Guide to preparing your research

Good preparation lays the groundwork for a successful publication. Whether you're planning a new study or finalizing your manuscript, getting it right early can save time and improve your chances of acceptance.

Why preparation matters

A well-prepared manuscript is more likely to pass editorial checks, move smoothly through peer review, and make a stronger impact on readers.

From structuring your article to checking the finer details, this guide helps you get everything in place before you move forward.

Stage	What to do	Why it matters
Preparing	Define research question and objectives. Review existing literature. Plan study design and methods.	Ensures your study is relevant, reproducible, and built on solid foundations.
Researching	Collect and organize data. Keep detailed records. Prepare figures and tables early.	Saves time later and reduces errors during manuscript drafting.
Manuscript drafting	Draft a manuscript outline. Choose target journal and review its guidelines.	Aligns structure and format with journal expectations, avoiding delays.
Writing	Write clearly and concisely. Cite sources accurately. Ensure all figures, tables, and supplementary data are complete.	Enhances readability, facilitates peer review, and amplifies scientific impact.
Pre-submission	Use a manuscript checklist. Run spelling/grammar checks. Verify references and metadata.	Ensures no minor errors delay review or cause rejection.
Submission	Submit via the journal’s portal. Track manuscript status in MyFrontiers or equivalent.	Starts the peer review process smoothly.

Explore the steps

Before you write your research

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Planning your research

Good research starts with good planning. Setting clear goals, understanding the current literature, and aligning your methodology with your aims can help ensure your work is relevant, reproducible, and ready for peer review.

Preparing your research

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How to prepare your manuscript

When it’s time to write, structure and clarity are key. Understanding what journals expect, such as specific formatting requirements, section structure, and data standards, can help avoid delays.

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Manuscript checklist

Make sure you don't miss an important detail by preparing a step by step checklist to walk you through preparing and submitting your manuscript. Our guide tells you how.

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Author services

Need help refining your manuscript? Our author services can support you with aspects like editing, figure preparation, or translation so your research is ready for submission.

Author guidelines

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Author guidelines

Read our author guidelines to learn more about publishing in a Frontiers journal.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to follow a specific format?

Yes, each journal has its own guidelines. Our manuscript preparation page includes detailed instructions and templates to help you format your work correctly from the start.

How can I make sure I’m not missing anything?

Use our manuscript checklist to make sure your article meets all technical and editorial requirements before submission.

What’s next?

Once your manuscript is ready, it’s time to choose the right journal and submit. Continue your journey with the next guide: choosing where to publish