Practical aspects of drafting and submission of a manuscript: A brief note for novice medical researchers and students

Abstract

Drafting and submitting a manuscript can be a daunting process for novice medical researchers and students. Medical evidence, clinical guidelines, and protocols are the outcomes of medical research conducted in academia. However, owing to poorly prepared manuscripts and repeated rejections, numerous researchers face difficulties in disseminating their findings. This article aims to provide an outline of important practical aspects of drafting and submitting a manuscript for medical professionals and novice researchers, such as guidelines to adhere to, ethical aspects of scientific writing, common reasons for rejection, revising a draft, selecting a journal to publish, tips to identify predatory journals, and the use of language in the manuscript. By following these guidelines, novice researchers can enhance the quality and impact of their scientific contributions, ultimately fostering advancements in medical knowledge and patient care.