How to appeal against a journal's rejection decision?

Appealing a journal's rejection decision is possible but typically requires specific, substantial grounds. Successful appeals are relatively rare and necessitate careful justification to demonstrate a misunderstanding in the editorial or peer review process. A successful appeal must identify a clear procedural error or a substantive misinterpretation of the manuscript during review, such as an undisclosed conflict of interest, a major factual error by a reviewer, or the editor overlooking a key rebuttal point previously addressed. It is crucial to act promptly upon receiving the rejection, adhere strictly to the journal’s specific appeal policy outlined in its guidelines, and maintain a professional and objective tone throughout communication. Appeals based solely on disagreement with reviewer opinions or on requests for reconsideration without new evidence are generally not considered valid grounds. To initiate an appeal, meticulously review the decision letter and reviewers' comments, consulting the journal’s official policy on appeals. Prepare a concise, formal letter directed to the editor-in-chief or specified appeals contact, explicitly stating the procedural basis for the appeal (e.g., reviewer bias, factual error), providing specific evidence and counterarguments supported by the manuscript’s content and any prior correspondence. Avoid resubmitting the manuscript elsewhere during this process unless explicitly rejected at the appeal stage. The potential value lies in a possible reversal of the decision, but time and effort should be weighed against the feasibility and likelihood of success.