with the other internal and external editors and make better-informed choices. Sometimes I am even able to guarantee peer review (not acceptance, of course!). We also work with other Elsevier Publishers to review transfer connections and establish new ones. This process is very data-driven and aims at improving our transfer offerings and helping authors get published faster.”

How else do you support authors following rejection?

“I try to give clear reasons for each rejection, so that authors can make informed decisions on where to submit next. I often accompany the transfer offer with details about the suggested journals and answer their questions about the process and possible outcomes. If an article is transferred post-review, I might also offer advice on how to better revise the article before sending it to a more appropriate journal.”

What benefits do you think authors gain from using the Article Transfer Service? Are there also benefits for editors and reviewers?

“The classic approach to ATS is editor-driven. As such, authors know that editors make recommendations based on their knowledge of the topic and the field. That means authors know we are willing to give them another chance. Their work is publishable and has a higher chance of being accepted if transferred to the right journal. Moreover, the process is easy and minimizes the steps necessary to submit to another journal!

Authors love to save time on administrative tasks. Editors and reviewers also benefit from the editorial work and the pre-screening done in the feeder journal: transferred articles are in better shape and ready for peer review. This is especially true when an article is transferred post-review, since authors have the chance to improve their article according to the reviewers’ comments, before the transfer. In some cases, we are also able to enlist the original reviewers, therefore saving time and preserving the fairness of the peer review process. It is a win-win for everyone!”

What advice would you give to an author whose paper has been deemed unsuitable for a particular journal, but who has received a transfer recommendation?

“Editors and I work hard to deliver meaningful transfer offers. However, authors should of course still do their due diligence and familiarize themselves with the suggested journals, perhaps checking the aims and scope, format requirements, turnaround times, publishing model, and so on. This speeds up the process and increases the chances of being published in a journal appropriate to the needs of the author.”

Powerful collaboration

There are many actors in the publishing environment, some whose roles are more visible than others. Angela and her colleagues work with authors to ensure that valuable research reaches the right audience. Thanks to the Article Transfer Service, they not only help authors navigate the complexities of the publication journey but also contribute to a more efficient and supportive scholarly ecosystem, driving better outcomes.

This is just one aspect of the collaborative relationship between authors and journals. As a follow-up, we’ll explore the author perspective on the journey from rejection to publication. So, stay tuned for the next article in this miniseries!