Manuscript Desk Rejection Threshold
nounPronunciation: /ˈmænəˌskrɪpt ˈdɛsk rɪˈdʒɛkʃən ˈθrɛʃəʊld/
The predetermined editorial criteria and quality benchmarks used to identify manuscripts that warrant immediate rejection without peer review. These thresholds serve to filter out submissions that fall substantially below journal standards, protecting reviewer resources and maintaining publication quality.
Plain English
The set of standards editors use to quickly reject papers that clearly don't meet the journal's minimum requirements without sending them to reviewers.
Etymology & History
Usage
"The journal established a manuscript desk rejection threshold to prevent wasted reviewer time on submissions with fundamental methodological flaws."
Style guide notes: Distinguish between 'desk rejection' (action) and 'desk rejection threshold' (criteria); use consistently across editorial communications.
Also known as
Contrasted with
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically triggers desk rejection?
Out-of-scope topics, severe writing quality issues, methodological problems, or failure to follow submission guidelines commonly warrant desk rejection.
Can authors appeal desk rejections?
Some journals allow appeals with substantive rebuttals addressing rejection reasons; policies vary by journal.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Important for editors and editorial assistants managing manuscript intake and understanding quality control mechanisms.
Required skill level: Mid