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Basic Technical IVT Commonly tested

Manuscript Screening

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈmænjuːskrɪpt ˈskriːnɪŋ/

The preliminary editorial evaluation process where submitted manuscripts are assessed for basic compliance with journal guidelines, scope fit, and research quality before formal peer review assignment. This step filters out unsuitable submissions to optimize review resources.

Plain English

An initial check where editors quickly evaluate if a submitted paper meets basic journal standards and fits the journal's topic before sending it for review.

Etymology & History

Origin languageLatin/Old Norse
Rootmanuscriptus (written by hand) + screen (to examine closely)
First recorded use1960s
Usage frequencyVery common

Usage

"During manuscript screening, the editor rejected three papers for being outside the journal's scope."

Style guide notes: Hyphenate 'manuscript-screening' when used as compound adjective before nouns in formal writing.

Also known as

initial screening editorial screening triage process

Contrasted with

full review final acceptance

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does manuscript screening typically take?

Screening usually takes 1-3 weeks depending on editor workload and submission volume at the journal.

Can manuscripts be rejected at the screening stage?

Yes, editors commonly reject papers during screening if they lack novelty, fall outside scope, or fail format requirements.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Important for early-career researchers and editors to understand workflow efficiency and submission success factors.

Required skill level: Junior

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