Essential Guidelines for Successful Journal Paper Submission

Things to Keep in Mind Before Submitting a Paper

Submitting a paper typically takes around 30–60 minutes. However, the paper may remain on the journal desk for up to two weeks. If the journal rejects it afterward, the entire time is wasted. Therefore, taking a few preparatory steps beforehand can save time and increase the chances of your paper being sent for review.

1. Match with the Journal’s Aim and Scope
Ensure that your paper aligns with the journal’s aim and scope. For example, if your topic is AI in cancer patient diagnosis but you submit to a journal that publishes on mechanical properties or construction engineering, it will not match the scope and will likely result in a desk rejection.

2. Consider Your References
The papers you cite in your manuscript indicate relevant journals in your field. Journals where these referenced papers are published are generally safer and more suitable options for your submission. Try those journals first.

3. Be Selective About Journals
It is advisable to avoid low-quality or less recognized journals. Instead, target reputable European or American journals. Journals under well-known publishers such as Elsevier and Springer are generally reliable and respected.

4. Check for Peer Review
Make sure the journal follows a proper peer-review process before submission.

5. Follow Author Guidelines Carefully
Always read the “Guide for Authors” section of the journal. Many journals have specific requirements, such as submitting a separate title page or following particular formatting rules. Adhering to these guidelines improves your chances of acceptance.

6. Consider the Impact Factor
A journal with an impact factor of around 2–3 is generally considered decent. While high-impact journals are common in clinical domains, beginners should target low- to mid-ranked peer-reviewed journals as their first choice.

7. Choose Between Subscription and Open Access
Journals usually offer two options:

• Subscription-based: Readers must pay to access your paper.
• Open access: Your paper is freely available to everyone, but you may need to pay a publication fee.

For researchers in Bangladesh, many journals offer free open-access publication through programs like Research4Life. You can explore the details through the provided links.

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Writing Credit:
Manjurul Ahsan
Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma