Skip to main content
Basic Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test Commonly tested

Manuscript Desk Reject Rate

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈmænjuskrɪpt dɛsk rɪˈdʒɛkt reɪt/

The percentage of submissions summarily rejected by editorial staff without peer review, typically based on scope misalignment, quality concerns, or format violations. This metric reflects editorial gate-keeping efficiency and journal selectivity standards.

Plain English

The percentage of papers rejected immediately by editors without sending them to peer reviewers.

Etymology & History

Origin languageEnglish
Rootmanuscript (from Medieval Latin 'manuscriptus') + desk (from Old Norse 'diskr') + reject (from Latin 'reicere') + rate (from Medieval Latin 'rata')
First recorded use1980s
Usage frequencyVery common

Usage

"The journal's manuscript desk reject rate increased to 45% as editors became stricter about scope alignment."

Style guide notes: Express desk reject rates as percentages and benchmark against similar journal types.

Also known as

editorial rejection rate desk rejection percentage

Contrasted with

acceptance rate peer review rate

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common reasons for desk rejections?

Scope mismatch, insufficient novelty, poor writing quality, incomplete submission format, and methodological concerns.

How can authors reduce desk rejection risk?

Carefully review journal scope, follow all submission guidelines, and ensure manuscript quality before submission.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Fundamental metric for evaluating editorial rigor and journal quality standards.

Required skill level: Junior

Editors from these organizations 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