The following sections provide some tips for how to format the title page, the tables, the figures, and the references.
Overview #
- Proper formatting prior to submission saves time and effort
- Manuscripts submitted with improper formatting are sent back to the author without review, potentially weeks after the manuscript was first submitted
- Formatting is an extremely tedious task, which commonly leads to mistakes. Make sure to double-check for errors and watch for small, easily overlooked requirements
The Formatting Process #
Step 1 : Select target journal
Step 2 : Go to the target journal’s website for formatting and submission requirements
These usually can be found under author “guidelines” or “instructions”
- Questions to ask when identifying which requirements to follow:
- What type of article is being formatted? Original research, review, case report, letter to the editor, editorial, etc.
- Is an Abstract required?
- What type of Abstract is required (structured or unstructured)?
- What are the word limits for the abstract and text for the type of article? What is included in the word count?
Step 3 : Read through author instructions and create a list of all required materials and information
- Submissions often require additional documents and information. These may include:
- Conflict-of-interest forms and/or statement
- Patient consent
- Disclosures
- Checklists
- Copyright agreements
- Co-author emails
- Corresponding author contact information
- Highest academic degrees
- Publication fees
- Color charges
- Suggested reviewers
Step 4 : Format manuscript and all attachments according to requirements
- Always check the guidelines for each journal, but widely accepted standards include:
- Line spacing: double
- Font and font size: Times New Roman, size 12
- Margins: 1“
- 1/2” indentations at beginning of paragraphs
- Page numbers
- Manuscript text:
- Confirm word limits for abstract, text, references, and figures/tables
- Provide an abbreviation list if required
- Ensure line spacing, text size, and page margins are correct
- Use appropriate formatting hierarchy for headings and subheadings
- Determine whether page numbers, line numbers, or other headers/footers are needed
- If the journal uses a blinded review process, ensure that no identifiable information is included in the manuscript text or figures/tables
- Statements: Include any required statements in the specified location in the manuscript, with proper labeling and language
- Author contributions
- Competing interests/disclosures
- Funding
- Data sharing
- Patient consent
- Ethical approval
- Acknowledgements