You have spent weeks preparing your manuscript, carefully refining every section before finally clicking the “Submit” button with a sense of relief. Then, a few days or weeks later, an email arrives from the journal editor. Unfortunately, the decision is rejected. For many researchers, this experience is frustrating. What makes it even more disappointing is that the problem is not always the quality of the research itself. The study may be valuable, the data may be complete, and the findings may offer meaningful contributions. Yet the manuscript never reaches the peer-review stage because of several avoidable issues. A mismatch between the manuscript and the journal, formatting errors, a weak abstract, or outdated references can all lead to rejection during the initial editorial screening. The good news is that most of these problems can be prevented. Before submitting your next manuscript, take a moment to review these five common mistakes.

1. Choosing the Wrong Journal

One of the most common reasons for rejection is submitting a manuscript to a journal that does not match the topic of the research. Many authors focus heavily on writing and revising their work but spend very little time evaluating whether a journal is the right fit. Editors routinely assess whether a submission aligns with the journal’s aims and scope, and they may reject the manuscript before sending it to reviewers if it does not meet those requirements. To avoid this issue, review the journal’s scope carefully and examine recently published articles. Tools such as Scopus Sources, SJR, or SINTA can also help identify journals that are more closely aligned with your field of study. Even a strong manuscript needs the right audience.

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2. Not Following the Author Guidelines

Every journal has its own requirements regarding manuscript structure, formatting, citation style, and word limits. Although these details may seem minor compared to the research itself, editorial staff often review them before evaluating other aspects of the manuscript. A manuscript that does not follow the journal’s instructions can create the impression that the author has not taken the submission process seriously. In some cases, it may even be returned or rejected before review. Rather than checking the guidelines at the last minute, make them one of the first documents you read before preparing your manuscript.

3. Writing a Weak Abstract

The abstract serves as the first impression of your research. Editors often review dozens of submissions within a short period, and the abstract plays a major role in determining whether a manuscript deserves further consideration. A strong abstract should clearly explain the purpose of the study, the methodology used, the main findings, and the key conclusions. If these elements are missing or presented unclearly, the value of the research may not be immediately apparent. Although an abstract is relatively short, it should provide a complete and accurate snapshot of the study.

4. Using Outdated or Unreliable References

References demonstrate how well a study connects with existing scholarly discussions. When a manuscript relies heavily on outdated sources or references with limited academic credibility, editors may question the relevance and reliability of the work. Before submission, review your reference list carefully. Prioritize recent publications from reputable journals whenever possible, remove questionable sources, and include DOI information when available. A strong reference list not only strengthens your arguments but also demonstrates that you have grounded your research in current academic knowledge.

5. High Similarity Scores

Similarity checks have become a standard part of the editorial screening process. Journals commonly use software such as Turnitin or iThenticate to identify overlaps with previously published material.

High similarity scores may indicate plagiarism or excessive reuse of previously published content, including an author’s own work. Because many journals have specific similarity thresholds, it is important to conduct a similarity check before submission. Addressing potential issues early can help prevent unnecessary rejection and improve the overall quality of the manuscript.

Many manuscript rejections result not from poor research but from overlooked submission details. Choosing the right journal, following author guidelines, strengthening the abstract, reviewing references, and checking similarity scores can improve the chances of passing initial editorial screening. A careful review before submission may take extra time, but it can prevent delays, revisions, and resubmissions later.

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