{"id":12523,"date":"2026-06-23T02:56:57","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T02:56:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/?p=12523"},"modified":"2026-07-12T09:28:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T09:28:41","slug":"manuscript-formatting-errors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 8 Formatting Errors Researchers Make in Journal Articles"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Formatting errors are among the most common reasons for manuscript desk rejections or revisions. Whether you&#8217;re a first-time author or an experienced researcher, overlooking journal guidelines can cost valuable time and delay publication. This guide identifies the most frequent formatting mistakes and how to avoid them.<\/p>\n<p><em>See also: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-journal\/\">How to choose a journal: Where to publish your research<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#1_Not_Following_Word_Limits\" >1. Not Following Word Limits<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Why_Word_Limits_Matter\" >Why Word Limits Matter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Common_Issues\" >Common Issues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Best_Practice\" >Best Practice<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#2_Not_Following_Prescribed_Manuscript_Structure\" >2. Not Following Prescribed Manuscript Structure<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Expected_Organization\" >Expected Organization<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Example\" >Example<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Impact_of_Deviations\" >Impact of Deviations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#3_Missing_Declarations_and_Disclosures\" >3. Missing Declarations and Disclosures<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Required_Disclosures\" >Required Disclosures<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Example-2\" >Example<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Template_Approach\" >Template Approach<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#4_Incomplete_Metadata\" >4. Incomplete Metadata<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#What_Counts_as_Metadata\" >What Counts as Metadata<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#5_Missing_or_Not_Citing_Tables_and_Figures\" >5. Missing or Not Citing Tables and Figures<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Integration_Requirements\" >Integration Requirements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Example-3\" >Example<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Best_Practice-2\" >Best Practice<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#6_Not_Anonymizing_Manuscript_Fully\" >6. Not Anonymizing Manuscript Fully<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Anonymity_Violations\" >Anonymity Violations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Example-4\" >Example<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#7_Submitting_Figures_in_Unsupported_Format_or_Without_Meeting_Technical_Specifications\" >7. Submitting Figures in Unsupported Format or Without Meeting Technical Specifications<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Common_Technical_Issues\" >Common Technical Issues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Example-5\" >Example<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Pre-Submission_Checklist_for_Artwork\" >Pre-Submission Checklist for Artwork<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#8_Abstract_Not_Following_Journal_Guidelines_for_Structure_and_Content\" >8. Abstract Not Following Journal Guidelines for Structure and Content<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Common_Structural_Requirements_by_Discipline\" >Common Structural Requirements by Discipline<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Frequent_Abstract_Errors\" >Frequent Abstract Errors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/manuscript-formatting-errors\/#Example-6\" >Example<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Not_Following_Word_Limits\"><\/span>1. Not Following Word Limits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Word_Limits_Matter\"><\/span>Why Word Limits Matter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Journals enforce word limits to maintain consistency, manage publication costs, and ensure readability. Exceeding the limit signals that you haven&#8217;t edited your work carefully.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Issues\"><\/span>Common Issues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Exceeding the stated word count by 10-20%<\/li>\n<li>Excluding or including methodology in word count inconsistently<\/li>\n<li>Misunderstanding which sections count toward the limit (abstract, references, appendices often don&#8217;t)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Practice\"><\/span>Best Practice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Use your word processor&#8217;s word count function and check the journal&#8217;s specific guidelines. Build in a 50-word buffer during writing, then edit down to meet the requirement exactly.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Not_Following_Prescribed_Manuscript_Structure\"><\/span>2. Not Following Prescribed Manuscript Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Expected_Organization\"><\/span>Expected Organization<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most journals require a specific structure to guide readers and reviewers through your research logically.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Standard Components<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-research-paper\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; Problem statement and research questions<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/methods-section-research-paper\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Methods<\/strong> <\/a>&#8211; Replicable procedures<\/li>\n<li><strong>Results<\/strong> &#8211; Findings presented objectively<\/li>\n<li><strong>Discussion<\/strong> &#8211; Interpretation and implications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Separate sections that some journals may ask for<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-is-literature-review-definition-types-and-examples\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Literature review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/5-tips-for-discussing-your-research-limitations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Limitations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/5-ways-you-can-highlight-the-implications-of-your-research\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Implications<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Conclusion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example\"><\/span>Example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The BMJ asks for a separate summary box divided into 2 sections on what is already known about the topic and what your study adds.