What Do You Reply When Journals Ask If Your Manuscript Has Been Previously Considered by Another Journal? A Practical Guide for Researchers
Introduction
What do you reply when journals ask if your manuscript has been previously considered by another journal? This question often appears simple, yet it can make many PhD scholars, early-career researchers, and academic authors feel uncertain. A journal submission form may ask whether the manuscript has been previously submitted, reviewed, rejected, transferred, or considered elsewhere. At that moment, many researchers worry that an honest answer may reduce their chance of acceptance. However, the safest and most professional response is always transparent, accurate, and aligned with publication ethics.
For students and PhD scholars, this question is not only administrative. It relates directly to research integrity, publication history, editorial trust, and academic reputation. Many authors submit their work after months or years of data collection, analysis, thesis writing, supervisor feedback, and revision. When a manuscript receives rejection from one journal, the emotional pressure can be high. The author may feel disappointed, confused, or even embarrassed. Yet rejection is a normal part of academic publishing. It does not mean the research lacks value. Often, it means the manuscript did not fit the journal scope, editorial priority, methodological expectation, or reviewer preference.
The global research environment has become more competitive. Researchers face pressure to publish in indexed journals, complete doctoral milestones, secure academic promotions, and demonstrate measurable research output. At the same time, journal acceptance rates can be selective, especially for high-impact and top-tier journals. Publishers also expect authors to follow strict submission ethics. For example, the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors states that authors should not submit the same manuscript to more than one journal at the same time because simultaneous submission can create editorial and copyright problems. (ICMJE)
Therefore, when a journal asks, “Has this manuscript been previously considered by another journal?”, it is usually not trying to punish you for rejection. Instead, the journal wants to understand whether the paper is currently under consideration elsewhere, whether it has been published before, whether prior peer-review history exists, and whether any overlap or ethical concern needs disclosure. Springer Nature submission guidance also explains that manuscript submission implies the work has not been published before and is not under consideration elsewhere. (Springer)
This article explains exactly how to answer this question, when to say yes, when to say no, what wording to use, and how to avoid ethical mistakes. It also provides templates, examples, expert commentary, and practical guidance for PhD thesis writing, academic editing, research paper assistance, and journal publication support. As a global academic partner established in 2010, ContentXprtz supports researchers across 110+ countries with ethical editing, proofreading, and publication assistance.
Why Journals Ask About Previous Consideration
Journals ask about previous consideration to protect the integrity of peer review. Editors need to know whether the manuscript is original, unpublished, and not under active review by another journal. This information helps them manage editorial resources responsibly.
Peer review requires time from editors and reviewers. If two journals review the same manuscript at the same time, both may invest effort without knowing about each other. That creates ethical and operational problems. Taylor & Francis states that authors must declare upon submission that the manuscript is not under consideration elsewhere, and duplicate submission is typically treated as a serious misconduct issue. (Author Services)
However, previous consideration is different from simultaneous submission. A manuscript may have been rejected, withdrawn, transferred, or declined by another journal. In those cases, the author may submit it elsewhere after the earlier journal process has ended. This is normal. Elsevier advises authors not to take rejection personally and to use reviewer feedback to improve the manuscript before finding a more suitable journal. (www.elsevier.com)
So, the key issue is not whether your paper was ever seen by another journal. The key issue is whether it is currently under consideration elsewhere and whether you are being honest about its submission history.
The Direct Answer Researchers Need
When journals ask, “What do you reply when journals ask if your manuscript has been previously considered by another journal?”, your reply depends on the actual history of the manuscript.
If the manuscript was never submitted elsewhere, answer clearly:
No. This manuscript has not been previously submitted to or considered by another journal. It is not under consideration elsewhere.
If the manuscript was submitted and rejected by another journal, answer honestly:
Yes. This manuscript was previously submitted to another journal and received a decision. It is no longer under consideration there. The manuscript has since been revised before this submission.
If the manuscript was withdrawn before review, answer:
Yes. The manuscript was previously submitted to another journal but was withdrawn before a final editorial decision. It is not under consideration elsewhere.
If the manuscript was transferred through a publisher’s transfer service, answer:
Yes. The manuscript was previously considered by another journal and was transferred or recommended for submission to this journal. It is not under consideration elsewhere.
