Presentation and publication skills

The article "Presentation and Publication Skills: How to Get Your Paper Published" by Nicolaas E. Deutz, Nathalie Delzenne, George Grimble, and Dileep N. Lobo offers guidance on the challenges of publishing scientific papers and shares strategies to improve the quality and chances of acceptance in high-impact journals. The authors emphasize that a paper’s success is largely determined by the quality of the study design, the clarity of the primary research question, and a well-defined endpoint. Before submission, researchers are advised to ensure their studies have ethical approvals, conflict-of-interest declarations, and, when applicable, registration in public databases.

The paper outlines key aspects of structuring a manuscript, highlighting the need for a concise introduction focused on the study's purpose, a methods section detailing the research approach, and a results section that effectively presents data through tables and figures. The discussion should contextualize findings within existing research and acknowledge any study limitations. The authors also stress that each section must be written clearly and engagingly to keep readers interested.

In discussing the publication process, the article emphasizes the importance of a strong first submission, as editors often make decisions based on first impressions. It describes the roles of editors and reviewers, and how manuscripts are initially assessed, which may result in immediate rejection or transfer to a different journal. The peer review process is presented as a collaborative effort, though time-intensive, requiring thoughtful responses to reviewer feedback in case revisions are requested.

The authors conclude with advice for boosting a paper's quality before submission, such as involving experienced colleagues to review the manuscript. Following journal guidelines closely, ensuring methodological rigor, and choosing impactful topics are essential for publication success. This educational guide serves as a comprehensive resource for researchers aiming to navigate the submission process and improve their scientific communication skills effectively.

Reference:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.07.010