Author Guidelines
nounPronunciation: /ˈɔθər ˈɡaɪdˌlaɪnz/
A comprehensive document provided by a journal that specifies formatting requirements, submission procedures, manuscript structure, citation style, and other editorial policies that authors must follow. These guidelines ensure consistency across submissions and facilitate the review process.
Plain English
Instructions that tell authors how to format and prepare their manuscript for submission.
Etymology & History
Usage
"Authors must consult the journal's author guidelines before preparing their manuscript to avoid desk rejection."
Style guide notes: Refer to them as 'author guidelines' or 'instructions for authors' consistently throughout documentation.
Also known as
Contrasted with
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can authors find the guidelines?
Guidelines are available on the journal's website in the 'For Authors' or 'Submission' section.
What happens if authors ignore the guidelines?
The manuscript may be desk rejected or require corrections before entering peer review.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Fundamental to manuscript preparation and essential knowledge for editorial staff managing submissions.
Required skill level: Junior