Why Some Papers Get Accepted in Days — And How Yours Can Too

How Do Some Papers Get Accepted in Just a Few Days?

Let’s explore how some researchers manage this fast-track acceptance. It often comes down to proactive preparation and smart journal selection. Here's how they do it:

1. They Submit to Journals That Match Their Paper Perfectly

When a journal’s scope exactly aligns with your study, editors are more likely to immediately see value in your work. Submitting to mismatched journals results in delays or rejection.

Tip:
Before submitting, always read the journal’s “Aims and Scope” and review recently published articles to make sure your topic fits.

2. They Don’t Aim for Extremely High-Impact Journals (Unless the Paper Justifies It)

Submitting to top-tier journals like Nature or Science is tempting, but unless your study is groundbreaking, it may not be the right fit.

• Many fast acceptances happen in moderate to high-quality journals that:

• Are indexed in Scopus or Web of Science

• Have shorter review cycles

• Are well-ranked (Q1–Q3) in their subject area

Tip: Use tools like SJR (Scimago Journal Rank) or Journal Finder to find journals appropriate for your study’s level and topic.

3. They Format the Paper Exactly According to the Journal’s Guidelines

Many authors overlook formatting during the initial submission—but incorrect formatting is one of the top reasons for desk rejection.

Journals are strict about:

• Word count

• Citation style (APA, Vancouver, etc.)

• Section order (IMRAD: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion)

• Figure/table placement and captions

Tip: Use journal templates and double-check every instruction before submitting.

4. They Submit All Required Materials Up Front

To speed up the editorial process, successful authors anticipate and submit everything the journal requires, including:

• Plagiarism report (iThenticate or Turnitin)

• Cover letter

• Conflict of interest statement

• Ethics approval documents (for clinical or human studies)

• Proof of native English editing

Tip: Missing any of these documents can delay or even block your submission.

5. They Invest in Professional English Editing and Plagiarism Checks

Even the best ideas can be rejected if the writing is unclear. Fast-accepted papers are usually polished by native English editors and checked for similarity before submission.

Most journals use iThenticate to check similarity. A score above 15–20% can lead to automatic rejection.

Tip: Use language editing and plagiarism-checking services to make your manuscript clear, concise, and compliant.

6. They Target Journals With Fast Review Cycles

Not all journals take months to review papers. Some offer fast-track options or are known for short turnaround times.

For example:

• Some journals promise decisions in 7–14 days

• Others offer "Express Review" for a small fee or upon request

Tip: Check each journal’s average “Time to First Decision” and consider selecting those with efficient review systems.

7. They Work With Academic Support Services

Many fast-published authors don’t work alone. They get help from:

• Academic consultants who shortlist journals

• Submission support teams who handle formatting, documentation, and communication with journals

This removes friction from the process and increases acceptance chances.