After a journal rejects my article, can I revise it and resubmit it?
Resubmitting a revised article to the same journal after rejection is often possible, provided the journal's policy explicitly permits it and the rejection included an invitation to revise and resubmit. Such an invitation indicates potential merit identified through peer review.
Successful resubmission hinges on the quality and responsiveness of the revision. Authors must comprehensively address reviewers' and editors' critiques, demonstrating significant improvements. The revised manuscript must substantially differ from the original submission and align with the journal's scope and standards. Carefully consult the rejection letter and journal author guidelines for specific instructions or resubmission prohibitions. Failure to adequately revise or disregarding feedback typically results in subsequent rejection.
Effectively implement resubmission by meticulously analyzing all feedback and formulating a detailed revision plan. Revise the manuscript rigorously, substantively improving arguments, methodology, or presentation. Prepare a comprehensive response letter, itemizing each critique and explaining the precise changes made to address them. Submit both the revised manuscript and response letter according to the journal's procedure. If no resubmission invitation exists, submitting a fundamentally revised paper as a new manuscript might be appropriate, though explicit inquiry to the editor is advisable.
