====== Formatting Manuscript for Submission ======

The following sections provide some tips for how to format the title page, the tables, the figures, and the references.

  * [[:wiki:guide:submit:title|Format Title Page]]
  * [[:wiki:guide:submit:paper|Format Paper]]
  * [[:wiki:guide:submit:tables|Format Tables]]
  * [[:wiki:guide:submit:figures|Format Figures]]
  * [[:wiki:guide:submit:references|Format References]]

===== Overview =====

  * Proper formatting prior to submission saves time and effort
  * Manuscripts submitted with improper formatting are sent back to the author without review, potentially weeks after the manuscript was first submitted
  * Formatting is an extremely tedious task, which commonly leads to mistakes. Make sure to double-check for errors and watch for small, easily overlooked requirements

===== The Formatting Process =====

**Step 1**  : Select target journal

----

**Step 2**  : __Go to the target journal's website for formatting and submission requirements__

These usually can be found under author "guidelines" or "instructions"

  * Questions to ask when identifying which requirements to follow:
      - What type of article is being formatted? //Original research, review, case report, letter to the editor, editorial, etc.//
      - Is an Abstract required?
      - What type of Abstract is required (//structured or unstructured//)?
      - What are the word limits for the abstract and text for the type of article? What is included in the word count?

----

**Step 3 **: __Read through author instructions and create a list of all required materials and information__

  * Submissions often require additional documents and information. //These may include://
      - Conflict-of-interest forms and/or statement
      - Patient consent
      - Disclosures
      - Checklists
      - Copyright agreements
      - Co-author emails
      - Corresponding author contact information
      - Highest academic degrees
      - Publication fees
      - Color charges
      - Suggested reviewers

----

**Step 4**  : __Format manuscript and all attachments according to requirements__

  * Always check the guidelines for each journal, but widely accepted standards include:
      - Line spacing: double
      - Font and font size: Times New Roman, size 12
      - Margins: 1"
      - 1/2" indentations at beginning of paragraphs
      - Page numbers
  * Manuscript text:
      - Confirm word limits for abstract, text, references, and figures/tables
      - Provide an abbreviation list if required
      - Ensure line spacing, text size, and page margins are correct
      - Use appropriate formatting hierarchy for headings and subheadings
      - Determine whether page numbers, line numbers, or other headers/footers are needed
      - If the journal uses a blinded review process, ensure that no identifiable information is included in the manuscript text or figures/tables
  * Statements: Include any required statements in the specified location in the manuscript, with proper labeling and language
      - Author contributions
      - Competing interests/disclosures
      - Funding
      - Data sharing
      - Patient consent
      - Ethical approval
      - Acknowledgements