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12527\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12527\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12527\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Example-of-journal-asking-for-summary-box-1-300x208.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Example-of-journal-asking-for-summary-box-1-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Example-of-journal-asking-for-summary-box-1-1024x711.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Example-of-journal-asking-for-summary-box-1-768x533.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Example-of-journal-asking-for-summary-box-1.jpg 1371w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12527\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Guidelines from The BMJ about mandatory summary boxes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The European Journal of Educational Research requires separate literature review, conclusion, recommendations, and limitations sections.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12529\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12529\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12529\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-separate-literature-review-conclusion-recommendations-and-limitations-sections-1-300x52.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"52\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-separate-literature-review-conclusion-recommendations-and-limitations-sections-1-300x52.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-separate-literature-review-conclusion-recommendations-and-limitations-sections-1-1024x176.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-separate-literature-review-conclusion-recommendations-and-limitations-sections-1-768x132.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-separate-literature-review-conclusion-recommendations-and-limitations-sections-1-1536x264.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-separate-literature-review-conclusion-recommendations-and-limitations-sections-1.jpg 1837w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12529\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Example of journal asking for separate sections for the literature review, conclusions, implications, and limitations<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Impact_of_Deviations\"><\/span>Impact of Deviations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Failing to follow the prescribed structure may result in desk rejection before peer review. Reviewers expect to find information in predictable locations.<\/p>\n<p>Solution<\/p>\n<p>Have your paper checked by a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/services\/research-paper-manuscript-formatting-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">manuscript formatting service<\/a> prior to submission. Trained professionals can help you understand journal guidelines and fix these issues, so that you avoid desk rejection.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Missing_Declarations_and_Disclosures\"><\/span>3. Missing Declarations and Disclosures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Required_Disclosures\"><\/span>Required Disclosures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most journals now mandate explicit declarations to ensure transparency and ethical standards.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Essential Declarations<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Funding sources and acknowledgment of grant numbers<\/li>\n<li>Conflicts of interest (financial and non-financial)<\/li>\n<li>Data availability statements<\/li>\n<li>Author contributions (who did what)<\/li>\n<li>Ethical approval confirmations<\/li>\n<li>Competing interests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example-2\"><\/span>Example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>PLOS journals require a detailed funding disclosure statement and threaten to retract or reject articles with incorrect funding information.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12532\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12532\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12532\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-PLOS-funding-disclosure-requirements-1-300x151.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-PLOS-funding-disclosure-requirements-1-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-PLOS-funding-disclosure-requirements-1-1024x517.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-PLOS-funding-disclosure-requirements-1-768x388.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-PLOS-funding-disclosure-requirements-1-1536x775.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-PLOS-funding-disclosure-requirements-1.jpg 1862w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12532\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Funding disclosure requirements from PLOS ONE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Template_Approach\"><\/span>Template Approach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Read author guidelines carefully, note down what sections and declarations are required, and use your journal&#8217;s exact wording. Missing or vague declarations can lead to rejection or retraction after publication.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Incomplete_Metadata\"><\/span>4. Incomplete Metadata<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Counts_as_Metadata\"><\/span>What Counts as Metadata<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Metadata includes all identifying and descriptive information about your article and authors.