Publishing a research paper is an important milestone for students, PhD scholars, professors, and researchers. But even after months of research and hard work, a manuscript can be rejected during editorial screening or peer review.
The good news is that many manuscript rejection problems can be avoided by preparing your paper carefully before submission.
In this guide, we explain the common reasons why research papers get rejected, including formatting problems, plagiarism, poor language, weak research methodology, improper citations, and unclear conclusions. We will also explain how the Journal of International Research for Engineering & Management (JOIREM) handles manuscript screening and peer review.
1. Incorrect Research Paper Formatting
One of the first things authors should check before submitting a manuscript is its formatting.
Different journals have different requirements for:
- Paper structure
- Title and author information
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Headings
- Tables and figures
- References
- Page layout
- File format
Submitting a paper without following the journal’s required format can create problems during the initial evaluation.
JOIREM asks authors to submit their manuscripts using the JOIREM paper template and provides author guidelines and downloadable templates. Its submission page also accepts manuscript files in .doc and .docx formats.
How to avoid formatting-related rejection
Before submission:
- Download the journal’s official template.
- Follow the required structure.
- Check author details carefully.
- Format references consistently.
- Check tables, figures, captions, and numbering.
- Review the final document before uploading.
2. Plagiarism and Lack of Originality
Plagiarism is one of the most serious problems in academic publishing.
Using another researcher’s words, ideas, data, figures, or work without appropriate acknowledgement can raise serious ethical concerns.
JOIREM’s review policy states that the editor initially checks submitted papers using online software to determine the plagiarism level. Its publication-ethics policy also states that plagiarism is a serious offence and that authors must ensure their work does not contain plagiarised material.
Is there a fixed plagiarism percentage for rejection?
Authors should be careful about assuming that a particular percentage automatically means rejection.
JOIREM’s publicly available review policy says that manuscripts are checked for plagiarism, but it does not specify a universal fixed rejection threshold such as 10% or 20% on that page. Therefore, authors should focus on originality, proper paraphrasing, and accurate citation rather than targeting an arbitrary percentage.
How to avoid plagiarism problems
- Write the research in your own words.
- Cite the original source.
- Use quotation marks when directly quoting.
- Properly reference borrowed ideas and data.
- Check your manuscript before submission.
- Never copy content from another research paper.
3. Poor Language, Grammar and Clarity
A strong research idea can become difficult to evaluate when the manuscript is poorly written.
Common problems include:
- Grammar mistakes
- Unclear sentences
- Poor paragraph construction
- Inconsistent terminology
- Difficult-to-understand explanations
- Weak academic language
JOIREM’s initial evaluation specifically considers language-related issues such as construction, grammar, and lack of clarity.
How to improve your manuscript
After completing your research paper:
- Proofread the complete manuscript.
- Check grammar and spelling.
- Use clear academic language.
- Avoid unnecessarily complicated sentences.
- Make sure each section connects logically to the next.
- Ask a colleague or supervisor to review the paper.
4. Weak Research Structure and Presentation
A research paper should have a logical structure.
Depending on the journal and research field, a manuscript commonly contains sections such as:
Title → Abstract → Keywords → Introduction → Literature Review → Methodology → Results → Discussion → Conclusion → References
Every section should have a clear purpose.
For example, the introduction should establish the research problem and objectives, while the methodology should explain how the research was conducted.
JOIREM’s review policy says reviewers consider factors including the structure of the article, significance of the topic, statistical details, data presentation, graphical presentation where applicable, contribution to knowledge, and clarity of the conclusion.
5. Improper Citations and References
Another common problem is using sources without properly citing them.
For example, an author may use a statistic, theory, research finding, table, or idea from another paper but fail to provide the appropriate reference.
This creates both academic and ethical concerns.
JOIREM’s review policy specifically notes that reviewers focus on academic ethics and discourage references or material being used without citation to the original author.
Best practices
Before submitting:
- Check every in-text citation.
- Make sure cited sources appear in the reference list.
- Remove references that are not actually used.
- Follow the journal’s required citation style.
- Verify author names, publication years, titles, and DOI information where applicable.
6. Weak Methodology or Insufficient Research Evidence
A research paper should clearly explain how the study was conducted.
A weak methodology section can make it difficult for reviewers to understand whether the research findings are reliable.
Depending on the research type, explain:
- Research design
- Data sources
- Sample or participants
- Tools and techniques
- Experimental setup
- Data collection
- Analysis methods
- Statistical methods where applicable
Reviewers evaluating JOIREM submissions may consider statistical details, data presentation, and the overall contribution of the research.
