Check the journal and article fit
Read the journal's scope and article categories. Confirm that the submission route belongs to the legitimate publisher. Where indexing matters, check the relevant official database and the specific claim. PubMed, MEDLINE and PubMed Central are related but distinct resources; one label should not be treated as proof of all the others. NLM: MEDLINE, PubMed and PMC
Prepare the correct manuscript version
Match the requested abstract format, word limits, headings and reference style. Check whether the journal wants a blinded manuscript and a separate title page. Avoid leaving author information in a blinded file, its comments or document properties when anonymization is required.
Verify author information and declarations
Ask all authors to check names, affiliations and the version to be submitted. Prepare accurate funding, conflict-of-interest, contribution and ethics information. Include disclosures of editorial or other assistance as required. Never add declarations automatically without author confirmation. ICMJE authorship guidance
Match tables, figures and supplementary files
Check that each file is named clearly, mentioned in the manuscript and uploaded in the required format. Figure legends, units and table notes should be understandable. Use the journal's actual resolution and file requirements rather than assuming a universal specification.
Choose the relevant reporting checklist
Identify the reporting guideline and relevant extension for your design using the journal's requirements and a resource such as EQUATOR. Fill in page references from the final manuscript. A completed checklist should reflect what was actually reported, not substitute for missing methods. EQUATOR reporting guidelines
Review, approve and retain the package
Confirm the cover letter, declarations, required permissions and any journal charges before submission. Obtain author approval and retain the submitted files and confirmation. Preparing a complete package reduces avoidable omissions; it does not guarantee peer review or acceptance.
Questions about journal submission checklist
- Does PubMed inclusion mean a journal is MEDLINE-indexed?
- Not automatically. Check the relevant NLM records and distinguish citation discovery from the particular indexing status you need. NLM: MEDLINE, PubMed and PMC
- Can I use one cover letter for every journal?
- Use the chosen journal's instructions and verify every declaration rather than reusing an unchecked letter.