Manuscripts submitted to South African Family Practice by the School of Medicine, University of the Free State: journal response types and times

Background: For authors, manuscript submission can seem fraught with obstacles. The present authors describe their experience with South African Family Practice (SAFP) regarding response types and times, compared with other SA-based journals. Methods: This cohort study included information regarding communication with/from journals of manuscripts finalised for submission by the Free State University, School of Medicine medical editor, 2014–2017. Results: Twenty-six submissions were made to SAFP; 78 to other SA-based journals. The most frequent first response from SAFP was “revisions required” (62%) and “rejected” (49%) from other SA-based journals. Median final response of rejected submissions was approximately a month at SAFP and approximately two weeks at other SA-based journals. Median final response of accepted submissions was approximately three months at SAFP and approximately four months at other SA-based journals. Conclusion: This study provides data regarding expected outcomes and response times, which may prevent authors falling prey to email solicitations from predatory journals