How to understand the acceptance, revision and rejection policies of a journal?

Journal acceptance, revision, and rejection policies outline the formal decisions editors make on submitted manuscripts and represent distinct outcomes. Understanding them clarifies where your work stands and necessary actions. Acceptance occurs when a manuscript meets all quality, novelty, and fit criteria; it requires no further substantive changes before publication. Revision signifies potential suitability contingent on adequately addressing reviewer and editor concerns, ranging from minor textual edits (Minor Revision) to major experimental additions (Major Revision). Rejection reflects a failure to meet critical standards, often due to fundamental flaws, lack of novelty, poor methodology, or poor fit with the journal scope. Carefully adhering to specific revision instructions and timelines is paramount. To comprehend these policies, meticulously read the journal’s specific "Instructions for Authors" and "Peer Review Process" sections. Review examples of decision letters or published statements if available. Analyse common revision requests and rejection reasons provided in decision letters for similar submissions. Directly consulting the editorial office for clarification on specific points is also recommended. This understanding informs subsequent submission strategy, revision effort focus, and identification of more suitable journals if rejected.