Writing convincing manuscripts for peer-reviewed medical journals: drafting a systematic review article

Abstract

Researchers preparing systematic review articles frequently face rejection by journal editors and peer-reviewers, leading invariably to time wastage in the rejection resubmission cycle. In addition to undertaking the review work, authors need to understand the manuscript assessment mechanisms and the publication process within medical journals. Prospective registration boosts the authenticity of the review. The abstract is the most important part of the manuscript as it will make the first impression. The article structure is normally pre-determined according to the journal´s instructions, and compliance with writing checklists is mandatory. It is a good idea to deploy checklist items in writing up from the beginning. Introduction and discussion sections may not be hard to draft if one follows a structured approach. This article will help familiarize authors with unwritten rules about the publication of reviews, giving writing tips to increase the probability of the manuscript being accepted on the first submission.