From rejection to redirection: reimagining the culture of academic publishing.

The article focuses on the concept of redirection in academic publishing as an alternative to the traditional rejection model. It critiques the prevailing "publish or perish" culture, which often equates manuscript rejection with failure, and proposes redirection as a constructive editorial practice that guides authors toward more suitable journals or encourages revisions. Redirection aims to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and developmental research environment by providing actionable feedback, facilitating manuscript transfers, and supporting psychological resilience among researchers. The article also discusses the role of institutional reforms and responsible artificial intelligence in implementing redirection while maintaining scholarly rigor and transparency. Ultimately, it calls for a cultural shift among editors, reviewers, and institutions to embrace mentorship-driven publishing that views feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than a final judgment.