Submission Package Guidelines

This comprehensive guide provides a template for a journal submission package, including a cover letter, highlights, a recommended reviewer section, and a guide to creating a graphical abstract.

I. Cover Letter Template

Ensure this is placed on your university or company letterhead.

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Date]

[Editor Name, if known, otherwise "Editor-in-Chief"]
[Journal Name]
[Journal Address]

Subject: Submission of manuscript "[Insert Manuscript Title]"

Dear Dr./Mr./Ms. [Editor Last Name],

I am writing to submit our original research manuscript entitled "[Full Manuscript Title]" for consideration for publication as a [Research Article/Short Communication/Review] in [Journal Name].

Our study investigates [briefly describe the research problem or topic, 1-2 sentences] by [mention key methodology]. We found that [summarize the most important finding, 1-2 sentences]. This study is significant because it [explains how it advances the field, 1 sentence] and directly addresses a critical gap in [mentioned specific research area].

We believe these findings are of high interest to the readership of [Journal Name] because they [explain how the paper fits the journal's scope and why it is important to their specific audience].

This manuscript is original work and has not been published previously, nor is it currently under consideration for publication elsewhere [mention if it is on a preprint server, if applicable]. All authors have approved the manuscript and agree with its submission to [Journal Name]. We have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Thank you for considering our manuscript. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Corresponding Author

II. Research Highlights

Journals (e.g., Elsevier) often require 3-5 bullet points, with a maximum of 85 characters each.

  • [Example: Novel X technique reduces pollution by 40% in wastewater tests.]
  • [Example: Optimized parameters achieved 99% removal efficiency in 30 minutes.]
  • [Example: New mechanism identified for pollutant degradation.]
  • [Example: Results suggest scalability for industrial applications.]

III. Possible Recommended Reviewers

List 3-5 potential reviewers who are experts in your field but not direct collaborators.

Dr. [Name] - [Institution]
Email: [Email Address]
Rationale: Expert in [Area 1] and [Area 2], familiar with [Methodology].

Dr. [Name] - [Institution]
Email: [Email Address]
Rationale: Recently published on [Specific Topic].

Dr. [Name] - [Institution]
Email: [Email Address]
Rationale: Leading researcher in [Field] and [Related Work].

IV. Graphical Abstract Concept

A graphical abstract is a single image that serves as a visual summary, intended to be understood within 5–10 seconds.

  • Content: A "before-and-after" comparison, a flowchart of the process, or a mechanism diagram.
  • Best Practices: Keep it simple; avoid excessive text or complex illustrations.
  • Focus: Pick the single most important outcome.
  • Format: Preferred files are TIFF, EPS, PDF, or MS Office files (300 dpi minimum).
  • Layout: Clear "reading" direction (left-to-right or top-to-bottom).
  • Tools: PowerPoint, BioRender, or Adobe Illustrator.

Checklist Before Submitting

  • Read the Guidelines: Does the journal require a specific template for the cover letter?
  • No Abstract in Letter: Do not copy-paste the abstract; the cover letter should be a "pitch".
  • Confirm Ethics: State that the study was approved by an institutional review board if it involves humans or animals. See Ethical Guidelines to Publication for more information.
  • File Naming: Name files correctly (e.g., "Graphical_Abstract.tif", "Highlights.docx").