The Pros and Cons of Multiple Submissions

Submitting a research manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously—also known as multiple submissions—is a controversial topic in academic publishing. While it can speed up the publication process, many journals prohibit it due to ethical and practical concerns. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of multiple submissions can help researchers navigate the publication process responsibly.

The Benefits of Multiple Submissions

One of the main advantages of multiple submissions is the potential to reduce waiting times. The peer review process can take several months or even years, making single submissions frustrating for researchers who need timely publications. Read how long the peer review process typically takes to understand the delays involved.

Another benefit is the higher chance of acceptance. If a manuscript is rejected from one journal, it could take months before the author can submit it elsewhere. Submitting to multiple journals at once increases the likelihood of getting published sooner. Read how to choose the right journal for submission to improve your chances.

For researchers under academic pressure to publish, multiple submissions might seem like a strategic move to meet career and funding deadlines. However, institutions and journals emphasize publication ethics, which must be carefully considered before choosing this route. Read why publishing strategies matter in academic careers.

The Risks and Ethical Issues

Most academic journals explicitly prohibit multiple submissions, as it wastes editorial and reviewer time if the same paper is reviewed in parallel at different publications. If a manuscript is accepted by more than one journal, withdrawing from one could damage the author’s credibility. Read why journal submission policies matter to avoid ethical violations.

Another major risk is rejection due to ethical concerns. If editors discover a researcher has submitted a manuscript to multiple journals, they may blacklist the author from future submissions. Read how to avoid manuscript rejection due to ethical issues.

Even if multiple submissions aren’t detected, authors who receive comments from multiple reviewers will face conflicting revision requests. Addressing different sets of feedback across multiple journals can complicate the revision process. Read how to handle reviewer feedback effectively to manage responses efficiently.

Additionally, publishing in predatory journals—which may allow multiple submissions without peer review—can harm a researcher’s reputation. Read how to identify and avoid predatory journals.

Alternative Strategies to Multiple Submissions

Instead of submitting to multiple journals at once, researchers should consider pre-submission inquiries, where they ask journal editors whether a manuscript aligns with their scope before formally submitting. Read how to write an effective pre-submission inquiry.

Another option is to carefully select one suitable journal and submit to another only after rejection. Understanding journal impact factors and selection criteria can help researchers choose the right fit from the beginning.

Conclusion: Is Multiple Submission Worth the Risk?

While multiple submissions may seem like a way to speed up publication, the risks—including ethical violations, editorial blacklisting, and withdrawal complications—often outweigh the benefits. Researchers should follow ethical guidelines, explore alternative strategies, and focus on submitting high-quality manuscripts to carefully selected journals for the best chances of successful publication.