Persubmission

Persubmission is a term used to describe activities conducted before the formal submission of a manuscript to a scholarly journal or conference. In this sense it covers gathering informal feedback, performing internal reviews, and, in some usages, direct communication with editors to assess fit or readiness. The term is not uniformly defined, and in practice persubmission may be used interchangeably with pre-submission inquiry or pre-submission consultation depending on field and publisher.

Common elements include identifying a target venue, preparing a concise abstract and cover letter, and seeking feedback from colleagues, mentors, or internal reviewers. Some authors also perform methodological checks, ensure ethical or data-sharing requirements are in place, and verify compliance with journal formatting and submission guidelines. In certain contexts persubmission involves sending a brief inquiry to the editor before a full manuscript submission to gauge interest or suitability.

Benefits of persubmission include improved alignment with a journal’s scope, higher likelihood of a smooth submission, and earlier identification of weaknesses. It can also shorten the formal review process by clarifying expectations. Potential drawbacks include added time before submission, the possibility of bias if feedback is not diverse, and concerns about confidentiality or double-blind review when drafts are circulated.

Persubmission practices vary by discipline and publisher. Authors should weigh the potential advantages against time costs and institutional norms, and distinguish persubmission from the more formal pre-submission inquiry or editor-invited pre-review processes.