If the same manuscript is still under review elsewhere, do not submit it. You must withdraw it first and receive confirmation before submitting to another journal.
Is It Bad If a Manuscript Was Previously Rejected?
No, it is not bad if a manuscript was previously rejected. Many published articles were rejected before finding the right journal. Rejection can happen because of scope mismatch, limited space, methodological concerns, reviewer disagreement, or lack of fit with the journal’s audience.
A previous rejection does not automatically make your manuscript weak. In fact, prior reviewer comments may help you improve the paper. Editors understand that manuscripts move between journals. They mainly expect honesty, ethical submission behavior, and meaningful revision.
The mistake is not previous rejection. The mistake is hiding relevant information when the journal explicitly asks for it. Another mistake is submitting to multiple journals at the same time. COPE provides guidance for editors when they suspect redundant or duplicate publication in submitted manuscripts, which shows how seriously journals treat overlapping or misleading submissions. (Publication Ethics)
Therefore, answer truthfully and professionally. Avoid emotional explanations. Avoid blaming the previous journal. Also, avoid sharing unnecessary details unless the submission system asks for them.
The Best Professional Reply Format
A strong reply should include three elements:
- A clear yes or no
- Confirmation that the manuscript is not currently under consideration elsewhere
- A short note on revision or closure of the previous process
Here is a polished template:
Yes. This manuscript was previously considered by another journal and received a final editorial decision. It is not currently under consideration by any other journal. We have revised the manuscript in response to prior feedback and are submitting it to this journal because its scope aligns closely with the study’s contribution.
This answer is professional because it is honest, concise, and confident. It also reassures the editor that the manuscript is not part of a duplicate submission.
What Not to Say in Your Reply
Avoid vague or defensive replies. Some authors write answers that create unnecessary concern. For example, do not write:
“It was rejected, but the reviewers did not understand the paper.”
This sounds unprofessional. It may make the editor question your ability to handle peer review.
Do not write:
“No, because it was rejected and is not there anymore.”
This is inaccurate if the question asks whether it was previously considered. If the manuscript was previously submitted, the answer should usually be yes.
Do not write:
“It was only reviewed briefly, so I am saying no.”
If the manuscript entered a journal’s editorial system, it was submitted. Even a desk rejection counts as prior consideration when the question is broad.
Do not write:
“It is under review elsewhere, but I prefer your journal.”
This is a major red flag. A paper should usually be under consideration by only one journal at a time. Emerald also states that submitted work should not be published, in press, or under consideration elsewhere. (emeraldgrouppublishing.com)
When You Can Safely Answer “No”
You can answer “No” when the manuscript has not been submitted to another journal in its current or substantially similar form.
You may also answer “No” if you only discussed the paper informally with a colleague, supervisor, mentor, language editor, or academic editing service. Informal feedback is not journal consideration.
You can answer “No” if you presented early findings at a conference but never submitted the full manuscript to a journal, unless the journal specifically asks about conference presentations, preprints, abstracts, or prior dissemination.
You can answer “No” if you submitted a thesis chapter to your university, because thesis examination is not the same as journal consideration. However, some journals may ask whether the content appears in a thesis repository. In that case, disclose it.
When You Should Answer “Yes”
You should answer “Yes” if the manuscript was previously submitted to another journal’s editorial system. This includes desk rejection, peer-review rejection, revise-and-resubmit rejection, withdrawal after submission, transfer recommendation, or editorial decline.
You should also answer “Yes” if a substantially similar version was considered by another journal. This matters when the title, dataset, research question, analysis, and manuscript structure are largely the same.
If the article was previously posted as a preprint, the answer depends on the wording. A preprint is not the same as journal consideration, but many journals ask authors to disclose preprints separately. Always check the journal’s author guidelines.
Sample Replies for Common Journal Scenarios
Scenario 1: The Manuscript Was Never Submitted Elsewhere
Suggested reply:
No. This manuscript has not been previously submitted to or considered by another journal. It is original, unpublished, and not currently under consideration elsewhere.
This is the cleanest response when your paper is a first submission.
Scenario 2: The Manuscript Received a Desk Rejection
Suggested reply:
Yes. This manuscript was previously submitted to another journal and received a desk rejection. It is not currently under consideration elsewhere. The manuscript has been revised for better scope alignment before this submission.
