Patterns in Economics Journal Acceptances and Rejections

This study surveyed a sample of authors of articles published in Economics journals to gain insight into their experiences in submitting their manuscripts for publication. We explored factors related to receiving a desk rejection (rejection by editor without the article being sent out for review by referees). We also examined characteristics linked to whether authors were asked by the journal publishing the article to make extensive revisions prior to acceptance. In addition, we studied whether, after rejection, authors were likely to make substantial revisions prior to submission to another journal. Characteristics considered included respondent’s academic rank and prior publishing history at a particular journal, presence of coauthors, authors’ genders, and journal rank. JEL Classifications: A140, J1