How to Write and Publish a Research Paper for a Peer-Reviewed Journal

Abstract

Communicating research findings is an essential step in the research process. Often, peer-reviewed journals are the forum for such communication, yet many researchers are never taught how to write a publishable scientific paper. In this article, we explain the basic structure of a scientific paper and describe the information that should be included in each section. We also identify common pitfalls for each section and recommend strategies to avoid them. Further, we give advice about target journal selection and authorship. In the online resource 1, we provide an example of a high-quality scientific paper, with annotations identifying the elements we describe in this article.

Keywords: Manuscripts; Publishing; Scientific writing.

Fig. 1

The main elements of the introduction section of an original research article. Often, the elements overlap

Fig. 2

Major elements of the discussion section of an original research article. Often, the elements overlap

Fig. 3

Checklist for manuscript quality