Preparing a manuscript for submission is a major part of any research project. But even the most compelling studies can face delays or rejection due to avoidable issues with language, presentation, and formatting.

To help researchers navigate the final stages of the submission process, we’ve compiled a concise checklist that covers five essential areas to review before submission.

1. Ensure clarity and logical flow

A well-structured manuscript guides the reader through your research clearly and efficiently.

Before submission, revisit your introduction, methodology, and conclusion to ensure they align with your main research objective. Check that each section transitions smoothly into the next, and that your argument or hypothesis is developed throughout the paper.

Reading your manuscript aloud or having a colleague unfamiliar with your specific field review it can help identify areas where your message might be unclear.

2. Review language and grammar carefully

Language errors, even minor ones, can impact how your work is perceived.

While tools like grammar checkers can assist with basic issues, a manual review—or a professional academic edit—is often necessary to catch discipline-specific terminology or complex sentence structures.

Pay particular attention to verb tense, passive vs. active voice, and wordiness. Aim for concise, precise language that communicates your findings effectively.

3. Double-check formatting and style requirements

Most journals provide detailed author guidelines that specify requirements for manuscript structure, reference style, figure formatting, and more. Take time to verify that your paper adheres to these standards.

Common issues include incorrect citation formatting, inconsistent heading levels, and improper figure labelling. Many rejections or revision requests can be avoided by aligning your manuscript with a journal’s specific expectations from the start.

4. Confirm originality and proper referencing

Before submission, ensure all sources are properly cited and paraphrased. Use of similarity-checking tools can help identify unintentional overlap with previously published work.

Keep in mind that proper attribution extends beyond direct quotations; ideas, data, and adapted figures also require citation. Maintaining transparency in referencing supports academic integrity.

5. Verify figures, tables, and supplementary materials

Visual elements often carry critical information. Make sure that all figures and tables are high-resolution, accurately labelled, and referenced correctly within the text.

Double-check that legends are complete and that any colour use is accessible (e.g., distinguishable in grayscale, colourblind-friendly).

In addition, ensure that any supplementary materials (e.g., datasets, protocols, or appendices) are included, clearly labelled, and referenced appropriately in the manuscript.

Submitting your paper

Thoroughly reviewing your manuscript before submission not only improves your chances of acceptance but also reflects the care and rigor of your research process. By following this checklist, you can minimize unnecessary revisions and help ensure that your work makes a strong impression on editors and reviewers alike.

For more tips, make sure to read 4 Best Practices For Creating High-Quality Figures and The Impact of Figures On Academic Research.

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