How to Write a manuscript for Publication

You can write a manuscript as a summary or long-form text on a particular topic to explain vital details to readers. Many manuscripts are written for publishing in international journals and may need editorial or peer reviews to get approval.

You need to consider several vital elements before writing a manuscript for publication. Let’s take a look at every vital detail you need to write manuscripts that scale through reviews without stress.

What is a Manuscript?

A manuscript for publication is a written document divided into five (5) or more sections. Writers may also put a manuscript together for internal assessments or research aside from publications in journals.

Manuscript writing aims to make certain points clearer to readers and goes beyond presenting ideas and facts. A manuscript allows a writer or researcher to explain findings in detail and helps readers understand vital points about a given topic.

Manuscript writing has a rigid format and essential guidelines you must follow to get it done.

Steps to Write a Manuscript for Publication

Step 1: Gather information about your topic

First, get vital details about your manuscript like the scope of your topic, points to be evaluated, expected findings, etc. Sourcing for information about your preferred topic makes the manuscript-writing process easier.

Step 2: Write a first draft of vital sections in the manuscript

Manuscripts written for publication in science journals usually have methodology and results sections. You need to complete these sections before proceeding to other areas of your manuscript. The results from your findings will determine how you structure other sections in the document.

Step 3: Structure the manuscript

Your manuscript should follow this basic structure:

-       Title,

-       Abstract,

-       Introduction paragraph,

-       Materials and methods,

-       Discussion,

-       Conclusion,

-       References/Bibliography

Following this structure ensures you can cover all vital details of your topic. It also ensures you can explain all essential concepts to readers with ease.

Step 4: Send for editing and effect reviews where necessary

You may need to carry out an internal edit of your manuscript before sending to your preferred publisher. Edit your manuscript and make necessary changes before handing it in for editorial reviews.

How Long Should a Manuscript Be?

There is no universally-accepted length of pages for manuscripts, but many popular journals usually set word or page-length limits. Common manuscripts for publication can range between 3500 to over 8000 words depending on the topic, included resources, and other elements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Writing a Manuscript for Publication

Plagiarism

Plagiarized manuscripts are becoming increasingly popular, especially with the easy access to related online resources. You must ensure originality in your manuscript from start to finish and ensure all sources get proper mentions.

Do not copy word-for-word; express all information from sources in your own words. Cite these sources before or after each sentence based on your preferred referencing style.

‘Repeat’ manuscripts

Many manuscripts get rejected at the internal stage while twice as much of these drafts don’t make it past peer reviews. Editors may turn down your request to have a manuscript published if many people have written on your topic before.