How to Submit a Scientific Paper to a Journal: A Step-by-Step Guide

Submitting a scientific paper to a journal involves several steps, from manuscript preparation to submission and follow-up. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

1. Choose the Right Journal

• Identify potential journals: Look for journals that publish work similar to yours and match the scope of your research. Most major publishers have systems to help you identify relevant journal

Elsevier: https://journalfinder.elsevier.com

Springer: https://link.springer.com/journals

An Open Access journal is a type of academic publication that allows readers to access research articles and scholarly content without any financial, legal, or technical barriers. This model promotes a wider dissemination of knowledge, ensuring that critical findings and research are available to everyone, including scientists, students, and the general public. However, most of these journals require a payment in order to publish an article.

• Assess impact and audience: Consider the journal’s impact factor, audience, and the likelihood of acceptance.
• Check submission guidelines: Every journal has specific requirements for formatting, length, and scope.

2. Prepare Your Manuscript

• Follow the journal’s guidelines: Format your manuscript according to the journal’s instructions (e.g., font size, reference style, figure formats).
• Write clearly and concisely: Ensure your manuscript is well-organized with sections like Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and References.
• Check ethical compliance: Ensure the work adheres to ethical standards, such as obtaining IRB approval for studies involving humans or animals.
• Prepare figures and tables: Ensure all visuals are high-quality and properly labeled.
• Proofread: Review for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Consider professional editing if needed.

3. Prepare Supporting Documents

• Cover letter: Write a concise cover letter addressed to the journal editor explaining:
  • The significance of your work.
  • Why it fits the journal’s scope.
  • Any special requests (e.g., suggesting reviewers or excluding certain reviewers).
• Author contributions: If required, outline each author’s role in the research and writing.
• Ethics statements: Provide declarations for ethical approvals, conflict of interest, or funding disclosures.
• Data availability statement: Mention where the data is stored and how it can be accessed in case you don’t use publicly available data.

4. Submit Your Paper

• Create an account: Most journals use online submission systems (e.g., Editorial Manager, ScholarOne).
• Upload files: Submit the manuscript, figures, tables, and supporting documents. Ensure everything is in the correct format. If your manuscript is written using Latex, and you are using Editorial Manager then upload the zip file of the projects. There’s no need to upload additional figures if the figures are already in that zip file. Some systems allow uploading pdf of the manuscript. If you need more help, you can search for youtube tutorials on how to submit as well. For example, this is a tutorial on how to submit from Elsevier:

• Check for errors: Review all submissions for completeness and accuracy.
• Submit: Confirm submission and save the acknowledgment email for reference.

5. Follow Up

• Track the submission: Use the journal’s submission system to monitor progress.
• Be patient: The review process can take weeks to months.
• Respond to queries: Promptly address any editorial or reviewer queries during the review process.

6. Respond to Reviewer Comments

• Address critiques: Revise the manuscript based on reviewers’ feedback and provide a detailed response letter explaining changes.
• Resubmit: If required, submit the revised manuscript with highlighted changes and your response.

7. Post-Acceptance Steps

• Proofread the final version: Carefully check the proofs for errors.
• Comply with publication requirements: Some journals may ask for specific forms, copyright transfers, or open-access fees.
• Promote your work: Share your published paper through conferences, social media, and academic networks.

Tips

• Be meticulous and patient throughout the process.
• Keep communication professional and respectful.
• Choose journals that are legitimate (avoid predatory journals).