After a journal rejects my manuscript, how can I find a suitable alternative journal?

Identifying a suitable alternative journal after rejection involves targeted searching and leveraging the rejection feedback to refine submission strategies. This process is highly feasible and a standard step in scholarly publishing. Firstly, meticulously analyze the rejection comments, particularly any reviewer suggestions regarding scope or journal fit. Carefully reconsider the manuscript's primary contribution, audience, and optimal impact level (prestige vs. publication speed). Identify journals publishing similar work through database searches and tools; prioritize those closely aligned with your article's topic, methodology, and significance. Crucially, evaluate each candidate journal's specific aims, scope, author guidelines, and recent publication history to ensure a strong match, avoiding inappropriate submissions. Implement this by first creating a prioritized list of potential journals. Investigate each candidate thoroughly, using their 'aims and scope' page and examining published articles. Utilize journal finder tools offered by publishers or databases. Consider journals where you or co-authors have successfully published related work. Finally, adapt the manuscript, including cover letter, to explicitly highlight alignment with the specific journal's interests and requirements before resubmission.