Manuscript submission checklist
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This document provides a 10-point checklist to help authors prepare a complete and well-formatted journal submission package that avoids common reasons for rejection. It outlines everything that should be included such as a properly formatted manuscript following the journal's instructions, clear tables and figures, complete author information, a cover letter, statements of conflict of interest and compliance with ethical guidelines. Following this checklist helps authors increase the likelihood that their manuscript will be accepted for publication.
Manuscript submission checklist
- 1. Manuscript Submission Checklist Everything you need to consider before journal submission
- 2. What are the top reasons for journal rejection?
- 3. How can you avoid these mistakes? What should a submission package include? Everything a journal editor and reviewer need to assess your manuscript! By preparing a great submission package! JOURNAL SUBMISSION PACKAGE Other elements e.g., cover letter, additional files, images, statements of disclosure, etc. +Your manuscript
- 4. Here’s a detailed checklist to help you avoid the common reasons for journal rejection Note: Following this checklist will help authors reduce the likelihood of rejection. Journal factors such as space constraints may also affect acceptance rates.
- 5. 1. Manuscript formatting A well-formatted manuscript follows all journal instructions. Have you adhered to the stipulated word count? Are your references in order? Have you followed the journal’s basic instructions? Get these things right: File type (Word/LaTeX/PDF), font type or size, layout, spacing, page margins, numbering, heading style, etc. Check the journal’s recommendations for specific sections such as the Title and Abstract Make sure that: • All the in-text citations are included in the reference list • Your reference list has been formatted as per the journal’s style • In-text citations and references are complete and consistently styled
- 6. 2. Manuscript structure Pay attention to each section of your paper! Title: Is attractive and indicative Keywords: Are relevant Abstract: Describes your entire study at a glance Introduction: Provides sufficient background about your work Methods: Includes details of all experiments conducted Results and discussion: Answers the question you raised in the introduction Conclusion: Includes your findings Reference section: Lists every source Appendix: Includes additional data Acknowledgements: Includes all sources of support Footnotes: Include necessary additional information Tables, figures, graphs: Are complete, clear, and attractive
- 7. 3. Language and flow A well-written manuscript has greater chances of acceptance. Pay attention to More tips • Run a spelling and grammar check. • Request a friend/colleague to review your paper. • Approach an editing service for help with polishing your manuscript. Logic and comprehensionSentence structure Flow GrammarWord choice Avoid long, complicated sentences - keep it simple Your sentences should be understandable Use correct terminology, avoid flowery language Your Ideas should flow smoothly Make sure there are no grammatical mistakes
- 8. 4. Tables, figures, graphs Tables and figures will be among the first few sections checked by the journal editor and reviewer. Get them right! Ensure that tables and figures do not repeat the information in the text. Tables should not be too long. Include additional information in the Appendix. Are the figures/images clear and readable? Check table titles, figure and graph legends, and image captions. Is the file size too small? Are they in the correct format (file type) as requested by the journal?
- 9. 5. Facts and details Check all details, even the smaller ones Tip: If you have a lot of data, consider using tools to help store or share your it.
- 10. 6. Author information Understand the differences between lead author and co-author Tip: To learn more, read this article on authorship: http://www.editage.com/insights/who-qualifies-to- be-an-author Lead author Has done most of the research and writing Co-author Has collaborated with the lead author and contributed some parts Authorship is an important aspect. Include all relevant author details. Full names of all authors Designations of all authors Full contact details of the corresponding author (email, postal address, telephone and fax numbers) Additional statement with author contribution details, if required
- 11. 7. Attribution and acknowledgment Acknowledge all help received and each source of information Use quotation marks for material copied or reproduced Get written permission for reproducing graphics or copyrighted material and submit it along with your manuscript Acknowledge all sources of support Submit any forms of informed consent from patients/subjects, if applicable Failure to acknowledge relevant source of information and show proof of consent may be viewed as an ethical violation.
- 12. 8. Cover letter Your cover letter should be complete and make a strong pitch What should a cover letter include? A brief explanation of your manuscript’s relevance and impact Full details of all authors Details of any supplementary material you may be submitting Disclosure of whether you have published the study previously elsewhere or if it is in consideration by another journal Disclosure of any commercial or financial relationship that may be viewed as a conflict of interest If needed, a brief statement explaining why the journal should publish your study
- 13. 9. Conflict of interest Include a statement disclosing any potential conflict of interest All financial support you have received has been acknowledged Your cover letter includes any commercial/financial relationship that may be viewed as a conflict of interest You have not signed any document that will bias the results of your research in any way You have referred to the journal’s submission guidelines for specific forms or followed ICMJE guidelines Make sure that Sometimes, authors issue a declaration stating that there is no potential conflict of interest.
- 14. 10. Compliance Make sure your study complies with relevant ethical guidelines Follow all relevant patient and animal care guidelines, clinical trial registration guidelines, environmental protection guidelines, etc. Get an approval from your institutional review board Tip: Your journal submission package should include details of your compliance with relevant protocols.
- 15. What next? Ensure you got everything you need in your submission package to the journal 1. Manuscript formatting 2. Manuscript structure 7. Attribution and acknowledgement 3. Language and flow 10. Compliance 6. Author information 9. Conflict of interest 8. Cover letter 5. Facts and details 4. Tables, figures, graphs
- 16. Once you have everything ready, you’re good to go! Good luck with your submission!
- 17. For more tips and resources on scientific writing or publication, visit: www.editage.com/insights CONNECT WITH US