Submission Checklist
Submission Checklist
Download as PDF1. How to use this checklist
- Tick every item that applies before you click “Submit”.
- Requirements are journal-by-journal (peer review model, OA license, APC/waivers). Always confirm the selected journal’s “For Authors” section.
2. A) Journal fit (scope + article type)
- 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).
3. B) Submission package (files)
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).
4. C) Double-blind review compliance (if applicable)
(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).
5. D) Manuscript structure: APA 7 base
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.
6. E) Tables, figures, and permissions
- 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).
7. F) References (APA 7)
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).
8. G) Ethics, transparency, and required statements
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).
9. H) Cover letter (recommended)
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)
10. I) Submission form metadata (commonly missed)
- 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).
11. Common reasons a submission is returned (avoid these)
- 1. Missing ethics approval / consent statement (when required)
- 2. Missing COI or funding statement
- 3. Missing data availability statement
- 4. Incomplete author information or wrong corresponding email
- 5. Tables pasted as images / figures missing captions
- 6. In-text citations not matching reference list
- 7. Not blinded correctly for double-blind journals
- 8. Scope mismatch with the journal