Submitting a manuscript to a journal for publication is an exciting step. Do not rush it. A few extra steps can considerably improve your chances of acceptance!
Step 1: Re-visit the journal’s scope
It is advisable to have a target journal in mind already during the paper-writing process. A target journal provides you with guidance: you can check other papers of the journal to see which structures are appreciated, find out the latest discussions in the journal on your research topic, and so forth.
However, maybe you decided which journal you want to first submit your manuscript to months ago. Now that your manuscript is almost ready, it is time to revisit the journal’s scope.
Does your paper still fit into the scope of the journal? And if so, are you clearly stating how and why it fits into the scope? Make sure to spell it out.
Remember: a journal editor will likely skim your paper to assess whether it is worth going through the peer review process or not. Thus, the clearer you are about the added value of your paper in relation to the journal’s scope, the better.
However, maybe you decided which journal you want to first submit your manuscript to months ago. Now that your manuscript is almost ready, it is time to revisit the journal’s scope.
Does your paper still fit into the scope of the journal? And if so, are you clearly stating how and why it fits into the scope? Make sure to spell it out.
Remember: a journal editor will likely skim your paper to assess whether it is worth going through the peer review process or not. Thus, the clearer you are about the added value of your paper in relation to the journal’s scope, the better.
Step 2: Go through all the author guidelines
Going through the author guidelines to format your manuscript and follow all requirements of a journal can be an annoying task.
Some journals started to allow papers to be submitted without any specific formatting, and with a referencing style of the author’s choice. Unfortunately, most journals still have their requirements.
Even though going through all author guidelines can be a tedious task, take it seriously. Your manuscript should not be discarded simply because you did not put the proper time into changing, for instance, the referencing style to meet the journal’s requirements.
Furthermore, make sure you follow the journal guidelines for tables, images and figures. Sometimes, optimal resolutions for images and figures are given. And some journals want all tables and figures to be removed from the actual manuscript and attached to the paper in separate files.
To deal with the references, it is highly advisable to use a reference manager, such as Zotero or Mendeley. Not only will a reference manager save you tons of time, but it also prevents you from forgetting some references, or listing others in the reference list without mentioning them in the actual paper.
Some journals started to allow papers to be submitted without any specific formatting, and with a referencing style of the author’s choice. Unfortunately, most journals still have their requirements.
Even though going through all author guidelines can be a tedious task, take it seriously. Your manuscript should not be discarded simply because you did not put the proper time into changing, for instance, the referencing style to meet the journal’s requirements.
Furthermore, make sure you follow the journal guidelines for tables, images and figures. Sometimes, optimal resolutions for images and figures are given. And some journals want all tables and figures to be removed from the actual manuscript and attached to the paper in separate files.
To deal with the references, it is highly advisable to use a reference manager, such as Zotero or Mendeley. Not only will a reference manager save you tons of time, but it also prevents you from forgetting some references, or listing others in the reference list without mentioning them in the actual paper.
Step 3: Write a letter to the editor |
Many, but not all journals, require a letter to the editor. This cover letter accompanies your paper submission to an academic journal.
A letter to the editor should be short and to the point. Furthermore, address the editors - if possible - by name. And do not just copy-paste your abstract or sentences of your introduction! Instead:
And lastly, be formal and polite, and thank the editors for their time to process your paper.
A letter to the editor should be short and to the point. Furthermore, address the editors - if possible - by name. And do not just copy-paste your abstract or sentences of your introduction! Instead:
- Write one to three sentences summarizing your paper.
- Write one to three sentences highlighting the original contribution of your paper.
- Write one to three sentences justifying why your paper fits the journal.
And lastly, be formal and polite, and thank the editors for their time to process your paper.
Step 4: Make sure you have an ORCID ID |
Before starting the submission process, make sure that you have a registered ORCID ID. An ORCID ID is a personal identifier that tracks a scholar’s work and publications. It is free to register an ORCID ID. If you publish an article and include your ORCID ID, most journals will add a little green button linking to your ORCID profile next to your name.
Ideally, you get an ORCID ID before your first publication. In that way, all your publications will be linked to your ORCID ID and other scholars can easily find and track your work. If you did not have one for your previous publications, the best moment to set up an ORCID ID is now.
Ideally, you get an ORCID ID before your first publication. In that way, all your publications will be linked to your ORCID ID and other scholars can easily find and track your work. If you did not have one for your previous publications, the best moment to set up an ORCID ID is now.
Step 5: Take sufficient time to submit your paper |
Submitting a paper to a journal often has to be done through an online submission site. Manuscript Central is a common one. After several paper submissions, you will become familiar with these types of systems and it will go faster. However, especially for the first papers, don’t rush the process. These online submission systems can be quite overwhelming.
Therefore, find a calm spot, make a cup of tea and start the process. Don’t just assume that you can submit your paper in a five-minute break between two meetings! Slowly go through each step, and make sure you fill in the correct information and upload the correct files. You don’t want to make any mistakes at this point and for example accidentally upload a draft version of your paper, instead of the final manuscript.
Therefore, find a calm spot, make a cup of tea and start the process. Don’t just assume that you can submit your paper in a five-minute break between two meetings! Slowly go through each step, and make sure you fill in the correct information and upload the correct files. You don’t want to make any mistakes at this point and for example accidentally upload a draft version of your paper, instead of the final manuscript.
Step 6: Celebrate your submission
The paper is submitted. Mission accomplished!
Submitting an article does not mean that it will be published right away. However, it is a big milestone in a scholar’s work. So take a moment to celebrate and be proud of this achievement.
Submitting an article does not mean that it will be published right away. However, it is a big milestone in a scholar’s work. So take a moment to celebrate and be proud of this achievement.
More resources
- Further reading: https://master-academia.com/letter-to-the-editor/
- https://master-academia.com/phd-students-orcid-id/