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Metadata Element<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>What to Include<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Common Mistakes<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Author names<\/td>\n<td>Full names exactly<\/td>\n<td>Inconsistent spelling and inconsistent use of middle initial vs full middle name<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Affiliations<\/td>\n<td>All current institutions<\/td>\n<td>Missing secondary affiliations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Keywords<\/td>\n<td>4-8 relevant terms<\/td>\n<td>\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Not verifying that keywords are MeSH if the journal asks for MeSH keywordsot verifying that keywords are MeSH if the journal asks for MeSH keywords<\/p>\n<p>\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Repeating keywords from the title when the journal asks for different keywords from the title<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Running head<\/td>\n<td>Short title (50-60 characters)<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Omitting entirely or confusing \u201ccharacters\u201d with \u201cwords\u201d for the limit<\/li>\n<li>Not including spaces in the character limit (spaces should be included unless journal specifies otherwise)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.us\/blog\/what-does-a-corresponding-author-do-during-manuscript-submission\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Corresponding author<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Complete contact details<\/td>\n<td>Using outdated email or an email ID that the corresponding author has limited access to<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Missing metadata delays indexing and reduces article discoverability. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Editage<\/a> editors are trained, however, to spot incomplete or conflicting metadata, so that you can submit your article smoothly and easily.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Missing_or_Not_Citing_Tables_and_Figures\"><\/span>5. Missing or Not Citing Tables and Figures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Integration_Requirements\"><\/span>Integration Requirements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/how-to-create-tables-for-a-research-paper-examples-and-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tables<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/figures-research-paper\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">figures<\/a> must be referenced in text before they appear and should enhance rather than duplicate your narrative.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Critical Errors<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Figures or tables included but never mentioned in text<\/li>\n<li>Using words like &#8220;shown in Table below&#8221; instead of &#8220;Table 1&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>Poor positioning: figure appears before it&#8217;s referenced<\/li>\n<li>Missing figure legends or table titles<\/li>\n<li>Figures or tables included in the main manuscript instead of being separate files or vice versa<\/li>\n<li>Not adhering to journal\u2019s content recommendations for tables\/figures.<\/li>\n<li>Figures or tables cannot be understood without referring to the main paper<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example-3\"><\/span>Example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The journal <em>Radiology <\/em>has specific content requirements for Table 1 (participant demographics) and Figure 1 (participant flowchart).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12540\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12540\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12540\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-specific-tables-and-figures-1-300x170.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"170\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-specific-tables-and-figures-1-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-specific-tables-and-figures-1-1024x579.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-specific-tables-and-figures-1-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-specific-tables-and-figures-1-1536x869.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-specific-tables-and-figures-1.jpg 1837w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12540\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Specific requirements about what Table 1 and Figure 1 should contain, from the journal Radiology<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Practice-2\"><\/span>Best Practice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Reference figures and tables by number in order of appearance. Ensure each visual has a descriptive title and caption explaining what readers should observe. Define every abbreviation used in a figure\/table in the caption\/legend.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Not_Anonymizing_Manuscript_Fully\"><\/span>6. Not Anonymizing Manuscript Fully<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Many journals use double-blind peer review to reduce bias. Your manuscript must not reveal your identity to reviewers.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Anonymity_Violations\"><\/span>Anonymity Violations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Author names in headers or footers<\/li>\n<li>Self-citations written as &#8220;we previously showed&#8221; instead of using third person<\/li>\n<li>Identifying institutional details in methodology<\/li>\n<li>Traceable funding acknowledgments in the main text<\/li>\n<li>Acknowledgments section revealing authorship<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example-4\"><\/span>Example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Oxford University Press provides detailed guidelines about blinding for submissions to all its journals.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12538\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12538\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12538\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-instructions-about-blinding-1-300x208.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-instructions-about-blinding-1-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-instructions-about-blinding-1-1024x710.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-instructions-about-blinding-1-768x533.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-instructions-about-blinding-1.jpg 1522w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12538\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Instructions for blinding submissions from Oxford University Press<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Submitting_Figures_in_Unsupported_Format_or_Without_Meeting_Technical_Specifications\"><\/span>7. Submitting Figures in Unsupported Format or Without Meeting Technical Specifications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Journal submission systems are strict about figure formats and quality specifications.