Skip to main content
Basic Technical IVT Commonly tested

Desk Editor Assignment

noun

Pronunciation: /desk ˈɛdɪtər əˈsaɪnmənt/

The process of allocating editorial responsibility for a submitted manuscript to a specific editor who conducts initial quality screening. The assigned desk editor determines whether the manuscript meets basic publication criteria before sending to peer review.

Plain English

Assigning a manuscript to an editor who checks if it's suitable for the journal initially.

Etymology & History

Origin languageEnglish
Rootdesk (Middle Dutch deske) + editor (Latin editus) + assignment (Old French assignier)
First recorded use1980s
Usage frequencyVery common

Usage

"Following desk editor assignment, the manuscript undergoes preliminary quality checks before entering the full peer review process."

Style guide notes: Use 'desk editor' as compound modifier without hyphenation when preceding noun.

Also known as

editorial allocation initial editor screening triage assignment

Contrasted with

direct peer review automatic routing

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a desk editor evaluate during assignment?

Desk editors assess scope alignment, methodological soundness, manuscript completeness, and ethical compliance.

How long does desk editor assignment typically take?

Usually two to five business days from submission to initial editorial decision.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Essential for understanding manuscript workflow and editorial gatekeeping functions.

Required skill level: Mid

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON