If you have written a scientific paper and would like to publish it in a scientific journal, you’ll have to follow a series of steps. These include formatting the paper correctly (APA, MLA, and Chicago), writing a cover letter, and submitting the paper to the journal. You will also need to go through various stages, including Editorial screening and revisions.
Cover letter
If you want to submit a study to a scientific journal, like Bentham Science Publishers, for publication, you can send a cover letter in which you should describe the author, the study’s subject, and its main conclusions. The letter should also include references to relevant prior work, especially if it relates to the paper’s topic. The letter should not be more than one page long.
Before submitting the cover letter, check the instructions provided by the journal. Not all journals ask for a cover letter. Some journals may require a list of other articles relevant to the article’s topic. It is also a good idea to proofread your letter for errors.
APA, MLA, and APA formats
Several formats must be used to format your scientific paper for publication in a scientific journal. Each style has its own unique rules for formatting. For example, the MLA format doesn’t require a title page, but it requires a four-line header on the first page that includes the title of your paper, the author’s last name, educational institution, and submission date. The APA format requires a running head on every page, with a page number aligned to the left.
The APA style is a more formal style that assists authors in organizing their work and creating an accurate set of references and citations. It is used for scientific publications in the social sciences and behavioral sciences. It also helps prevent plagiarism by providing comprehensive text that facilitates the communication of ideas and facts. The MLA style is more common in the humanities, while the APA style is used in the social and behavioral sciences.
Editorial screening
Before an article can be published in a scientific journal, it must undergo editorial screening. This process involves an editor specializing in the paper’s subject matter. They may request additional information or minor edits from the author. They may also decide to reject the paper or send it for peer review.
Editors at resources like Bentham Open consider the views of all reviewers and weigh them against their own. The author may appeal if there is a fundamental error in the review process or an unfair paper assessment. However, the author must remain polite and thoughtful throughout the review process, as this will increase the chances of a positive response. Also, editors are there to ensure that the quality of published papers is high, and they may draw attention to areas of improvement. However, do not take the reviewer’s comments personally, as they are meant to serve the journal’s interest.
Revisions
You’ll likely have to make several revisions when publishing in a scientific journal. This can be a complicated process. Sometimes, the journal editor will promise to publish the paper if specific changes are made to it. If you’re considering a revision, consider whether the changes will compromise the integrity of your work.
When considering a revision, remember that the journal’s standards for scientific papers are high. A poor-quality article can get rejected. However, it may still be possible to make some helpful changes.
Submission to a journal
When preparing to publish a paper in a scientific journal, it is essential to ensure it meets its requirements. This includes checking the scope and conditions in the instructions for authors, ensuring that the cited literature is balanced, and ensuring that the results’ aims, purpose, and significance are clearly stated. Then, submit your paper to the journal via e-mail or an online submission system. Include a cover letter explaining why the paper would be an excellent fit for the journal.
The production team at the journal will create the final version of the paper, which will include the author’s input at various stages. There will be a variety of tasks to complete and decisions to make, such as reviewing proofs and considering video abstracts.
Reviewers’ requests
When reviewing a manuscript, the journal editor checks the content to ensure it meets the basic requirements of the journal. These include word count, language clarity, format, and research-funding information. Reviewers also check for conflicts of interest. If there is a conflict of interest, the reviewer should decline to review the manuscript.
If a reviewer requests a specific citation, they are likely to be motivated by several reasons. For example, they may feel that citing several articles by the same author is relevant to the article’s topic. If this is the case, the author should clearly explain the reasons for their request. Editors will help resolve disagreements if necessary.
Technical check
The first step in publishing in a scientific journal is to submit an article. Once you submit your report, the editor will perform a technical check to ensure it is ready for further assessment. The editor will review your paper for several issues, including missing references and figures, incorrect or blurred statistics, and missing ethical statements. In most cases, you will receive feedback from the technical editor three times: during the initial submission, the first decision letter, and after acceptance.
The author can respond to their comments if the journal requests a revision. At this stage, the technical editor will review the revised manuscript for errors and ensure the manuscript meets the journal’s technical requirements. Any changes not requested by the editor should be justified with rationale. The second round of formal review will be required if the changes are extensive.
