Submission Checklist

• I selected the correct journal for my topic and methods (aims & scope match).
• I selected the correct article type (e.g., Research Article / Review / Case Study / Short Communication).
• My manuscript length fits the journal’s expectations (word count, figures/tables, references).
• If the journal requires double-blind review, I prepared the correct blinded files (see section C).

Required files (typical)

• Main manuscript file is ready (DOCX preferred unless journal requests PDF).
• Figures are included correctly (embedded OR uploaded separately, as required).
• Tables are editable (not pasted as images).
• Supplementary material (if any) is clearly labeled and referenced in the manuscript.
• Cover letter is included (recommended).

(Only if the selected journal uses double-blind peer review)

• I created a separate Title Page file with all author information.
• The main manuscript file is blinded:
• No author names or affiliations anywhere.
• No acknowledgements that identify authors/institutions.
• Funding information removed if it identifies authors/institutions (journal-dependent).
• Self-citations are written neutrally (e.g., “Prior work has shown…” rather than “In our previous work…”).
• File metadata does not contain author names (Word → File → Info → Inspect Document).

Front matter

• Title is clear, specific, and reflects the main contribution.
• Abstract is complete (typical 150–250 words unless journal says otherwise).
• Keywords included (3–7 keywords).

Main text

• Headings are consistent and use Word styles (Heading 1/2/3).
• Sections are logically structured (e.g., Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, Conclusion) or appropriate for the article type.
• Methods are detailed enough to reproduce the work (data, sampling, measures, analysis).
• Limitations are stated appropriately.
• All abbreviations are defined at first use.

Language/quality

• Grammar and clarity checked (professional academic writing).
• Units, notation, and terminology are consistent.
• All claims are supported with evidence or citations.

• Every table/figure is cited in the text in the correct order (Table 1, Figure 1, etc.).
• Captions are clear and complete (APA-style sentence case is recommended).
• Tables are editable (created with Word table tool).
• Figure quality is sufficient (recommendation: 300 dpi for images).
• If any figure/table is reproduced or adapted:
• I obtained permission if needed.
• I included an attribution note/credit line in the caption.
• I did not manipulate images/data in a misleading way (no unethical enhancements).

In-text citations

• All in-text citations follow APA author–date format.
• Every in-text citation appears in the reference list.
• Every reference list entry is cited in the text.

Reference list

• Reference list is alphabetized by first author surname.
• Hanging indent is applied (APA 7 format).
• DOIs are included when available in URL format: https://doi.org/xxxxx
• URLs are included only when appropriate (e.g., webpages, reports, items without DOI).

Funding statement

• Included a Funding statement.
• If none: “This research received no specific grant from any funding agency.”

Competing interests (COI)

• Included a Competing Interests statement.
• If none: “The authors declare no competing interests.”

Ethics approval (if applicable)

• Human subjects: ethics approval stated (committee name + approval ID/date) and consent described.
• Animal research: institutional welfare approvals stated.

Data availability statement

• Included a Data Availability statement (one of the following applies):
• Open: “Data and code are available at [Repository], https://doi.org/[DOI].”
• On request: “Data are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.”
• Restricted: “Data are restricted due to [reason], but may be accessed under [conditions].”
• Not applicable: “No datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.”

AI use disclosure (if applicable)

• If I used AI tools (writing, coding, analysis, image generation), I disclosed:
• tool name(s) and purpose
• where AI was used (Methods / Acknowledgements / AI statement)
• AI tools are not listed as authors.

Preprints / prior dissemination

• If the manuscript was posted as a preprint, I disclosed the preprint link/DOI.
• I disclosed any overlap with prior publications and explained what is new.

Duplicate submission

• This manuscript is not under review elsewhere (no duplicate submission).

• Cover letter is 1 page and includes:
• Manuscript title + article type
• 2–3 sentence summary of the main contribution
• Why it fits the journal’s scope and audience
• Confirmation: original work, not under review elsewhere
• Ethics compliance and conflict of interest disclosure (if needed)
• Suggested reviewers (optional, if journal allows)

• Author names and affiliations entered correctly (spelling, order).
• Corresponding author details are correct (email especially).
• Keywords entered (match manuscript keywords).
• Abstract entered matches the manuscript abstract.
• Funding information entered (if required in the system).
• ORCID included for authors (if available).
• Declarations completed (COI, ethics, AI use, data availability).

• Missing ethics approval / consent statement (when required)
• Missing COI or funding statement
• Missing data availability statement
• Incomplete author information or wrong corresponding email
• Tables pasted as images / figures missing captions
• In-text citations not matching reference list
• Not blinded correctly for double-blind journals
• Scope mismatch with the journal