What should I do when my article is rejected by a journal?

Article rejection is a common experience in academic publishing that does not necessarily reflect poor research quality. A constructive response involves carefully analyzing the reviewers' feedback and developing a strategic revision or resubmission plan. Key principles include approaching feedback objectively rather than defensively. Thoroughly assess the critique to distinguish required major revisions from optional suggestions and identify weaknesses needing fundamental improvement, such as methodology flaws or scope issues. Simultaneously, evaluate the appropriateness of the target journal; rejection often relates to scope fit rather than inherent merit. Maintain professionalism in all correspondence, avoiding confrontation with the editorial board. Begin by allowing a brief period for emotional processing, then systematically analyze the rejection decision and reviewer reports. Prioritize revisions addressing fundamental critiques to strengthen the manuscript. Research and identify suitable alternative journals whose aims and scope align closely with your revised article. Finally, diligently revise the manuscript incorporating feedback where appropriate and submit it to the new target journal, viewing this as part of the iterative publication process that contributes to career development.