Streamlining the path to publication, part three: Navigating journal submission

In the first two blog posts of our series, 'Streamlining the path to publication', we have journeyed through the initial phases of publication development, sequentially exploring how to identify a compatible peer-reviewed target journal and draft a complete manuscript that adheres to its author guidelines.

While writing a polished manuscript draft is one of the most challenging steps in the publication process, it is important not to overlook the submission process. Even a well-written manuscript outlining compelling results can be rejected, returned, or withdrawn if it doesn’t comply with the journal’s submission requirements. To increase your chance of acceptance, this article offers guidance on how best to approach manuscript submission, with continued precision.

Assembling your submission materials

Most journals will have a page on their website that directs users to their manuscript submission system. Here, you should find a pre-submission checklist outlining the components you are required to submit alongside the manuscript. Keep in mind that every publisher will have their own recommendations for authors, although additional items often include:

• A cover letter;

• Authors' full names and affiliations;

• The contact details of the corresponding author (though sometimes, a description outlining their role is also recommended);

• Any declarations (including, but not limited to, funding, conflicts of interest, ethics approval, and data sharing);

• Acknowledgements;

• Author contributions;

• Keywords;

• Figures and tables;

• Supplementary information or appendices; and

• Adherence to reporting guidelines.

To ensure you submit high-standard materials: 

1. It is important to check whether your target journal provides guidance on how to format or deliver your materials; for example, figures, tables and supplementary data may need to be submitted separately.

2. A cover letter that is truly tailored to your target journal can help your manuscript stand out. Adequately setting time aside to develop a compelling cover letter addressing the journal editor provides an opportunity to showcase your research, highlighting its significance and meaningful contribution to the field, and provide a rationale for why the manuscript is of particular interest and relevance to the journal's readership.

3. When preparing your submission materials, it can be helpful to account for the back-and-forth communication between the authors, the client or sponsor, and any agency partners. For example, each co-author must confirm whether they have any conflicts of interest to disclose related to the research. These may include honoraria or consultation fees, personal or institutional grants or research support, and relevant stock options in medical companies. Therefore, it is invaluable to begin collaborations early in the publication process to reduce the risk of submission delays, particularly when there are many authors.

Navigating the submissions system

It is the responsibility of the corresponding author to officially submit the manuscript to the target journal. To do so, they must register with the journal's online submission system using their name and email address, or, if they have previously submitted a manuscript through the same portal, log in to their account. By taking a step-by-step approach, the corresponding author can ensure that all process components are complete, including uploading all relevant files and addressing all information gaps.

After a final review, the manuscript is ready for final submission. The submission system typically generates an email confirmation, providing the corresponding author with an identification number to facilitate future communication with the journal.

At Synthesis, we believe medical writers add the most value when they’re engaged across the full lifespan of a project—from initial concept to final communication. Contact us at info@synthesishealth.co.uk to learn how we can work together as embedded partners throughout the publication development lifecycle to seamlessly deliver content that resonates with your target audience.