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Technical_Issues\"><\/span>Common Technical Issues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Resolution<\/strong> &#8211; Submitting 72 DPI when 300 DPI required<\/li>\n<li><strong>Format<\/strong> &#8211; PNG accepted but you submitted TIF or BMP<\/li>\n<li><strong>File size<\/strong> &#8211; Exceeding maximum limits (typically 10-20 MB per image)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Colors<\/strong> &#8211; RGB instead of CMYK, or color images for print journals<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fonts<\/strong> &#8211; Embedded fonts not included in the image<\/li>\n<li><strong>Labels<\/strong> &#8211; Text too small or pixelated when enlarged<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example-5\"><\/span>Example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Cell Press has specific guidelines on the kind of processing that can be done to figures, especially micrographs<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12536\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12536\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12536\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-with-specific-requirements-for-figure-processing-1-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-with-specific-requirements-for-figure-processing-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-with-specific-requirements-for-figure-processing-1-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-with-specific-requirements-for-figure-processing-1-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-with-specific-requirements-for-figure-processing-1-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-with-specific-requirements-for-figure-processing-1.jpg 1898w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12536\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Detailed requirements from Cell Press about how much processing is okay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Cambridge University Press asks for TIFF, EPS, or PDF files only for figures:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12533\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-with-specific-figure-format-requirements-300x197.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"197\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-with-specific-figure-format-requirements-300x197.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-with-specific-figure-format-requirements-1024x672.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-with-specific-figure-format-requirements-768x504.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-with-specific-figure-format-requirements.jpg 1334w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pre-Submission_Checklist_for_Artwork\"><\/span>Pre-Submission Checklist for Artwork<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Download figure requirements from the journal website. Test each image in the submission system before finalizing. Many rejections occur due to figures failing technical checks.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Abstract_Not_Following_Journal_Guidelines_for_Structure_and_Content\"><\/span>8. Abstract Not Following Journal Guidelines for Structure and Content<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/how-to-write-abstract\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">abstract<\/a> is often the first element reviewers read. It must follow the journal&#8217;s specific structure and word limit precisely.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Structural_Requirements_by_Discipline\"><\/span>Common Structural Requirements by Discipline<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Element<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Psychology\/Social Science<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Medical\/Clinical<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Engineering<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Background<\/td>\n<td>Problem\/question<\/td>\n<td>Patient population<\/td>\n<td>Problem statement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Methods<\/td>\n<td>Design and sample<\/td>\n<td>Intervention details<\/td>\n<td>Technical approach<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Results<\/td>\n<td>Key findings with stats<\/td>\n<td>Outcomes and statistics<\/td>\n<td>Performance metrics<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Conclusion<\/td>\n<td>Implications<\/td>\n<td>Clinical significance<\/td>\n<td>Applications<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequent_Abstract_Errors\"><\/span>Frequent Abstract Errors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Missing required sections (e.g., no methodology statement)<\/li>\n<li>Exceeding abstract word limits (often 150-250 words)<\/li>\n<li>Including citations or references<\/li>\n<li>Using undefined abbreviations<\/li>\n<li>Stating personal opinions instead of objective findings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Write your abstract last, after your paper is complete. Check the journal&#8217;s exact abstract template before finalizing.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example-6\"><\/span>Example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><em>JAMA Oncology<\/em> asks for a 300-word, 3-part abstract for narrative review articles.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12543\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12543\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12543\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-3-part-structured-abstract-of-300-words-1-300x142.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-3-part-structured-abstract-of-300-words-1-300x142.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-3-part-structured-abstract-of-300-words-1-1024x486.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-3-part-structured-abstract-of-300-words-1-768x365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/example-of-journal-asking-for-3-part-structured-abstract-of-300-words-1.jpg 1259w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12543\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">JAMA Oncology asks for a 3-part structured abstract for narrative reviews<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Formatting errors are among the most common reasons for manuscript desk rejections or revisions. Whether you&#8217;re a first-time author or an experienced researcher, overlooking journal<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[488],"tags":[12,1127,1088,1086,45,31,508],"class_list":["post-12523","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-academic-writing","tag-academic-writing","tag-formatting","tag-manuscript-formatting-experts","tag-manuscript-formatting-services","tag-manuscript-writing","tag-research-paper","tag-tips-for-researchers"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Top 8 Formatting Errors Researchers Make in Journal Articles |<\/title>\n<meta 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