Once you clarify the contribution and novelty of your paper, and ensure your methods are sound, your paper it will be accepted. (Well done to one of my PhDs for having their first paper accepted!)
Many of my community members ask what is the secret to having my papers accepted 1-2 peer review rounds usually at the first journal I submit to.
But there is no secret.
All you have to do is this:
1. Write down the what unique knowledge your work adds to your research field
2. Check if your literature review and results support your claims
3. Ask co-authors if they understood it and if the entire paper supports your claims
That’s it.
Lack of novelty is the main reason why papers are rejected. Don’t let this happen to you. Spend that extra week making sure it’s easy to understand.
Feel free to share your wins in this community!