eLife Review Time

No accept/reject decisions

Under the traditional model (pre-2023), eLife accepted about 15% of submissions after peer review. Under the new model, eLife doesn't reject papers after review. Instead:

1. Papers undergo initial assessment by a senior editor and reviewing editor
2. Papers deemed suitable are sent for full peer review
3. Reviews are published alongside the paper as a "reviewed preprint"
4. Each paper receives an assessment categorizing its significance and strength of evidence
5. Authors can revise based on reviews. Revised versions are published with the original reviews

The initial assessment still filters

eLife doesn't review everything. The initial assessment filters papers that are outside scope, have fundamental methodological problems, or aren't suitable for the eLife audience. This assessment happens in 1-2 weeks and serves a similar function to desk rejection at traditional journals, though eLife doesn't frame it that way.

The reviewer consultation process

eLife uses a distinctive consultation process where reviewers discuss their assessments before the editorial assessment is finalized. This produces a more coherent, consolidated set of feedback than the independent reviewer reports at most journals. It also means reviewers can't contradict each other without resolving the disagreement.

Each reviewed preprint receives two ratings:

• Significance: Landmark, Fundamental, Important, Useful
• Strength of evidence: Exceptional, Compelling, Convincing, Solid, Incomplete, Inadequate

A paper rated "Landmark / Exceptional" is equivalent to an enthusiastic acceptance at a traditional journal. A paper rated "Useful / Incomplete" is equivalent to a rejection with revision suggestions.

The ratings become part of the permanent record alongside the paper.

Initial assessment decline (1-2 weeks): The editors didn't think the paper was suitable for eLife's review process. Not published as a reviewed preprint.

Fast review cycle (4-6 weeks): Reviewers respond quickly, consultation is brief. The paper and reviews are published promptly.

Slow review (8+ weeks): A reviewer is late or the consultation process reveals disagreements that need resolution. Not unusual.

Revision cycle (variable): Authors have no deadline to revise. Some revise in weeks, some take months. The original reviewed preprint remains published.

Submit if:

• you want your work published with public peer reviews regardless of the outcome
• you're comfortable with the reviewed preprint model (no traditional acceptance)
• the work is in life sciences or biomedical research (eLife's core scope)
• you value the consultation process that produces more coherent reviewer feedback

Think twice if:

• you need a traditional journal acceptance for promotion or grant requirements
• your institution or funder requires publication in a journal with a traditional accept/reject model
• you need the work to remain confidential until formal publication
• Nature, Cell, or a society journal would be a more recognizable venue for your field

A free manuscript scan can help assess readiness before submitting to eLife or any alternative journal.

Does eLife still have an impact factor?

No. eLife voluntarily withdrew from Journal Citation Reports. The last recorded JIF was approximately 7.6 (2022).

Does eLife reject papers?

Not after review. The initial assessment may decline to send a paper for review, but reviewed preprints are not rejected. They are published with reviewer assessments.

How long does eLife review take?

4-8 weeks from submission to reviewed preprint publication.

Can I revise my eLife reviewed preprint?

Yes, at any time. Revised versions are published alongside the original reviews. There's no revision deadline.