Writing the Manuscript: A Guide for Students & Researchers

There are no secrets to a smooth research submission. In fact, it will not be easy for any student until they understand the expectations of academic journals, master the formatting guidelines, and learn how to communicate their findings clearly.

In short, success comes from preparation. It is in the skill of attention to detail and resilience through revisions. Therefore, for effectively writing the manuscript and turning it in, you need the right mindset and the perfect strategy.

It is all that it takes to transform a daunting process, such as creating a research proposal, into a rewarding milestone for every scholar. Let’s break down the steps for your understanding.

Save Your Research Manuscript from Getting Rejected

Every scholar tried their best, but there are cases where, due to some trivial reasons, the scripts have been turned down. So, better safe than sorry. More than writing the manuscript, you must understand how to deliver it ‘RIGHTLY’ to the authorities/reviewers.

Here’s What Reviewers Expect from Your Submission

A Clear Research Question and Purpose

What They Want	What They Will Not Like
A focused, well-defined question.	Vague or overlay road topics.
Clear objective and hypotheses.	No explanation of why the study matters.

Complete Methodology

65% of desk rejections are due to poor or unclear methodology. Hence, it is best that you turn in your paper with the following criteria.

Make sure the design is appropriate for the research question.
The sample size should be justified and statistically valid.
Your used tools have to be reliable.
Take approval from relevant boards (if applicable).

Well-Structured Writing

The process of writing the manuscript is tough, and so is the structuring. So, make sure to closely follow the instructions of the journal. For example, the abstract should be concise, focusing on the main findings.

The introduction, however, is supposed to be all-inclusive with contextual background and the gap in the research that you aim to fill. Next, the results have to be presented logically with tables and figures. Following it comes the discussion, which includes interpretation, limitation, and implication.

Originality

Before adding each in-text reference, you must ask yourself these three questions.

Is this new or just a repeat?
Does it add value to the topic?
Are its references up-to-date?

Proper Formatting & Ethical Considerations

The three must-haves of the formatting style are:

Journal-specific arrangement
Reference style as per the requirement
Word limits

They matter because they help save time, show attention to detail, and avoid rejection. Apart from this, the reviewer expects the manuscript to be free from a few things. These are all important because without them, 20% of submissions are flagged easily for ethical concerns of Research Publication UAE.

Plagiarism
Conflict of interest
Incomplete data

Professional Cover Letter

A professional letter for research submission briefly introduces your study. It highlights the manuscript’s significance and explains why it fits the journal’s scope. Moreover, the letter must include the manuscript title, a statement of originality, and any ethical disclosures.

Moving on, keep it under 300 words, use a formal tone, and address the editor by name if possible. All these are signs of a strong cover letter that not only builds trust but also encourages editors to take your work seriously.

The Three Responses of a Reviewer

What to Do Then? Don’t Worry, Here’s the Plan

If they are happy with you, celebrations are a must. Other than that, immediately sign all copyright and publication agreements. Also, settle any required payments.

If they request a revision, carefully read the comments and write for yourself a point-by-point response plan. Revise everything, and if necessary, provide a polite, data-backed rebuttal in your response.

In case of a rejection, do not react abruptly. Take a short break, process the decision, and then treat these comments as valuable free advice. You may also select another journal and reapply.

Tips for Choosing the Right Journal

The first tip is to assess the journal’s scope and audience. You can do it by reading them and confirming a link with your research topic. Start by skimming the last 3-5 issues to see if the journal publishes articles with a similar theory, method, and contribution to yours.

Also, identify who needs to read your paper. Are you writing for disciplinary experts, interdisciplinary scholars, or a much broader audience? Once you know, select a journal that they regularly read. Step two is to evaluate the reputation of the journal.

One way is to do it by checking how esteemed it is amongst the peers and in the eyes of the editorial board. As soon as you have a few names, you can start reviewing the author guidelines provided by them.

Check what they are asking the scholar to follow in terms of the content length, tone, formatting, citations, and so on. Also, find out what the Article Processing Charges (APCs) are and draw comparisons.

The Frequently Asked Questions of a Researcher

How long does the peer review process usually take?

The peer review process typically takes 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the journal’s workflow and reviewer availability. A few journals offer fast-track options, too, though delays can still happen. So, constant patience and frequent follow-ups are necessary.

Can I submit the same manuscript to multiple journals at once?

It’s not a wise thing to do, honestly. The simultaneous submissions are considered unethical in academic publishing. Besides that, journals expect exclusivity during review. If caught, your manuscript could be blacklisted. This is why it is always better to wait for a decision or formally withdraw before submitting elsewhere.

What should I do if the authorities don’t accept my manuscript?

A handful of rejections isn’t the end. So, it is better to view it as feedback only. Learn from it, grow with it, and work harder on it before submitting it the next time. Also, remember that many successful papers were once rejected in a different place.

How important is the abstract in the submission process?

The abstract is crucial. Should not be skipped or taken lightly. Yes, because it is the first impression your work makes. This means editors and reviewers often decide whether to read further based on it. Hence, ensure that it is flawless, short, and gripping.

The Summary

The core ingredients for successfully writing the manuscript and getting the approval of the authorities are five things. First of all, your work quality has to be incredible. Only clear, compelling, and original work is accepted. Secondly, you must choose the right journal for your research work. This part will truly test your patience. Then come the rules or submission guidelines that you must follow at all costs, and ensure the submitted file is well-polished. Finally, prepare a strong cover letter about why your paper fits the journal. That is it, your manuscript is submission-ready.