What Journal Editors and Reviewers Look for in a Research Manuscript?

Important Elements of a Well-Written Research Manuscript

The peer review process is an important step toward research publication. Reviewers evaluate accuracy, appropriateness, and scientific importance when assessing manuscripts. Credible peer reviewed publications are crucial to expanding scientific knowledge within any given field – here, we will explore common considerations utilized by manuscript reviewers.

To begin, peer reviewers will evaluate a manuscript’s topic. Topic content and accuracy is extremely important, as peer reviewers are assigned to projects based on their expertise in the subject area. In addition to knowledgeable content, reviewers are also looking for originality; your manuscript is more likely to be published if it contributes a new perspective to existing research on the topic.

Presentation and writing quality are also important factors considered by reviewers. Writers should adhere to any journal-specific formatting rules and ensure their manuscripts use correct language, punctuation, and syntax. Cohesive organization and uniformity within your manuscript is also important; reviewers should be able to clearly identify and concentrate on areas such as hypothesis, methods, results, and limitations without getting distracted by language choice or organizational layout.

Next, reviewers will assess the authenticity of the manuscript’s testing and data acquisition methods. Peer reviewers are looking for research that was acquired through multiple tests, is consistent in methods and results, uses appropriate testing methods, and can be reproduced. Reviewers will also evaluate the chosen test procedures and equipment for accuracy, ethical adherence, and bias.
Another crucial component of your research manuscript lies is the argument and presentation used to support your results. Reviewers look for objectivity, clarity, and brevity in the discussion of findings. Any claims made in your manuscript should be clearly and concisely supported; taking care to avoid over-analyzing results and drawing presumptive conclusions. Reviewers will also assess your statistical data for accuracy and precision. Your manuscript should clearly demonstrate the appropriateness, significance, and applicability of your research to your given field. Reviewers will also evaluate manuscripts for transparency; research limitations and possible alternatives should be addressed.

Lastly, peer reviewers will evaluate research manuscripts for their consideration of current research and their contributive potential to future research. Manuscripts should include references to the most recent study material available on the topic. It is equally important to ensure that your manuscript supports how your research is different from existing studies and its importance to scientific advancement within the field.

Further reading:

Calcagano, V., Demoinet, E., Gollner, K., Guidi, L., Ruths, D., & De Mazancourt, C. (2012). Flows of Research Manuscripts Among Scientific Journals Reveal Hidden Submission Patterns. Science, 338(6110), 1065-1069.

Yusoff, M. S. B. (2018). ABC of Manuscript Writing. Education in Medicine Journal, 10(2), 61–67.