
Important Checklist of Things to do before submitting your research to a peer-reviewed journal
There are a few things you should verify before submitting. If this is your first article and you are writing without the advice of someone with journal publication expertise, it will be tough to do everything perfect, but you should attempt (or seek assistance from a mentor or co-author):
First of all, it is highly important to Proofread and edit the manuscript to verify that it is not just devoid of typographical and grammatical errors, but also written in plain, unambiguous English that is acceptable for the journal’s intended readership (not just that they can read it, but that they will enjoy reading it). To ensure this, thoroughly read the journal’s scope and author criteria.
Ascertain that you have organised the manuscript in accordance with field standards and the standard format for articles in this publication (e.g., Abstract / Intro / Methods / Findings / Discussions / Recommendations / Citations). Ascertain that you understand what belongs in the Results section and what goes in the Discussion section, as well as where your field draws the boundary between the Introduction and the Methods section.
Ascertain that the style, length, and substance of each part correspond to the style, length, and content of similar sections in previously published journal articles.
Ascertain that the quantity and type of citations are suitable for the journal, as well as that the sources of the articles you are referencing are appropriate for the journal. This may be validated by comparing your work to previously published articles in the journal.
Ascertain that you have structured the work, including references, in accordance with the journal’s template or guidelines. Verify details such as page and line numbers, if the publication has specific criteria.
Assemble the figures at an acceptable resolution for print, with fonts and other elements at an appropriate size.
Ascertain that each figure contributes to the paper, is self-contained in its content, and has a clear title.
Ensure that both your abstract and cover letter communicate what is novel and intriguing about your study, why the work was necessary, and what should change as a consequence of your findings (either in the world or in the ways other professionals in your area think about things).