Choosing a journal for publication is one of the most difficult stages for many researchers, since both the visibility of the work and how quickly and successfully it passes peer review depend on it. However, even a journal well chosen in terms of subject matter is only half the battle, because if the manuscript is not adapted to the requirements of the journal, the article risks being rejected at the technical review stage. How can this be avoided, and how should a relevant manuscript be prepared? What should be paid attention to? Read on.
Why does adapting an article matter?
Many researchers structure their work in such a way that they first prepare the article and only afterwards choose a journal. Why can this be a problem, and what do journal requirements have to do with it?
The fact is that choosing a journal after the text has already been completed is normal practice, but only if, before submitting the work to the editorial board, the author adapts it to the specific requirements of the journal. The problem arises when this step is skipped or carried out only formally, in the hope that the quality of the research itself will compensate for non-compliance with technical aspects.
In the academic environment, there are no universal rules for formatting scientific articles, since every journal has its own individual requirements. This is precisely why the strategy of "writing an article according to one's own rules and sending it to the editorial board" does not work. Editors may reject it immediately at the technical review stage, regardless of the quality of the research itself.
Where to find article requirements, and what should be paid attention to?
Because virtually every modern scientific journal has its own website containing all the necessary information for authors, finding the key requirements is not a difficult task. However, despite the availability of this data, it is crucial to be able to interpret it correctly.
Let us consider the main aspects that should be taken into account when preparing a manuscript.
1. Thematic relevance
Before delving into formatting details, it is worth making sure that the topic of the research matches the journal's profile. Neglecting this stage risks wasting time and failing to pass the technical review: even a perfectly formatted manuscript will be rejected if it falls outside the thematic scope of the journal.
2. Article type
Because the academic environment includes a considerable number of different types of publications (for example, original research, review articles, short communications, case reports, and so on), researchers have the opportunity to choose the most relevant one.
However, it is important to remember that not every scientific journal accepts every type of manuscript. This is precisely why, before moving on to the next stage, you should make sure that the chosen journal publishes exactly the type of article you intend to submit. This information can usually be found in the "Aims and Scope", "Guide for Authors" or "Instructions for Authors" sections on the journal's official website.
3. Manuscript structure
Although the IMRAD structure is considered the "gold standard", not all journals require this classic variation. There are cases where editorial boards specify their own sequence and number of required sections on their website.
You should check whether separate sections are required (for example, Limitations, Ethical Statement, Data Availability), and also pay attention to formatting details within the sections themselves, even if the overall structure seems familiar.
To understand how this works in practice, let us consider the requirements of the journal Nature regarding manuscript structuring. The journal's website states that authors must divide the Methods section into short subsections with bold subheadings (Statistics, Reagents, and so on). This condition occurs in many journals and is not unusual.
However, some journals add specific technical details to this. For example, Nature requires that sources referenced in the Methods section continue the general numbering of references, while at the same time being placed in a separate reference list after this section, rather than being included in the main list. This is a telling example of how even the generally accepted IMRAD structure can have formatting peculiarities determined by the editorial policy of a specific journal.
4. Text length
The length of the text can vary considerably depending on the journal. Restrictions may apply both to the overall word count and to individual sections (for example, the abstract). This aspect is extremely important to take into account, because if you submit an article with an excessive or insufficient number of pages or characters, it will most likely be rejected.
5. Citation style
Various citation styles are used to compile a list of references: APA, Vancouver, Chicago, and many others. Each of them has its own rules for numbering, the order of elements, and bibliography formatting. It is therefore important to use precisely the style specified in the requirements of the particular journal, rather than the one you are used to.
6. Abstract and keyword requirements
A structured or unstructured abstract, word limit, and the number and format of keywords – these details are often overlooked, being considered a secondary element. However, the abstract is one of the first things an editor checks, and it is on this basis that readers and bibliometric databases decide whether it is worth turning to the full text of the article.
7. Formatting of illustrations and tables
Writing an article is practically impossible without the use of additional materials, in particular illustrations and tables. There are numerous nuances regarding their formatting, since file format, resolution, the presence of captions, and placement within the text or as separate files are all important. The requirements for these aspects also differ depending on the journal.
8. Accompanying documents
In addition to the manuscript itself, journals often require a number of accompanying documents that must be submitted together with the article. Their list is not always the same: some journals limit themselves to a minimal set, while others require a full package – a cover letter, a conflict of interest declaration, and ethical approvals. It is precisely because of this variability that authors often forget about the necessary documents, which also frequently leads to the manuscript being rejected.
Adapting an article to the requirements of a scientific journal is an important stage of preparation that directly affects the success of publication. By carefully analysing the editorial policy, you will be able to pass peer review without unnecessary delays caused by formal shortcomings in the manuscript.
If you have encountered difficulties in adapting an article to the requirements of a scientific journal, contact Scientific Publications. Our team of specialists will audit your manuscript and check whether it complies with the editorial rules. Would you like to receive a free consultation? Fill in the form below, and our manager will contact you as soon as possible. Together towards new scientific achievements!
