Decide whether an enquiry will help
Check whether the journal accepts pre-submission enquiries and what information it requests. An enquiry is most useful when article type or scope is uncertain. It is less useful when the published instructions already clearly exclude the work.
Explain the paper without overselling it
Include the proposed title, article type, a concise description of the contribution and why it fits the readership. Add an abstract or outline only as instructed. Avoid unsupported claims that the result is unique, definitive or guaranteed to attract citations.
Ask a question the editor can answer
The aim is to clarify potential suitability, not to obtain a promise of acceptance. A positive response may still be conditional on editorial checks and peer review. Keep a record of the response and any requested materials.
Use the answer in your submission plan
If invited, prepare the full manuscript against the current requirements and mention the enquiry where appropriate. If the response is negative or unclear, assess alternatives before spending time on journal-specific formatting.
Scope, files and delivery
Start with a short project brief. We assess the work, discuss the expertise required and confirm the deliverables, fee, schedule and included revisions in writing. Share the current version and the instructions that govern it. Additional data, a new target journal or a substantially changed brief may require a revised scope. You review the proposed changes and retain responsibility for the research.