You're struggling to get your research published. How can you increase your chances of success?

1 Choose the right journal

Before you send your manuscript to any journal, you need to do some homework. You need to find out which journals are most relevant and suitable for your research topic, scope, and audience. You can use online databases, such as Scopus or Web of Science, to search for journals that publish similar or related bioengineering research. You can also check the impact factor, citation rate, and acceptance rate of the journals to assess their quality and competitiveness. You should also read the journal's aims, scope, and guidelines carefully to make sure that your manuscript fits their criteria and expectations. Choosing the right journal can save you time and effort, and increase your chances of getting a positive response.

2 Write a clear and concise abstract

The abstract is the first thing that the editors and reviewers will read when they receive your manuscript. It is also the most visible part of your publication, as it will be indexed by databases and search engines, and read by potential readers who want to know more about your research. Therefore, you need to write a clear and concise abstract that summarizes the main purpose, methods, results, and implications of your research. You should use keywords that reflect your research topic and field, and avoid jargon, acronyms, and technical terms that may confuse or alienate your audience. You should also follow the journal's word limit and format for the abstract, and proofread it carefully for grammar and spelling errors.

3 Follow the journal's style and format

Each journal has its own style and format for the manuscripts that they accept. You need to follow their instructions carefully and adhere to their standards and conventions. This includes the structure, layout, font, spacing, headings, citations, references, tables, figures, and appendices of your manuscript. You should also use the journal's template, if provided, or follow their examples of previous publications. You should check the journal's website or contact the editor if you have any questions or doubts about the style and format. Following the journal's style and format shows that you respect their rules and preferences, and makes your manuscript easier to read and review.

5 Respond to the feedback

Once you have submitted your manuscript, you will have to wait for the editor's decision and the reviewers' feedback. This can take weeks or months, depending on the journal and the review process. You should be patient and respectful, and avoid sending multiple or aggressive inquiries or complaints. When you receive the feedback, you should read it carefully and objectively, and try to understand the points and suggestions that the editor and reviewers have made. You should also acknowledge and appreciate their efforts and contributions, and respond to their feedback in a polite and professional manner. You should address their comments and questions, and explain how you have revised or improved your manuscript accordingly. You should also provide a clear and concise summary of the changes that you have made, and highlight the main revisions in your manuscript. Responding to the feedback in a constructive and cooperative way can increase your chances of getting your manuscript accepted or resubmitted.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?