Q: Should I request for withdrawal or wait when I think my manuscript does not match the scope of the journal?

Detailed Question -

I submitted a manuscript to a journal, but now I feel that I should have submitted to another journal, because at this stage, I am worried that my manuscript does not match the scope of the journal. I’m wondering whether I should request for withdrawal or wait, even if there is not much hope and it takes time.

1 Answer to this question
Answer:

You may be absolutely accurate in your assessment of the scope mismatch. It’s also understandable that you may wish to save time and therefore withdraw from here and submit to another journal.

However, we’d suggest doing the following things.

  • You could wait to see what the outcome here is. It may indeed be a desk rejection because of the mismatch. However, sometimes (and based on the type or nature of the journal and the size of the publisher), the journal may see a match with a particular section or for a special issue. In some other cases, it may see a better match with another journal from the same publisher and ask you to submit there instead.
  • You could adopt a middle path. Rather than waiting or directly requesting to withdraw, you may send them a mail explaining your understanding and situation. Instead of immediately sharing what you have decided, you may ask them for guidance. Based on what they suggest, you may proceed accordingly.
  • While you are waiting to hear from this journal (either over your manuscript or your email), you could send a presubmission inquiry to another journal to figure out the scope match and chances of acceptance there.

Hope that helps. And all the best with whatever you decide!

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