Reasons for rejection of manuscripts submitted to AJR by international authors

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to promote publication by international authors in AJR by analyzing the reasons for rejection of manuscripts. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Data available through the electronic system for review of submitted manuscripts were analyzed over a 2-year period with regard to country of origin, type of the manuscript, decision of the editors, and reason for rejection. Countries with more than 50 submitted manuscripts were selected, and rejection rates and reasons for rejection determined by one of the editors were compared. RESULTS. Eighteen countries had more than 50 manuscript submissions, and the rejection rates ranged from 22.6% to 73.4%. Countries with high rates of submission of reports of original research, including Clinical Observations manuscripts, had high acceptance rates. Countries in which English is the primary language had higher acceptance rates than those in which English is not the primary language (29.1% vs 40.3%, p < 0.05). Countries with English as the primary language, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, had rejection patterns similar to that of the United States. Language problems were not a major reason for rejection, except for manuscripts from China. Lack of new or useful knowledge was by far the most common reason for rejection in all countries (44-76% of all rejections). CONCLUSION. High-quality scientific work is key to overcoming barriers to publication. Designing an appropriate study that answers a clearly defined and pertinent question is an important first step. Language problems were not a major cause of rejection, except for manuscripts from China.