A desk rejection is still a journal decision. Keep the explanation brief and neutral.
Scenario 3: The Manuscript Was Rejected After Peer Review
Suggested reply:
Yes. This manuscript was previously considered by another journal and received a final decision after peer review. It is not under consideration elsewhere. We have carefully revised the manuscript based on relevant reviewer feedback.
This answer shows maturity and professional responsibility.
Scenario 4: The Manuscript Was Withdrawn
Suggested reply:
Yes. This manuscript was previously submitted to another journal but was withdrawn. It is no longer under consideration there. We now submit it to this journal because its scope is a stronger fit for the study.
Do not hide withdrawal. It is usually acceptable when handled transparently.
Scenario 5: The Manuscript Was Transferred
Suggested reply:
Yes. The manuscript was previously considered by another journal and was recommended for transfer. It is now submitted here for independent editorial consideration. It is not under review elsewhere.
Many publishers use transfer systems. Elsevier’s Article Transfer Service, for example, helps authors identify suitable journals after an initial submission does not succeed. (www.elsevier.com)
How to Write This in the Cover Letter
Your cover letter should confirm ethical submission status. Springer Nature notes that a cover letter is an opportunity to declare that the manuscript is not being considered by another journal. (Springer Nature Support)
Here is a professional paragraph:
We confirm that this manuscript is original, unpublished, and not under consideration by any other journal. The manuscript was previously considered by another journal and received a final editorial decision. Since then, we have revised the manuscript to strengthen its argument, methodological clarity, and alignment with the target journal’s scope.
This wording is useful because it combines transparency with confidence. It does not overshare. It also avoids negative comments about the previous journal.
How Previous Journal Feedback Can Improve Your Submission
Previous reviewer comments can become a valuable revision roadmap. Before submitting to a new journal, review each comment carefully. Then decide which points are valid, which need clarification, and which may not apply to the new journal’s scope.
You should revise the manuscript before resubmission. Do not simply submit the same file to another journal without improvement. Even if the first journal rejected the paper for scope reasons, you can still improve the abstract, contribution statement, literature review, methodology, limitations, and formatting.
ContentXprtz often supports scholars at this stage through academic editing services, journal response preparation, manuscript polishing, and research paper writing support. Ethical academic editing can help you clarify arguments, improve language, align with journal guidelines, and reduce avoidable desk rejection risks.
Ethical Submission Checklist Before You Reply
Before answering the journal question, review this checklist:
- Has the previous journal process fully ended?
- Did you receive a final rejection, withdrawal confirmation, or transfer notice?
- Is the manuscript currently under review anywhere else?
- Has the manuscript been published in any form?
- Is there overlap with a conference paper, thesis, preprint, or earlier article?
- Have all co-authors approved the new submission?
- Have you revised the manuscript after previous feedback?
- Does the cover letter match your submission system answer?
This checklist helps protect your academic reputation. It also reduces the risk of correction, withdrawal, rejection, or ethical investigation.
Why Honesty Improves Editorial Trust
Editors handle many submissions. They know that rejection is common. A transparent author appears reliable, professional, and publication-ready. A vague or misleading author may create concern.
Academic publishing depends on trust. Editors trust authors to disclose publication history. Reviewers trust journals to manage manuscripts fairly. Readers trust published articles to represent original and ethical scholarship.
When you answer honestly, you show that you understand the norms of scholarly communication. That matters, especially for PhD students who are building long-term academic careers.
How ContentXprtz Helps Researchers Respond Correctly
ContentXprtz provides ethical, structured, and publication-focused support for researchers. Since 2010, we have helped scholars, PhD students, academics, and professionals across more than 110 countries improve their manuscripts, dissertations, journal papers, and publication documents.
Our support includes:
- Manuscript editing and proofreading
- Journal submission readiness checks
- Cover letter development
- Response-to-reviewer support
- Thesis-to-journal article conversion
- Academic formatting and language refinement
- Research paper assistance
- Publication ethics guidance
Researchers seeking structured PhD thesis help can use ContentXprtz support to improve clarity, argument flow, methodology presentation, and journal alignment. Students who need broader student writing services can also receive guidance for academic documents, statements, and research-based writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do you reply when journals ask if your manuscript has been previously considered by another journal?
