Research Paper Submission Checklist
A pre-submission checklist that prevents technical desk rejections and reduces revision rounds
A comprehensive submission checklist covers manuscript content, formatting, ethical declarations, files, system requirements, and the cover letter. Working through it before opening the submission system saves time and reduces avoidable rejections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should the checklist take?
For a fully drafted manuscript: 60–90 minutes for the first journal; 30–45 minutes for subsequent journals (since some items carry over).
What if I cannot find a particular requirement on the journal's site?
Email the editorial office. Editors handle pre-submission questions routinely and prefer them to post-submission corrections.
Should I submit if one minor item is missing?
No. The cost of resubmission with the corrected item is small; the cost of a desk rejection is the entire round-trip. Wait until the checklist is complete.
Do I need to suggest reviewers?
Some systems require it; many allow it. Suggesting researchers who have published on the topic and have no conflict of interest can save 7–14 days at the assignment phase.
What if I submit and realise I forgot something?
Email the editorial office immediately. Small corrections are routine; large omissions sometimes require re-submission. Catching errors early is far cheaper than after editorial screening.