Steps to Getting Your Manuscript Published in a High-Quality Medical Journal

Charles M. Balch MD, Kelly M. McMasters MD,PhD, V. Suzanne Klimberg MD,PhD, Timothy M. Pawlik MD,MPH,PhD, Mitchell C. Posner MD, Mark Roh MD, Kenneth K. Tanabe MD, Deborah Whippen BA, Naruhiko Ikoma MD,MS
Melanomas
Volume 25, Issue 4 / April , 2018

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Abstract

Publication of your research represents the culmination of your scientific activities. The key to getting manuscripts accepted is to make them understandable and informative so that your colleagues will read and benefit from them. We describe key criteria for acceptance of manuscripts and outline a multi-step process for writing the manuscript. The likelihood that a manuscript will be accepted by a major journal is significantly increased if the manuscript is written in polished and fluent scientific English. Although scientific quality is the most important consideration, clear and concise writing often makes the difference between acceptance and rejection. As with any skill, efficient writing of high-quality manuscripts comes with experience and repetition. It is very uncommon for a manuscript to be accepted as submitted to a journal. Thoughtful and respectful responses to the journal reviewers’ comments are critical. Success in scientific writing, as in surgery, is dependent on effort, repetition, and commitment. The transfer of knowledge through a well-written publication in a high-quality medical journal will have an impact not only in your own institution and country, but also throughout the world.

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