Submitting a manuscript for publication is an exciting but daunting task. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a first-time author, avoiding common mistakes during manuscript submission is crucial for publishing your work. Submitting a manuscript can be long, and errors can delay or prevent acceptance. In this blog post, we’ll discuss authors’ most common mistakes and how to avoid them, ensuring that your submission has the best chance for success.
Understanding the Submission Guidelines
One of the biggest mistakes authors make when submitting their manuscripts is not reading the submission guidelines carefully. Every journal has specific requirements for how a manuscript should be formatted, what documents are needed, and how to submit them.
If you fail to follow these guidelines, your manuscript might be rejected even before it’s reviewed. This mistake can be avoided by taking the time to thoroughly read the instructions for authors (IFA) provided on the publisher’s website or submission portal. Pay attention to word count, font style and size, citation format, and figure/table guidelines. Following these requirements will show the editor you are professional and serious about your work.
Preparing the Manuscript for Submission
After understanding the submission guidelines, the next critical step is properly preparing your manuscript. This goes beyond ensuring it meets the formatting requirements outlined in the guidelines. It also includes checking for spelling, grammatical, and typographical errors. While these errors may seem minor, they can significantly affect the perceived quality of your work.
Before submitting, give your manuscript one final read-through, or consider having someone else review it. A fresh set of eyes can spot errors that you may have missed. Additionally, ensure your manuscript is well-organized and coherent and tells a good story. A clean and polished manuscript will make a good impression and increase your chances of acceptance.
The Cover Letter
For some journals, a cover letter is your first chance to make a great impression on the editor. For other journals, the cover letter is a formality. Yet, many authors neglect this crucial component of their submission. A well-crafted and succinct cover letter should explain why your manuscript is a good fit for the publication or journal you’re submitting to. It should also include the required language requested by the journal about duplicate submission. Lastly, it is always good to confirm that all authors have reviewed and provided final approval for the manuscript submission.
Take the time to write a personalized cover letter. Avoid using a generic letter or copying and pasting from other manuscript submissions, as this can lead to errors with the editors name or journal name. A thoughtful and professional cover letter can significantly affect how your submission is received.
Submitting to Multiple Publishers Simultaneously (Without Disclosure)
Simultaneous submissions of a manuscript to multiple journals is typically not allowed with most medical journals. If you plan to explore submitting your manuscript to multiple publishers, you must ensure that it is allowed by both journals and you should disclose this information upfront.
Failing to disclose simultaneous submissions can result in losing trust with the publisher. It can also lead to an automatic rejection if the journal has a policy against simultaneous submissions and being banned from the ability to submit future manuscripts to the journal. To avoid this mistake, read the submission guidelines carefully to see if simultaneous submissions are allowed, and disclose this in your cover letter or submission form.
Not Following Up Appropriately
The submission process can be lengthy, and many writers wonder when they should follow up. Not following up appropriately is another common mistake. It’s essential to know when and how to check the status of your submission.
Some journals provide specific timeframes for when you’ll receive feedback or a decision. Many journals provide the status of your submission in the journal’s editorial management portal. If they do not, it’s best to wait at least three months before inquiring about the status of your submission. When following up, email the managing editor, not the editor in chief. The email of the managing editor is typically posted on the website of the journal. Be polite and professional. Keep your message short and to the point, asking about the current status of your manuscript.
Forgetting to Include Required Documents
Most journalsrequire more than just the manuscript itself. Depending on the submission guidelines, you may need to include additional documents, such as a brief abstract, graphical abstract, summary box, etc.. Forgetting to include these documents can make your submission incomplete and delayed.
Before submitting your manuscript, ensure you have all the required documents in the correct format. Double-check that you’ve included everything the publisher or journal has requested. It’s also a good idea to review the submission checklist if one is provided to ensure you’re not missing any critical components.
Submitting Prematurely
Sometimes, authors get excited about finishing their manuscript and want to submit it as soon as possible. However, submitting too quickly is a mistake that can negatively impact your chances of acceptance. You want to ensure that your manuscript is the best before submitting it.
Take the time to revise and edit your work. If you’re unsure about a section or something that doesn’t feel right, take a break and return to it later with fresh eyes. Before submitting, consider seeking feedback from others outside of your area of expertise. Submitting prematurely can lead to rejection, while a well-prepared manuscript will have a better chance of acceptance.
Not Doing Proper Research on the Journal
Every journal has its style, tone, and audience. Submitting your manuscript to the wrong journal is another mistake that can cost you time and energy. Many authors fail to do adequate research the journal before submitting, leading them to send their work to a journal that doesn’t align with their topic area or target audience.
Before submitting, thoroughly research the journal you’re interested in. Read their previously published works to understand the content and topicsthey prefer. Make sure your manuscript fits within their scope. If your work is out of their usual range, finding a more suitable journal might be better.
Avoiding these common mistakes in manuscript submissions can significantly improve your chances of getting your work published. By carefully reading and following submission guidelines, preparing a polished manuscript, and being professional in your communication, you will demonstrate your commitment to your craft. Remember, the submission process can be competitive, but avoiding these errors will make you stand out as a serious and professional writer. Good luck with your manuscript submission!