The best reply is honest, direct, and calm. If your manuscript was never submitted elsewhere, you can say: “No. This manuscript has not been previously submitted to or considered by another journal. It is not under consideration elsewhere.” If it was submitted and rejected, you should say: “Yes. This manuscript was previously considered by another journal and received a final decision. It is not currently under consideration elsewhere. The manuscript has since been revised before this submission.”
This answer works because it addresses the editor’s main concerns. The editor wants to know whether your manuscript is original, whether another journal is currently reviewing it, and whether there is any ethical issue. Previous rejection alone is not misconduct. However, simultaneous submission can create serious problems. Therefore, your answer should always confirm that the paper is not under review elsewhere.
You do not need to provide emotional details. You also do not need to explain every reviewer comment unless the journal asks. Keep the response factual. If the submission form has a limited text box, write one or two sentences. If the cover letter allows more detail, add a short note that the manuscript has been revised for journal fit, clarity, and contribution. This shows professionalism and respect for editorial standards.
2. Should I mention the name of the previous journal?
Usually, you do not need to mention the previous journal’s name unless the submission system asks for it. Many forms only ask whether the manuscript has been previously considered. In that case, a simple yes or no with a short explanation is enough.
If the system asks for the journal name, provide it accurately. Do not avoid the question. Editors value transparency. However, you should not include unnecessary criticism of the previous journal. For example, avoid saying that the previous reviewers were unfair or that the editor misunderstood your work. Such comments can weaken your professional image.
A suitable answer would be: “Yes. The manuscript was previously submitted to [Journal Name] and received a final decision. It is no longer under consideration there. The manuscript has been revised before this submission.”
If the previous submission happened through a publisher transfer system, mention that the manuscript was transferred or recommended for another journal, if relevant. This helps the editor understand the publication pathway. The goal is not to defend yourself. The goal is to show that your submission is ethical, complete, and ready for independent review.
3. Does a desk rejection count as previous consideration?
Yes, a desk rejection usually counts as previous consideration if the manuscript was formally submitted to a journal. Even if reviewers never evaluated the manuscript, the editor or editorial office still considered it. Therefore, when a journal asks whether your manuscript was previously considered, a desk rejection should normally be disclosed.
A desk rejection does not damage your paper by itself. Many desk rejections occur because the paper does not fit the journal’s scope, audience, article type, or priority. Sometimes, the paper needs clearer contribution, stronger methods, better formatting, or a more focused abstract. Instead of hiding the desk rejection, use it as a chance to improve the manuscript.
A professional reply could be: “Yes. This manuscript was previously submitted to another journal and received a desk rejection. It is not under consideration elsewhere. The manuscript has been revised to improve scope alignment and presentation.”
This wording is honest and neutral. It also tells the editor that you have taken action before resubmitting. For PhD scholars, this approach protects credibility. It also demonstrates that you understand publication ethics and editorial expectations.
4. Can I submit my manuscript to another journal after rejection?
Yes, you can submit your manuscript to another journal after rejection, provided the earlier journal process has fully ended. You should not submit the same manuscript to another journal while it remains under review elsewhere. Once you receive a final rejection or withdraw the manuscript properly, you may revise it and submit it to a better-fit journal.
Before resubmission, read the new journal’s aims, scope, article types, word limits, reference style, reporting guidelines, and author instructions. Then revise the manuscript accordingly. Do not treat resubmission as only a formatting task. Improve the abstract, introduction, theoretical contribution, methodology, results presentation, discussion, limitations, and conclusion.
If reviewers from the earlier journal gave useful feedback, address it where appropriate. You do not need to submit a response letter to the new journal unless requested. However, the manuscript itself should reflect learning from the earlier review. This is where professional research paper writing support can help. Ethical editing improves clarity and structure without changing the author’s research ownership.
5. What if my manuscript was withdrawn from another journal?
If your manuscript was withdrawn from another journal, disclose it when asked. A withdrawal is not automatically negative. Authors may withdraw for legitimate reasons, such as journal scope mismatch, long delays, author corrections, missing approvals, or a decision to revise substantially before submission elsewhere.
However, the withdrawal should be complete before you submit to another journal. Ideally, keep written confirmation from the previous journal. This protects you if questions arise later. Do not submit elsewhere while the withdrawal request is still pending.
