If the journal rejects my article, can I appeal?

Yes, most reputable academic journals provide a formal mechanism to appeal an editorial rejection decision. However, an appeal is typically not a routine step and requires substantial justification beyond mere dissatisfaction with the outcome. Appeals are generally considered only under specific circumstances, such as demonstrable evidence of a significant procedural error in the peer review or handling process, clear indication of reviewer bias or factual misunderstanding that materially affected the decision, or new, critical evidence unavailable during initial review. Authors must strictly follow the journal's explicit appeal policy, outlined in the author guidelines or editor's decision letter. The appeal must be submitted formally, usually to the editor-in-chief, and consist of a highly professional, reasoned argument specifically addressing the grounds for appeal, supported by objective evidence; it should never be an emotional complaint. Critically, challenging the editor's judgment on the suitability of the work for the journal is rarely a valid basis for appeal. While successful appeals are uncommon, a well-justified appeal can prompt re-evaluation, sometimes leading to additional review or reconsideration. A rejected appeal usually represents the final journal decision. Regardless of the appeal outcome, authors retain the right to submit the manuscript elsewhere, often the most constructive path forward after an initial rejection.