While the peer review process for journals can vary, it typically follows the pattern described below.

- Author submits article to a journal.
- Managing editor determines if it is suitable for review.
- If it is suitable for review, managing editor sends the submission to reviewers.
- If not, the submission is immediately rejected without being sent out to peer reviewers.
- Peer reviewers recommend one of the following:
- Accept without revisions
- Accept pending revisions
- Reject
- If revisions are required, the author submits the revised article to the managing editor.
- Managing editor and/or peer reviewers determine if revisions are sufficient.
Very few articles are accepted without revisions. Being asked to revise your work is a foundational practice in scholarly publishing, and often results in the work being stronger after it has undergone review.