A suitable reply is: “Yes. The manuscript was previously submitted to another journal but was withdrawn. It is no longer under consideration there. The manuscript has been revised and is now submitted to this journal because of stronger scope alignment.”
This answer is clear and ethical. It avoids unnecessary detail. If the journal asks why you withdrew, explain briefly and professionally. Do not blame the previous editor. Keep the tone respectful. Academic publishing is a long-term professional community, so your communication style matters.
6. Should I disclose a preprint when answering this question?
A preprint is not the same as previous journal consideration. However, many journals have specific preprint disclosure policies. Therefore, you should read the target journal’s author guidelines carefully. If the form asks whether the manuscript has been previously published, posted, or disseminated, you should disclose the preprint. If the form only asks whether the manuscript was considered by another journal, a preprint may not require a “yes” answer unless the wording includes preprints.
The safest approach is to disclose the preprint in the designated field or cover letter if the journal allows preprints. You can write: “A preprint version of this manuscript is available at [repository name]. The manuscript is not under consideration by any other journal.”
This answer separates preprint disclosure from duplicate submission. It also helps the editor assess transparency. Some disciplines encourage preprints, while others handle them more cautiously. Because policies vary by publisher and field, always check the journal’s guidance before submission. When in doubt, disclose rather than hide. Transparent disclosure rarely harms ethical authors, but non-disclosure can create avoidable problems.
7. What if the manuscript came from my PhD thesis?
A manuscript developed from your PhD thesis is usually acceptable for journal submission. However, you may need to disclose that the work forms part of a thesis, especially if the thesis is available in an institutional repository. A thesis is generally not considered the same as journal publication, but journal policies vary.
If the journal asks whether the manuscript has been published before, you can explain: “This manuscript is based on research conducted as part of the author’s doctoral thesis. The thesis is available through the university repository. The manuscript has been substantially revised and formatted as a journal article.”
This wording shows transparency. It also clarifies that the manuscript has been adapted for journal publication. Many PhD scholars need help converting thesis chapters into publishable articles. A thesis chapter often has broader literature review, longer methodology, and more detailed institutional context. A journal article needs sharper contribution, concise argument, focused findings, and stronger alignment with the journal audience.
ContentXprtz provides ethical PhD and academic services for researchers who need support with thesis-to-article conversion, academic editing, proofreading, and publication preparation.
8. Can I say “No” if the manuscript was rejected but heavily revised?
If the manuscript was previously submitted in a substantially similar form, you should not answer “No” simply because you revised it. A revised manuscript may still have the same core research question, dataset, findings, and argument. If the journal asks whether it was previously considered, the honest answer is usually “Yes.”
However, you can mention that the manuscript has been revised. This helps the editor understand that the current version is improved. For example: “Yes. An earlier version of this manuscript was previously considered by another journal and received a final decision. The current version has been substantially revised and is not under consideration elsewhere.”
If the manuscript is genuinely a new article with a different research question, new analysis, different dataset, and substantially changed argument, the answer may depend on the journal’s wording. In unclear cases, disclose briefly. Editors prefer transparency over technical avoidance.
For PhD scholars, the safest rule is simple. If the previous and current manuscripts share the same central study, answer “Yes.” Then explain revision briefly. Honesty protects your credibility and reduces editorial risk.
9. What if I submitted the manuscript to a predatory or low-quality journal before?
If you previously submitted the manuscript to a predatory, questionable, or low-quality journal, you should still answer truthfully if the journal asks about previous consideration. First, make sure the earlier submission is no longer active. If the manuscript was accepted by that journal, signed into copyright, or published online, the situation becomes more complicated. You may need formal advice before submitting elsewhere.
If the journal only reviewed or ignored the manuscript and you withdrew it, keep evidence of withdrawal. Then answer: “Yes. The manuscript was previously submitted to another journal and was withdrawn. It is not currently under consideration elsewhere.”
Do not include a long explanation unless asked. However, keep all records. These may include submission confirmation, withdrawal request, editorial response, and publication status. Also, check whether the manuscript appears online. If it does, do not assume you can submit it elsewhere without clarification.
