Submitting a manuscript for publication is an essential step for researchers and authors who want to disseminate their findings to a wider audience. However, the question of whether an author can submit the same manuscript to more than one journal at a time remains a contentious issue. In this article, we will explore this topic in more detail and provide you with some useful insights.
Can an Author Submit a Manuscript to More than One Journal at a Time?
No, you should not submit your manuscript to more than one journal at the same time. This is considered a duplicate submission and is unethical according to the guidelines of most academic publishers. Here’s why and what you should do instead:
Why Duplicate Submission is Not Allowed
- Wastes Reviewers’ Time:
- Journals invest significant effort and time in peer review. Submitting to multiple journals simultaneously duplicates this effort unnecessarily.
- Violates Publication Ethics:
- Most journals follow guidelines from organizations like the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), which strictly prohibit duplicate submissions.
- Risk of Rejection:
- If journals discover your duplicate submission, they may reject your manuscript or even blacklist you from submitting to them in the future.
- Conflict of Interest:
- If two journals accept your manuscript, this creates confusion and can harm your reputation in the academic community.
What to Do Instead
If you need to switch journals, withdraw your manuscript from the first journal before submitting to another. Follow the proper withdrawal process outlined by the journal.
Submit to One Journal at a Time:
Choose the journal that best fits your manuscript’s scope and audience, and wait for their decision.
Use Preprint Servers (Optional):
Some disciplines allow authors to post their manuscripts on preprint servers like arXiv or bioRxiv before submission. Check the journal’s policy on preprints to ensure this is acceptable.
Consider Timeframes:
If you are concerned about delays, research the journal’s average review time before submission.
Withdraw Before Submitting Elsewhere:
Consequences of Multiple Submissions:
Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously can have serious consequences.
If a journal discovers that a manuscript has been submitted elsewhere, it may reject the submission outright or put the author on a blacklist, making it difficult for them to publish in the future.
In some cases, it may lead to legal action against the author for breach of copyright or other intellectual property violations.
Alternatives to Multiple Submissions:
Instead of submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals, authors can consider the following alternatives:
- Choose one journal that is the best fit for your manuscript and submit it exclusively to that journal.
- If your manuscript is rejected by one journal, revise it based on the feedback received and submit it to another journal.
- Consider preprint servers, which allow authors to share their research findings before peer review and publication. This can increase the visibility of the research and can lead to faster dissemination of the findings.
Key Takeaways:
Authors should not submit the same manuscript to multiple journals at the same time.
This practice can have serious consequences, including rejection, blacklisting, and legal action.
Instead, authors should choose one journal that is the best fit for their manuscript or consider alternatives such as revising and resubmitting or using preprint servers.
By following these guidelines, authors can increase their chances of success and maintain their credibility and reputation in the academic community.
