How do I write and submit a manuscript for publication?

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Key Points

• The standard format is endorsed by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), which is followed by most of the standard journals.
• Most guidelines are almost similar to ICMJE protocol with some specific variation to individual journals which the author must acknowledge.
• The author should also be aware of ethical issues while making submissions to different journals at the same time.

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Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

• International Committee of Medical Journal Editors standards for preparing a manuscript for submission to a medical journal.
• Yale university press guidelines for manuscript preparation.
• How to write a research paper: A to Z of Academic writing.
• Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), guide to ethical issues on multiple submissions.
• Six things to do before writing a manuscript, shared by Elsevier.

Videos

• Journal of Nepal Medical Association (JNMA) video guide to submit manuscript [Nepali version].

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Relevant Publications

• Jirge, P.R. (2017). Preparing and publishing a scientific manuscript. Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, 10(1): 3-9.

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How do I respond to reviewer feedback and prepare a re-submission?

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Key Points

• Writing a reviewer response follows sets of principles that need to be understood by all researchers.
• There are guidelines and a set of simple rules which help an author respond to reviewer comments in a professional way.
• Some sample responses can be a guide while writing such reviews.

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Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

• This highlights ten simple rules for writing a response to reviewers, a simple guide shared by PLOS Computational Biology.
• The Peer Review journal shares guidelines and explanations for understanding reviewer feedback.
• Four simple steps to answer reviewer comments – the “CALM” way, from Elsevier.

Videos

• Memorial University’s video series on tips and tricks to responding to reviewer comments.
• A great tip from a graduate regarding writing a response to a reviewer with templates and examples.

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Templates and Examples

• Template shared by PLOS journal regarding how to write peer review.
• Sample response to reviewer shared by the American Psychological Association.
• Sample response to reviewer comments shared by British Medical Journal.

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Relevant Publications

• Patino, C.M., Ferreira, J.C. (2019). Writing an effective response to reviewers: The goal is to improve the study and get it published! Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia, 45(1): e20190020.

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What are important standards related to ethical publication and authorship?

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Key Points

• Publication in an academic journal is the final stage of any research study which helps build the foundation of evidence-based medicine.
• There are some principles and standards for writing in an academic journal that apply to the research community all over the world.
• Knowledge about the fundamental principles of the best scholarly writing is essential for all authors to develop the best scientific manuscript.

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Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

• This position statement, Responsible Research Publication: International Standards for Authors, describes the responsible reporting of scholarly research to promote research integrity.

Videos

• Simple and clear explanation about various issues of publication ethics.
• Precise explanation about international ethical standards with reference to various international organizations.

Online Courses

• Writing in the Sciences – Free and self-paced online course from Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, U.S.A.

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Templates and Examples

• This comprehensive library, Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research, contains various searchable databases of reporting guidelines according to the research type for the authors.
• This White Paper on Publication Ethics is a very important paper by the Council of Science Editors for promoting research integrity worldwide.
• Resources site from World Association of Medical Editors.

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Relevant Publications

• International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. (2019). Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals.
• International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. (2021). Defining the Role of Authors and Contributors. Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals.

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How do I locate an academic journal to publish my research?

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Key Points

• Selecting an academic journal is an art that every researcher needs to develop during their academic career.
• Researchers should be aware of different journal selection tools, bibliometric indicators, steps to good journal selection, and tips for getting published in high-impact journals.
• Nowadays, predatory journals have started targeting authors in low- and middle-income countries to earn money via online publishing. These journals do not follow the ethical principles of publications. They need to be identified which requires a set of ideas and guidance.

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Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

• “Think. Check. Submit.” is a great initiative that helps researchers identify trusted journals and publishers along with practical resources that helps educate researchers and promote integrity in research.
• This is content developed by Open Access Scholarly Publishing Association regarding best practice guides and principles that helps to identify a legitimate journal from a non-legitimate one.
• British Medical Journal author hub provides guides and tips on how to choose a journal.
• This is a copy of the list of potential predatory scholarly open-access publishers originally created by famous librarian Jeffrey Beall.

Videos

• A webinar series from George Washington University’s Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library highlighting how to use different journal selection tools.
• A Liège University Belgium academic describes on the topics of types of journals, bibliometric indicators, and steps to select good journals.
• This 4-minute video highlights how to find different journal suggester search engines.
• This is a 50-minute video from a European Association for the Study of Obesity researcher highlighting how to get published in high impact journal. 

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Relevant Publications

• Suiter, A.M., & Sarli, C.C. (2019). Selecting a journal for publication: Criteria to consider. Missouri Medicine 116(6), 461-465.

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How do I write an effective cover letter when submitting a manuscript for publication?

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Key Points

• The cover letter is an important statement that needs to be submitted with the manuscript addressing the editor of the journal.
• A cover letter is a brief introduction of the manuscript as well as the opportunity to convince journal editors for publication of the manuscript.

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Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

• Writing Cover Letters for Scientific Manuscripts  
  • A concise article about various components of a cover letter, including an outline and specific tips.
• Prelude to a Good Story
  • Short and clear explanation by the journal Nature Immunology about how to tailor the cover letter to appeal to journal editors.

Videos

• How to Write a Cover Letter for a Journal Paper Submission 
  • This 8-minute video describes the importance of cover letters and explains how to write a convincing cover letter in a simple and understandable way.

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Templates and Examples

• Submissions | Journal of Nepal Medical Association
  • This checklist from the Journal of Nepal Medical Association contains clear examples and complete templates for submitting a cover letter and manuscript.
• Writing effective cover letters for journal submissions: Tips and a Word template
  • A primer on cover letters from ThinkSCIENCE, which includes a Word template and specifications to keep in mind before submitting.

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Relevant Publications

• Nicholas, D. (2019). How to choose a journal and write a cover letter. Saudi Journal of Anesthesia, 13(5), 35-41.

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