10 tips for getting past desk screening and out to reviewers

Abstract Recently I took on the role of executive editor of a journal, after contributing as a reviewer and associate editor for many years. As I’ve gradually come to see more and more of the “back end” of academic journals, it becomes clear that authors are often unaware of how decisions are made regarding their submissions. This piece is thus written from the perspective of an editor assessing submissions and making decisions on what to send out to review, and what to return to authors as unsuitable for the particular journal (that is, desk rejecting). So, rather than writing about research into publication, this Perspective piece comes from my own insider perspective as an academic journal editor. It’s conversational rather than strictly academic. My perspective on research publication is informed from multiple directions. I have a professional background in teaching English for Academic Purposes to culturally and linguistically diverse international students and as an editor for academic texts. These days I’m a researcher developer in an Australian university where I teach PhD candidates about research writing; I review for academic journals; I edit an academic journal; I write about my own research – and I receive peer review that is not always flattering! I’m a monolingual Anglo-Australian woman, with all of the baggage and privilege that entails.