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.

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
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