The One Mistake That Can Delay Your Paper Publication by Months

After months or even years of experiments, data collection, and manuscript writing, researchers often expect a smooth submission process. However, one common mistake can delay publication by months: not following the journal’s formatting and submission guidelines.

Even excellent research can be delayed or rejected if the paper isn’t formatted correctly. This guide provides practical steps to find journal guidelines, prepare your manuscript accordingly, and ensure a smooth submission, so your research reaches the audience it deserves without unnecessary delays.

Many researchers focus on the content of the paper—data, analysis, and results—but editors first check whether the manuscript meets submission standards. Ignoring these rules can lead to:

Guidelines exist for a reason. They ensure clarity, readability, and consistency, making it easier for editors and reviewers to assess your work.

Before preparing your paper, it is essential to identify suitable journals and study their submission requirements. Here’s how to do it:

Most journals have a dedicated section on their website labeled:

• “Instructions for Authors”

• “Submission Guidelines”

• “Author Resources”

Here, you can find detailed information about:

• Manuscript structure

• Word count limits

• Formatting requirements

• Reference style

• Figures, tables, and supplementary materials

• Ethical declarations and funding disclosures

Browsing recent articles in the journal can give insights into:

• The writing style

• Abstract and introduction length

• Figure and table formats

• Citation style in practice

If any instructions are unclear, email the editorial office to clarify. Journals are often willing to guide authors before submission, which can prevent delays later.

A professional title page is often the first impression your manuscript makes. Editors and reviewers notice:

• Paper title: Should be concise, clear, and include keywords for indexing

• Author names and affiliations: Include all contributors, with the corresponding author marked

• Corresponding author details: Email, phone, and mailing address if required

• Running title (optional): Shortened version of the paper title

• Keywords: 3–6 terms representing the main topics

• Acknowledgments or funding information (if requested)

⚠️ Mistakes on the title page, such as missing author details or incorrect affiliations, are common reasons for initial desk rejection.

Most journals follow a standard IMRaD format (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion). Ensuring each section meets the journal’s formatting requirements is crucial:

• Abstract: Pay attention to word limit, structure (structured vs. unstructured), and clarity

• Headings and subheadings: Follow the exact style required, including font, size, and numbering

• Figures and tables: Number correctly, add captions, and embed or upload separately as per journal instructions

• References: Adhere strictly to the journal’s citation style (APA, Vancouver, AMA, etc.)

📌 Tip: Many journals provide Word or LaTeX templates. Using these templates reduces formatting errors and speeds up submission.

Figures and tables often cause delays due to incorrect formatting. Make sure to:

• Use high-resolution images as specified (often ≥300 dpi)

• Include clear, concise captions

• Number figures and tables in order of appearance

• Submit separate files if the journal requires it

Even minor errors, such as low-quality images or missing labels, can result in a request for corrections before review, adding weeks or months to the process.

References are a common source of errors that slow down publication. To avoid problems:

• Ensure all in-text citations match the reference list

• Follow the journal’s specific citation style exactly

• Include DOIs if requested

• Use reference management software (e.g., EndNote, Zotero, Mendeley) to prevent mistakes

Missing or improperly formatted references can lead to desk rejection or resubmission requests.

Many journals now require:

• Ethical approval for human or animal studies

• Conflict of interest disclosures

• Funding statements

• Data availability statements

Failing to provide these details can halt the review process. Make sure all ethical declarations are complete and formatted according to the journal’s guidelines.

Language and clarity issues are another reason papers get delayed. Recommendations include:

• Review grammar, spelling, and punctuation

• Ensure clear sentence structure and logical flow

• Consider professional editing services if English is not your first language

A polished, clear manuscript increases the chances of passing the desk review and reduces delays during peer review.

Before hitting submit, create a checklist that covers:

• Journal guidelines followed

• Title page complete

• Abstract formatted correctly

• Figures and tables checked

• References accurate and complete

• Author details consistent

• Ethical statements included

• Manuscript proofread for language and formatting

✅ Using a checklist prevents oversights that could otherwise delay publication by months.

• Follow the online submission system instructions carefully

• Name files according to journal requirements

• Upload all required materials (manuscript, figures, supplementary files)

• Respond promptly if the editor requests adjustments

Proper submission ensures that your paper moves efficiently into peer review without unnecessary delays.

If you have urgent deadlines (graduation, grant reporting, promotion), some journals offer fast-track options. Professional services, such as SITA Academy, can help by:

• Formatting your paper exactly to journal guidelines

• Editing language and references

• Managing submission and communication with editors

This can significantly reduce delays caused by formatting errors or guideline non-compliance.

1. The one mistake that delays publications is ignoring or incorrectly applying journal submission guidelines.

2. Planning ahead—selecting the right journal, preparing the title page, formatting figures and references—saves months of delay.

3. Use checklists, proofreading, and professional services to ensure compliance.

4. Ethical statements, correct figures, and references are as important as the research content.

5. Fast-track submission and expert guidance can accelerate the path to publication.