Manuscript Desk Screening
nounPronunciation: /ˈmænəskrɪpt dɛsk ˈskriːnɪŋ/
The preliminary editorial assessment of submitted manuscripts to determine whether they meet basic journal criteria including scope, quality standards, and formatting requirements before assignment to peer review. This rapid evaluation process filters unsuitable submissions and prevents unnecessary peer review resource expenditure.
Plain English
An initial quick check of submitted papers to decide if they fit the journal and meet basic quality standards.
Etymology & History
Usage
"The editorial assistant performed manuscript desk screening and rejected twenty submissions for being outside the journal's scope."
Style guide notes: Use manuscript desk screening to describe preliminary editorial filtering distinct from formal peer review processes.
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Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria are used in manuscript desk screening?
Journal scope fit, formatting compliance, plagiarism screening, and minimum quality standards assessment.
What happens if a manuscript fails desk screening?
Editors send a desk rejection letter without forwarding the manuscript to peer review.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Important for understanding the complete manuscript evaluation workflow and editorial efficiency in journal management.
Required skill level: Junior