Various stages where a manuscript may be rejected and the roles of editors and reviewers.
| Stage | Editorial Workflow | Recommendation/Rejection by |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | At the stage of initial technical checks | Editor-in-chief can reject at this stage if there are any unacceptable technical shortcomings |
| 2 | Before assigning the manuscript to the handling editor | Editor-in-chief can reject after assessing the manuscript |
| 3 | Before external peer review | Handling editor can recommend rejection after assessing the manuscript |
| 4 | At the stage of peer review | Reviewer can recommend rejection |
| 5 | After peer review | Handling editor can recommend rejection based on reviewers’ inputs and/or his/her overall judgment, taking into account the comments offered by reviewers |
| 6 | Before re-review | Handling editor can recommend rejection without re-review if revision is not satisfactory |
| 7 | At the stage of re-review | Reviewer can recommend rejection if revision is not satisfactory |
| 8 | After re-review | Handling editor can recommend rejection based on reviewers’ inputs and/or his/her overall judgment, taking into account the comments offered by reviewers |
Note: The first 3 are all referred to as “desk” rejections.