You have written a good research manuscript; also proofread and edited it to present an error-free paper in front of the medical journal editors.
However, few mistakes are still lurking in your paper which may irritate the journal editors?
Know what these mistakes are?
If no, then it’s time to read further:
1) The opening line
Isaac Newton discovered gravity after an apple fell on his head in 1664. This is a known fact and doesn’t interest the editors to read further. So, always begin your paper with a sentence that provokes the editor to take an interest in your work.
2) Claims of originality
Sentences in the manuscript like “We were the first to…” puts off the journal editors. They expect you to write what you did and what were your findings. The results of your research will depict the originality of your work, you need not claim it.
3) Disregard for the word count
Every journal mentions its acceptable word limit in the “Instructions for Authors”. Read them carefully and stick to the recommended word limit when you write the different sections of the manuscript; abstract, methods, results, etc. Prioritize what is important for the readers to know and omit the unnecessary information.
4) Unnecessary digits
Do not confuse the journal editors with large numbers like 25. 4,532,785%. Limit the digits to whole numbers for percentages greater than 10.
5) Comparatives without a comparison
If you compare your work with some previous work in the same domain, write it clearly and precisely how your technique is better and with whom you compare.
6) Use of the wrong terms
“This technique is workable…..
“This technique is absolutely accurate….
If you use such statements in your manuscript, the journal editors do not like it. They look for clear terminology such as “sensitivity” and “specificity”.
7) Figure and table legends are incomplete
When you include any figure and table in your research manuscript, make sure to write their legends. Legends must provide complete information about their source and significance. If the editor has to flip through the pages to search for the desired information, he will put aside your manuscript.
8) Citing figures and tables in the discussion
Do not mention specific figures or tables in the Discussion section. It does not require referencing other sections of the paper in the Discussion.
9) Abbreviations without definitions
Do not assume that the medical journal editors will understand the meaning of the abbreviations or acronyms you use in the paper. Therefore, you should define when you mention them in the paper, both for the first time and also in the Abstract, Introduction, and Figures/Tables.
10) Excessive use of acronyms
Though you define the acronyms used in your paper, it doesn’t permit you to use them in excess. Use acronyms judiciously so that the editors can enjoy your writing and focus on the main message of your research.
Take care of these common mistakes during your medical manuscript editing and impress the journal editors with your well-written document.