Ask yourself before submission:
“Can another researcher understand exactly how I conducted this study?”
If the answer is no, your methodology may need improvement.
7. Unclear Results and Conclusion
Your research paper should clearly explain what the research discovered.
A weak conclusion may simply repeat the introduction without explaining the actual contribution of the study.
A strong conclusion should:
- Summarize the major findings.
- Connect the findings to the research objectives.
- Explain the contribution of the research.
- Mention limitations when appropriate.
- Suggest future research where relevant.
JOIREM’s review policy specifically identifies a clear conclusion and contribution to the body of knowledge among the factors reviewers consider.
How Does JOIREM Review a Manuscript?
JOIREM describes a multi-stage review process on its website.
Step 1: Initial Editorial Evaluation
The submitted manuscript is first evaluated by the editor.
The initial evaluation includes checks related to:
- Originality
- Subject matter
- Language
- Grammar
- Clarity
- Article length
- Structure
- Other necessary requirements
Manuscripts that do not meet the required standards may not proceed further in the process.
Step 2: Peer Review
If the manuscript passes the initial stage, it can be forwarded for review.
JOIREM’s published review policy describes a three-reviewer blind peer-review method, with reviewers selected according to their academic expertise and research interests.
Reviewers may consider:
- Originality
- Academic ethics
- Structure
- Significance of the topic
- Statistical details
- Data presentation
- Graphical presentation
- Contribution to knowledge
- Conclusion
Step 3: Revision, If Required
If reviewers provide suggestions or recommendations, the author may be asked to revise the manuscript.
After satisfactory revision, the manuscript can be forwarded again for recommendation. The editor’s decision is final according to JOIREM’s published policy.
How to Prepare Your Research Paper Before Submission
Use this simple checklist before submitting your manuscript:
| Check | What to Verify |
|---|---|
 Formatting |
Follow the official journal template |
 Originality |
Ensure the research is original |
 Plagiarism |
Check the manuscript before submission |
 Citations |
Properly acknowledge all sources |
| ✍️ Language | Check grammar, spelling and clarity |
 Data |
Present data accurately |
 Figures |
Label graphs and figures correctly |
 Methodology |
Clearly explain the research method |
 Conclusion |
Clearly state the research findings |
 References |
Verify every citation and reference |
How to Submit a Manuscript to JOIREM
JOIREM provides an online manuscript submission system where authors can enter their article title, subject, abstract, author information, contact details, and upload their manuscript. The online submission page currently specifies .doc and .docx file uploads with a maximum file size of 25 MB.
Authors can also refer to JOIREM’s author guidelines and paper template before submission.
Submit Your Manuscript to JOIREM
Research paper rejection can be disappointing, but many common problems can be identified before submission.
The most important things to remember are:
Follow the journal template.
Ensure originality.
Avoid plagiarism.
Use proper citations.
Improve language and clarity.
Present your methodology and data clearly.
Write a strong conclusion.
A well-prepared manuscript gives editors and reviewers a much clearer understanding of your research.
If you are planning to submit your research paper to JOIREM, carefully review the journal’s current author guidelines, submission requirements, and review policies before submitting.
JOIREM – Journal of International Research for Engineering & Management
Watch, Follow and Explore JOIREM
Want to learn more about research paper publication, manuscript preparation, and JOIREM?
Follow JOIREM and explore its latest research and publication-related content across social media:
Follow JOIREM on X
Stay updated with JOIREM’s latest announcements, research publication updates, and academic content.
Follow JOIREM on X:
https://x.com/joirem1/status/2090028550254690576
Watch JOIREM on YouTube
Watch JOIREM’s short videos and informative content related to research paper publication and academic publishing.
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/shorts/fNg5zBgMalc?feature=share
Explore JOIREM on Pinterest
Discover JOIREM’s visual content, research publication information, and useful academic resources.
View on Pinterest:
https://in.pinterest.com/pin/1137792293388600828
Follow JOIREM on Instagram
Follow JOIREM on Instagram for publication updates, research-related information, and new content.
Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DcOFIBoicoy/
Ready to Submit Your Research Paper?
Before submitting your manuscript, make sure your paper is properly formatted, original, well-written, properly cited, and follows the journal’s submission requirements.
If you are considering publishing your research with JOIREM, review the current author guidelines and submission process before submitting your manuscript.
JOIREM Official Website:
https://joirem.com/
Submit Your Manuscript:
https://joirem.com/jr-online-article-submission/