What to Do When Your Paper Is Rejected.

Abstract

Rejection happens to all of us, and it can be a salutatory experience. In the case of submitted papers, authors who are early, as well as those established in their careers, will experience rejection. In response to a rejection letter, one should not react by ripping the letter to shreds or, in today's electronic world, permanently deleting the message. Similarly, one should avoid the decision never to write another paper. Many papers originally rejected may ultimately find a home, with rewrites or better targeting to a more suitable journal. This article will explore feasible options for writers eager for their papers to find such a home.