The Working Guide to Editorial Systems (WGES) is a dynamic resource aimed at editors and peer reviewers in scholarly publishing. Launching on May 1 with seven entries, it responds to real editorial questions and will be updated bi-monthly. Available by subscription with early enrollment available at a special rate.
Category: WGES-Preview
What decisions must an editor make that authors never see?
Leslie H. Nicoll, PhD, MBA, RN, FAAN
At the Trailhead
- Why this matters: Authors see only a small portion of the editorial works that moves a manuscript through a journal.
- What judgment this supports: Editors make continuous decisions that balance scholarly merit, reviewer labor, and journal capacity.
- How an editor might use this: Many of the most important editorial judgments remain invisible to authors because they concern the functioning of the journal system itself.
This content is part of the Working Guide to Editorial Systems.
Access is available to subscribers.
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and to learn more about the systems that shape scholarly publishing.
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Why do editors reject manuscripts without peer review?
Desk rejection is an essential editorial function that enables editors to manage submissions effectively, based on criteria like scope and fit. While it can feel personal for authors, it's a routine decision for editors to maintain workflow. Understanding this process can help authors navigate publication challenges and accept decisions more objectively.
Author: Roger Watson
DOI: https://doi.org/10.67130/wges.2026.001 . . .
This content is part of the Working Guide to Editorial Systems.
Access is available to subscribers.
Join us for practical guidance, real editorial decisions,
and to learn more about the systems that shape scholarly publishing.
Already a subscriber? Log in here