A scientific paper checklist helps a research team find preventable problems before a journal editor or reviewer does. It cannot guarantee acceptance, but it can make the manuscript clearer, more complete, and easier to evaluate.
Check the contribution and journal fit
- The paper makes one main contribution that can be stated in one sentence.
- The intended readers and journal scope match that contribution.
- The article type, length, and structure follow current author guidance.
- The title and abstract accurately represent the study.
Audit methods and evidence
Confirm that another qualified reader could understand what was done, under which conditions, and how results were analyzed. Report approvals, exclusions, uncertainty, controls, and limitations where applicable.
Review every figure and table
- Labels, units, legends, and captions are complete.
- Values agree with the text and source data.
- Resolution and file format meet journal requirements.
- Color choices remain understandable and accessible.
- No visual repeats information without adding value.
Confirm authorship and integrity
Every author should meet the applicable authorship criteria, approve the final manuscript, and understand the contribution and accountability expectations. Confirm funding, conflicts, data ownership, permissions, and any required AI disclosure.
Prepare the submission package
- Cover letter tailored to the manuscript
- Clean manuscript and any required blinded version
- Supplementary data or reporting checklist
- Suggested reviewers only when requested
- Final reference and link check
- Approval from all authors before submission