Match Your Research to the Right Journal with Refer and Transfer
Publishing your research should be a rewarding experience and finding the right journal for your paper is essential in giving your research the impact it deserves. If the journal you submit to isn’t the right fit, we can help you find alternative options and speed up your journey to being published.
Editor Referral
If your manuscript is not accepted by your first-choice journal, the journal’s Editor can refer you to a journal they think would be more suitable, specifically selected from their curated journal network.
Wiley Transfer Desk Assistant
Alternatively, if an Editor referral isn’t available, Wiley’s Transfer Desk Assistant (TDA) uses machine-learning to analyze your manuscript to identify up to 8 suitable Wiley journals that are good matches for your research. Within one day of the initial decision letter, you will receive an email detailing the recommended journals and instructions on how to initiate a transfer.
Resubmit with Ease
Whether by Editor Referral or TDA, if you choose to transfer your manuscript to one of the recommended titles, it’s a straightforward resubmission process. We will transfer all your submission files, including peer review reports if applicable, to the new journal’s submission site and you will be notified when your paper is in the Author Center. From there, you simply log in and confirm the details. You can also make any revisions to your paper at this stage and submit a new cover letter before finalizing your submission.
Here is more about how transfers work:
Reasons to Accept a Transfer Offer
- Less stress finding a new journal: Too often an article is rejected for reasons that have nothing to do with quality. Our Refer and Transfer program matches you with suitable titles within one day for you to consider.
- You’re in control: You choose the journal you want to resubmit to, transferring is completely optional, and you can always revise your manuscript and cover letter before completing the submission.
- Fast and easy resubmission: When you agree to a transfer offer, we’ll transfer your manuscript for you – no need to reupload files or to reenter your information.
- Spend more time on what matters: Available peer reviews will be submitted alongside your manuscript to the new journal to help editors make a faster decision. And if the new journal offers Free Format, you don’t need to worry about reformatting your manuscript.
Frequently asked questions
How does manuscript transfer work?
1. If your manuscript is not accepted by your first-choice journal, you may receive an option to transfer from the Editor in the decision letter or from Wiley’s Transfer Desk Assistant one day after receiving the initial decision letter.
2. The transfer process begins when you (a) click on the ‘Approve’ link in your decision letter or the ‘Transfer Manuscript’ link in the TDA invitation and (b) select the journal you want to transfer to.
3. All files submitted to the first journal (along with any reviewer reports) are passed on automatically.
4. You will be notified when your paper is in the Author Center for the new journal. From there, you simply log in and confirm the details. You may have to provide any missing information unique to that journal’s submission process. You can also make any revisions to your paper and other manuscript files, like your cover letter, before finalizing your submission.
5. Your manuscript will be assessed by the recipient journal’s editor.
What is transferred?
Your manuscript, along with all files uploaded during submission, associated submission data, and any reviewer reports.
Which journals will I be presented with as transfer options?
Participating journals may be presented as transfer options. Journals that Editors refer you to are from a list of curated titles with overlapping scope. Which and how many titles depends on where the title is networked and what the Editor feels makes the most sense for your paper. Journals that TDA suggests are based on machine-learning and may include up to 8 good matches. We are working to ensure that the most suitable journals in our portfolio will be offered to find the best home for your paper.
What if I disagree with the suggested journals?
The decision to transfer is entirely yours. However, bear in mind that an Editor referral is based on their knowledge of the journals and TDA uses machine-learning to evaluate your paper. We are working to provide you with the best options to get your manuscript published quickly and in front of the right audience.
Will negative reports affect the editor’s decision at the new journal?
No. The transfer of available peer reviews alongside your submission to the new journal will help editors make a faster decision. Participating Editors know that too often an article is not accepted for reasons that have nothing to do with quality. As such, reviewer comments will be considered with respect to the requirements of the new journal. After agreeing to transfer and before completing the submission, you can revise your manuscript and address reviewer comments accordingly. Ultimately, if a transfer is offered, we believe the paper could be revised for acceptance in the new journal.
If my manuscript received reports from reviewers, should I address those comments and revise my manuscript accordingly?
While we encourage revising your submission files and responding to reviewer comments where appropriate after agreeing to transfer and before completing the submission, this is not a requirement. You can check the new journal’s Author Guidelines for further guidance, noting the new Editor may adjust the revision requirements to suit the receiving journal’s standards.
If my manuscript has been transferred before peer review, should I modify it?
Any changes that contribute to the manuscript’s improvement are recommended and welcomed.
Will my manuscript be sent for further peer review at the recipient journal? Will new peer reviewers be chosen?
The need for further review is assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the extent of revisions required, the new journal’s expectations, how well reviewers’ comments are addressed, and the topic. However, the review process tends to be quicker at this stage, emphasizing that the transferring of reports benefits authors, reviewers, and Editors alike.
What should I do if my transfer link has expired?
Editor Referrals are valid for 120 days. If you would like to transfer after this time, you may be able to contact the editorial office for assistance. TDA transfer offers do not expire; however, we recommend actioning within 30 days.