This is one reason researchers should evaluate journals carefully before submission. Check indexing, publisher reputation, editorial board, scope, peer-review process, fees, and ethics policies. Professional publication support can help scholars avoid unsuitable journals and protect their work.
10. How can professional academic editing help before resubmission?
Professional academic editing can help you submit a stronger, clearer, and more journal-ready manuscript after rejection or withdrawal. Editing is not about changing your research. Ethical editing improves language, structure, flow, clarity, formatting, and presentation. It helps your contribution become easier for editors and reviewers to assess.
After a manuscript has been previously considered, the next submission should be more strategic. The abstract should clearly state the research gap, method, findings, and contribution. The introduction should explain why the study matters. The literature review should position the paper within current scholarship. The methodology should be transparent and reproducible. The discussion should connect findings to theory, practice, limitations, and future research.
ContentXprtz supports researchers through academic editing services, student writing support, and publication-focused manuscript preparation. For authors developing long-form scholarly works, our book authors writing services can also support academic books, research monographs, and edited volumes. For professionals, our corporate writing services help transform technical expertise into credible reports, white papers, and thought leadership content.
Expert Tips for Authors Before Submitting Again
Before submitting to a new journal, take time to reposition your manuscript. Start with the journal’s aims and scope. Then compare your title, abstract, keywords, contribution, theory, methodology, and references against that scope.
Next, revise your cover letter. Do not use a generic cover letter. Explain why your paper fits the journal. Keep the tone respectful and concise.
Also, check your declarations. These may include conflict of interest, funding, ethics approval, data availability, author contribution, preprint status, and prior consideration. APA guidance for some journals also emphasizes disclosure of prior uses of data and overlap with previous work where relevant. (Technology, Mind, and Behavior)
Finally, proofread carefully. Many desk rejections occur because the manuscript looks rushed. Formatting, grammar, unclear contribution, missing declarations, and weak journal fit can harm a good study.
Recommended Ethical Response Templates
Here are polished templates you can adapt.
For no previous submission:
No. This manuscript has not been previously submitted to or considered by another journal. It is original, unpublished, and not currently under consideration elsewhere.
For previous rejection:
Yes. This manuscript was previously considered by another journal and received a final editorial decision. It is not currently under consideration elsewhere. The manuscript has been revised before this submission.
For previous desk rejection:
Yes. This manuscript was previously submitted to another journal and received a desk rejection. It is not under consideration elsewhere. We have revised the manuscript to improve journal fit and clarity.
For withdrawal:
Yes. This manuscript was previously submitted to another journal but was withdrawn. It is no longer under consideration there. The manuscript has since been revised and prepared for this submission.
For transfer:
Yes. The manuscript was previously considered by another journal and was recommended for transfer. It is now submitted to this journal for independent editorial consideration and is not under review elsewhere.
Publication Ethics and Researcher Reputation
Publication ethics is not only about avoiding penalties. It is about protecting your research identity. Every submission creates a professional record. Editors may remember respectful, transparent, and well-prepared authors.
Duplicate submission can harm trust because it creates unnecessary work for journals and reviewers. It may also create conflict if two journals accept or publish similar work. That is why COPE, ICMJE, Springer Nature, Emerald, Elsevier, and Taylor & Francis emphasize originality, transparency, and single-journal consideration.
For PhD scholars, these practices are especially important. Your first publications shape your academic profile. A clear and ethical submission process shows that you are ready to participate in the global research community.
Conclusion
So, what do you reply when journals ask if your manuscript has been previously considered by another journal? You reply with honesty, clarity, and professional confidence. If the manuscript was never submitted elsewhere, say no. If it was submitted, rejected, withdrawn, or transferred, say yes and explain briefly. Most importantly, confirm that the manuscript is not currently under consideration by another journal.
Previous rejection does not end your publication journey. It can become a useful step toward a stronger manuscript. Revise carefully, select the right journal, follow ethical submission rules, and prepare a clear cover letter. These actions improve your chances of a fair editorial review.
ContentXprtz supports students, PhD scholars, researchers, professionals, and academic authors with ethical editing, proofreading, publication support, thesis-to-article conversion, and journal submission preparation. Explore our PhD Assistance Services to prepare your manuscript with clarity, confidence, and publication readiness.
At ContentXprtz, we don’t just edit, we help your ideas reach their fullest potential.
