Publishing a paper is rarely just about the science; sometimes it’s a masterclass in how academic publishing workflows can break down.

Recently, my co-authors and I submitted a Perspective manuscript to Frontiers in Medicine (Translational Medicine section). What followed was a frustrating interaction with the Specialty Chief Editor that highlighted a growing issue in modern open-access publishing: the gap between automated administrative systems and editorial oversight.

The Breakdown

Automated Desk Rejection & System Confusion: Our manuscript was desk-rejected almost instantly by the editorial office. When I queried the decision, the Chief Editor stepped in, arguing the paper belonged in "Regulatory Science" based on text in one of the boxes in our submission form.

Platform Disconnect: The journal's automated system actually recommended transferring our paper to an entirely different journal (Frontiers in Digital Health). When I pointed this out, the Chief Editor admitted she wasn't even aware of that journal or where the platform was routing our manuscript—yet still endorsed the move.

Dismissal of Substantive Arguments: When we provided a detailed, multi-page mapping of our paper against the section’s published scope guidelines—explaining why a conceptual framework fits translational science—the response ignored the core arguments entirely.

Unprofessional Closure: Rather than addressing the operational mix-up or engaging in academic dialogue, the Chief Editor closed the exchange with: "I suggest to end this discussion and get busy with other things." Meanwhile, the editorial office remained completely silent throughout.

Why This Matters

As authors, we accept that editors have full discretion over section scope. But when automated platform templates dictate scope decisions, editors remain unfamiliar with their own journal's routing systems, and author inquiries are dismissed with outright rudeness, the system fails the scientific community.

We will be submitting it to a journal that values transparent workflow and professional communication.

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