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