Editorial: Why do we desk reject so many papers?

Citation

Meijer A & Webster W (2024) Editorial: Why do we desk reject so many papers?. Information Polity, 29 (4), pp. 377-378. https://doi.org/10.1177/15701255241302781

Abstract
First paragraph: As Editors-in-Chief of an international eGovernment journal we receive a large number of manuscripts for potential publication, although the vast majority of these new submissions are ‘desk rejected’. In practice, well over 50% of submissions are rejected at the point at which they are initially reviewed. Why is this the case, why do we desk reject so many manuscripts? In this editorial, we would like to provide an insight into the initial desk review of a newly submitted manuscript, with a view to explaining why desk rejection levels are so high, and with the idea that this insight will support authors in their decision-making about where to submit their articles. Whilst our experience here relates specifically to Information Polity, we would imagine similar logic relates to other leading journals. And, it is important to note at the outset, that the desk rejection process is important for a journal in that it fulfills a valuable ‘gatekeeping’ role by ensuring that Associate Editors and Reviewers are not overburdened with unnecessary work.

Journal
Information Polity: Volume 29, Issue 4