2. You have written a good
research manuscript; also
proofread and edited it to
present an error-free
paper in front of
the medical journal
editors.
3. However, few mistakes
are still lurking in your
paper which may
irritate the journal
editors?
Know what these mistakes
are?
If no, then it’s time to read
further
4. 1) The opening line
Isaac Newton discovered gravity after
an apple fell on his head in 1664. This is
a known fact and doesn’t interest the
editors to read further.
So, always begin your paper with a
sentence that provokes the editor to take
an interest in your work.
5. 2) Claims of originality
Sentences in the manuscript like “We
were the first to…” puts off the journal
editors. They expect you to write what you
did and what were your findings.
The results of your research will depict
the originality of your work, you need not
claim it.
6. 3) Disregard for the word count
Every journal mentions its acceptable word
limit in the “Instructions for Authors”.
Read them carefully and stick to the
recommended word limit when you write the
different sections of the manuscript; abstract,
methods, results, etc.
Prioritize what is important for the readers
to know and omit the unnecessary
information.
7. 4) Unnecessary digits
Do not confuse the journal editors
with large numbers like 25.
4,532,785%.
Limit the digits to whole numbers for
percentages greater than 10.
8. 5) Comparatives without a
comparison
If you compare your work with some
previous work in the same domain, write
it clearly and precisely how your
technique is better and with whom you
compare.
9. 6) Use of the wrong terms
“This technique is workable…..
“This technique is absolutely accurate….
If you use such statements in your
manuscript, the journal editors do not like it.
They look for clear terminology such as
“sensitivity” and “specificity”.
10. 7) Figure and table legends are
incomplete
When you include any figure and table in
your research manuscript, make sure to write
their legends. Legends must provide complete
information about their source and
significance.
If the editor has to flip through the pages to
search for the desired information, he will put
aside your manuscript.
11. 8) Citing figures and tables in
the discussion
Do not mention specific figures or
tables in the Discussion section.
It does not require referencing
other sections of the paper in the
Discussion.
12. 9) Abbreviations without
definitions
Do not assume that the medical journal
editors will understand the meaning of the
abbreviations or acronyms you use in the
paper.
Therefore, you should define when you
mention them in the paper, both for the first
time and also in the Abstract, Introduction,
and Figures/Tables.
13. 10) Excessive use of acronyms
Though you define the acronyms used
in your paper, it doesn’t permit you to
use them in excess.
Use acronyms judiciously so that the
editors can enjoy your writing and focus
on the main message of your research.
14. Take care of these common
mistakes during your medical
manuscript editing and impress the
journal editors with your well-
written document.