Risk of escalating the situation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 76 views

I Got a Complete Reject from the EiC, and the Editor Seemed to Get Many Things Wrong. Should I Reply?

Understanding the Situation

As an author, receiving a rejection from a prestigious journal can be disheartening, especially when it seems that the Editor-in-Chief (EiC) did not thoroughly engage with the manuscript. The rejection letter may have highlighted several issues, but upon closer inspection, it appears that the EiC misunderstood key points and the core of the idea. This can be frustrating, especially when you believe that your work has merit and deserves to be published.

The Importance of Peer Review

Peer review is a crucial aspect of the scientific publishing process. It allows experts in the field to review and critique manuscripts, providing valuable feedback that can improve the quality of the research. However, peer review is not a perfect process, and sometimes, reviewers may miss the mark. In this case, it seems that the EiC did not adequately engage with the manuscript, leading to a rejection that may not be entirely justified.

Should You Reply?

The question remains: should you reply to the EiC's rejection letter? While it's tempting to respond and defend your work, it's essential to consider the potential consequences of doing so. Here are some points to ponder:

Pros of Replying

Clarify misunderstandings: By responding to the EiC's rejection letter, you may be able to clarify any misunderstandings and provide additional context that could have been missed.
Showcase your expertise: A well-crafted response can demonstrate your expertise in the field and showcase your ability to engage with the EiC's concerns.
Improve the manuscript: If you're able to address the EiC's concerns and provide additional evidence or data, you may be able to improve the manuscript and increase its chances of being accepted in the future.

Cons of Replying

Risk of escalating the situation: Responding to the EiC's rejection letter can escalate the situation, leading to further conflict and potentially damaging your relationship with the journal.
Waste of time and energy: Replying to the EiC's rejection letter can be time-consuming and may not yield the desired results.
Perception of being overly defensive: If you respond to the EiC's rejection letter, you may be perceived as being overly defensive or argumentative, which could harm your reputation in the scientific community.

Alternatives to Replying

If you decide not to reply to the EiC's rejection letter, there are still alternatives to consider:

Resubmitting the Manuscript

If you believe that your manuscript has merit and deserves to be published, you may want to consider resubmitting it to the journal. This can be a good option if you're able to address the EiC's concerns and provide additional evidence or data.

Submitting to a Different Journal

If you're not satisfied with the EiC's rejection letter or believe that your manuscript would be a better fit for a different journal, you may want to consider submitting it to a different publication.

Seeking Feedback from Other Experts

If you're unsure about how to proceed or want to get additional feedback on your manuscript, you may want to consider seeking input from other experts in the field. This can provide valuable insights and help you improve your manuscript.

Conclusion

Receiving a rejection from the EiC can be disheartening, especially when it seems that they did not thoroughly engage with the manuscript. However, it's essential to consider the potential consequences of replying to the rejection letter. While there are pros and cons to replying, there are also alternatives to consider, such as resubmitting the manuscript, submitting to a different journal, or seeking feedback from other experts. Ultimately, the decision to reply or not reply to the EiC's rejection letter is up to you, but it's essential to approach the situation with a clear head and a critical eye.

Additional Tips

Stay calm and objective: When responding to the EiC's rejection letter, it's essential to stay calm and objective. Avoid getting defensive or emotional, as this can escalate the situation.
Focus on the science: When responding to the EiC's rejection letter, focus on the science and the merits of your manuscript. Avoid getting bogged down in personal issues or conflicts.
Be open to feedback: When responding to the EiC's rejection letter, be open to feedback and willing to consider alternative perspectives. This can help you improve your manuscript and increase its chances of being accepted in the future.

Final Thoughts

Receiving a rejection from the EiC can be a setback, but it's not the end of the world. By considering the pros and cons of replying to the rejection letter and exploring alternative options, you can take control of the situation and move forward with your research. Remember to stay calm, focus on the science, and be open to feedback, and you'll be well on your way to success.
I Got a Complete Reject from the EiC, and the Editor Seemed to Get Many Things Wrong. Should I Reply?

Q&A: Dealing with a Rejection from the Editor-in-Chief

Receiving a rejection from the Editor-in-Chief (EiC) can be a challenging experience, especially when it seems that they did not thoroughly engage with the manuscript. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of replying to the EiC's rejection letter and provide guidance on how to navigate this situation.

Q: What are the pros of replying to the EiC's rejection letter?

A: The pros of replying to the EiC's rejection letter include:

Clarifying misunderstandings: By responding to the EiC's rejection letter, you may be able to clarify any misunderstandings and provide additional context that could have been missed.
Showcasing your expertise: A well-crafted response can demonstrate your expertise in the field and showcase your ability to engage with the EiC's concerns.
Improving the manuscript: If you're able to address the EiC's concerns and provide additional evidence or data, you may be able to improve the manuscript and increase its chances of being accepted in the future.

Q: What are the cons of replying to the EiC's rejection letter?

A: The cons of replying to the EiC's rejection letter include:

Risk of escalating the situation: Responding to the EiC's rejection letter can escalate the situation, leading to further conflict and potentially damaging your relationship with the journal.
Waste of time and energy: Replying to the EiC's rejection letter can be time-consuming and may not yield the desired results.
Perception of being overly defensive: If you respond to the EiC's rejection letter, you may be perceived as being overly defensive or argumentative, which could harm your reputation in the scientific community.

Q: What are some alternatives to replying to the EiC's rejection letter?

A: Some alternatives to replying to the EiC's rejection letter include:

Resubmitting the manuscript: If you believe that your manuscript has merit and deserves to be published, you may want to consider resubmitting it to the journal. This can be a good option if you're able to address the EiC's concerns and provide additional evidence or data.
Submitting to a different journal: If you're not satisfied with the EiC's rejection letter or believe that your manuscript would be a better fit for a different journal, you may want to consider submitting it to a different publication.
Seeking feedback from other experts: If you're unsure about how to proceed or want to get additional feedback on your manuscript, you may want to consider seeking input from other experts in the field. This can provide valuable insights and help you improve your manuscript.

Q: How can I stay calm and objective when responding to the EiC's rejection letter?

A: To stay calm and objective when responding to the EiC's rejection letter, consider the following tips:

Take a break: Before responding to the EiC's rejection letter, take a break and give yourself time to calm down.
Focus on the science: When responding to the EiC's rejection letter, focus on the science and the merits of your manuscript. Avoid getting bogged down in personal issues or conflicts.
Be open to feedback: When responding to the EiC's rejection letter, be open to feedback and willing to consider alternative perspectives. This can help you improve your manuscript and increase its chances of being accepted in the future.

Q: What are some final thoughts on dealing with a rejection from the EiC?

A: Dealing with a rejection from the EiC can be a challenging experience, but it's not the end of the world. By considering the pros and cons of replying to the rejection letter and exploring alternative options, you can take control of the situation and move forward with your research. Remember to stay calm, focus on the science, and be open to feedback, and you'll be well on your way to success.