Author guidelines are the comprehensive set of instructions that academic journals provide to researchers to ensure that submitted manuscripts meet specific standards for content, structure, ethics, and formatting. These guidelines serve as a contractual framework between the author and the publisher, ensuring that the scientific record remains accurate, transparent, and ethically sound. Adhering to these guidelines is not merely a bureaucratic formality; it is a critical step in the peer-review process that facilitates efficient evaluation and maintains the integrity of scholarly communication.

What Can Be Submitted

The first and most fundamental aspect of author guidelines is defining what can be submitted. Journals typically categorize submissions into specific manuscript types, each with distinct purposes, word limits, and structural requirements. Submitting a manuscript that does not fit the journal's scope or the defined article type is a primary reason for immediate rejection.

Article Categories

Most journals publish a variety of article types beyond the standard "Original Research." Authors must identify which category their work fits into, as this dictates the length and structure of the submission.

Original Research Articles

Full-length reports of completed basic, translational, or clinical research. Typically 3,000–5,000 words with structured abstracts (Objective, Methods, Results, Conclusion).

Highest word limit
Review Articles

Summarize current knowledge on a specific topic with critical analysis. Unstructured abstracts, up to 100 citations. Expected to provide critical analysis beyond simple summary.

Up to 100 citations
Case Reports

Describe rare medical conditions or unique clinical occurrences. Shorter length (1,000–1,500 words) focusing on clinical lessons learned. Patient consent forms required if identifiable.

1,000–1,500 words
Editorials & Perspectives

Opinion pieces or commentaries on specific articles or general concepts. Short (1,000–1,500 words), often invited by the editor. No abstracts required.

Invited by editor
Letters to the Editor

Short communications (often under 600 words) addressing recently published articles or current topics. Allow rapid dissemination of brief findings or critiques.

Under 600 words
Study Protocols

Protocols for proposed or ongoing trials. Require detailed methodology sections and trial registration numbers. Results not yet available.

Registration required

Important Note: Authors are encouraged to review the specific instructions provided by the selected journal before submission. The editorial office reserves the right to return manuscripts that do not comply with the journal's scope, formatting requirements, or publication policies.

Key Requirements Summary

  • Scope Alignment: Manuscript must fit within the journal's stated scope and focus areas
  • Article Type: Must match one of the defined categories with appropriate length and structure
  • Ethical Compliance: Research must follow ethical guidelines with proper approvals and consent
  • Formatting Standards: Must follow journal-specific formatting for citations, references, and layout
  • Originality: Work must be original and not previously published or under consideration elsewhere

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