Some of you have sent me journal articles for editing or proofreading, and I thought it would help to provide a list of things to consider when you are preparing to submit an article. I have not focused on the content of your article or how to write it here (e.g. research problem, good use of literature to formulate your argument, gap in existing evidence etc.) but I have covered some generic style considerations that can help to avoid irritating the journal editors and reviewers. So here goes!
1. Follow the journal’s style guidelines
Once you have fixed on a journal, make sure that you stick to their style guidelines. This includes:
- referencing and citations (e.g. Vancouver, Harvard);
- numbering of tables/figures;
- numbering (e.g. spelling out numbers up to 10 unless they’re part of a list/measure);
- adhering to the minimum and maximum word/reference limits;
- separate files for key messages/context ;
- separate files for tables/figures.
Also think about the spelling systems that the journals use, bearing in mind that some (e.g. BMJ) will allow both to align with the target audience. A common error I see is ‘practising’ (UK) vs ‘practicing’ (USA), but this isn’t a fundamental flaw!
2. Use standard reporting guidelines
Not all journals will insist on this, but it’s a good idea to get into the habit of using conventional reporting guidelines to present your findings (see http://www.equator-network.org/). For example, CONSORT is used for randomised controlled trials, PRISMA for systematic reviews, and STROBE for observational studies. If your article does not adhere to traditional study types, are there any principles/standards on which you could base your reporting, e.g. public involvement frameworks/strategies?
3. Blind reviews
Most journals go through a blind review process so make sure that the title page (with all of the author details) is submitted separately from the main manuscript. Also take out anything that could identify you (e.g. acknowledgements, contributions of authors).
4. Make sure all your table columns and rows add up to the totals
It sounds silly, but if a reviewer finds that you are unable to add up, they will question your attention to detail and the legitimacy of your study findings!
5. Ask someone else to proofread your article
You will not notice your own mistakes (I never do!) so ask a friend or colleague to read the article for you. If English is not your first language, ask a native speaker to proofread. If in doubt, there are some good proofreaders out there…
6. Covering letter
Make sure that your covering letter describes the study, the key findings and why you think the article will be of interest the journal’s readers. The journal style guidelines sometimes stipulate what you should put in your covering letter.
Finally, good luck with the submission!
1. Follow the journal’s style guidelines
Once you have fixed on a journal, make sure that you stick to their style guidelines. This includes:
- referencing and citations (e.g. Vancouver, Harvard);
- numbering of tables/figures;
- numbering (e.g. spelling out numbers up to 10 unless they’re part of a list/measure);
- adhering to the minimum and maximum word/reference limits;
- separate files for key messages/context ;
- separate files for tables/figures.
Also think about the spelling systems that the journals use, bearing in mind that some (e.g. BMJ) will allow both to align with the target audience. A common error I see is ‘practising’ (UK) vs ‘practicing’ (USA), but this isn’t a fundamental flaw!
2. Use standard reporting guidelines
Not all journals will insist on this, but it’s a good idea to get into the habit of using conventional reporting guidelines to present your findings (see http://www.equator-network.org/). For example, CONSORT is used for randomised controlled trials, PRISMA for systematic reviews, and STROBE for observational studies. If your article does not adhere to traditional study types, are there any principles/standards on which you could base your reporting, e.g. public involvement frameworks/strategies?
3. Blind reviews
Most journals go through a blind review process so make sure that the title page (with all of the author details) is submitted separately from the main manuscript. Also take out anything that could identify you (e.g. acknowledgements, contributions of authors).
4. Make sure all your table columns and rows add up to the totals
It sounds silly, but if a reviewer finds that you are unable to add up, they will question your attention to detail and the legitimacy of your study findings!
5. Ask someone else to proofread your article
You will not notice your own mistakes (I never do!) so ask a friend or colleague to read the article for you. If English is not your first language, ask a native speaker to proofread. If in doubt, there are some good proofreaders out there…
6. Covering letter
Make sure that your covering letter describes the study, the key findings and why you think the article will be of interest the journal’s readers. The journal style guidelines sometimes stipulate what you should put in your covering letter.
Finally, good luck with the submission!