How to Publish
in Biomedical Journals
Tips of the Trade from an
Itinerant Scientist and Journal Editor
Steven J. Fliesler, PhD
Professor, Depts. of Ophthalmology and
Pharmacological & Physiological Science,
Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Section Editor, Experimental Eye Research
Editorial Board, the Journal of Lipid Research
(updated March 2007) Useful Resources
* How to Publish in Biomedical Journals
(Liz Wager /Articles/PubinBJs.html)
Wager E, Jefferson T & Godlee F (2002). Peer Review: A Survival
Guide for Healthcare Professionals, BMJ Books, London
* Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals: Writing and Editing for
Biomedical Publication
International Committee of Medical Journal Editors    /•Markovitz B. Electronic journals: time for a new paradigm in biomedical communication.
J Intensive Care Med1998;13:158-167.
First Things First
Choose the right journal
*Consider the implications of your research, your intended audience and the message you want to communicate.
Ask colleagues which journals they read and respect; where are most papers in your field published?
Browse back-issues to understand the journal's scope.    (“who and what”--“Impact Factor”) Check that the format you have chosen is acceptable (e.g., don't send a review to a journal that only publishes original research).
Instructions to Authors
When all else fails….READ THE DIRECTIONS!
Usually in inside back cover (print version) or on website for journal
Points of journal style (manuscript text layout, subheadings, length, etc.; literature citations; illustration format/restrictions) Specific directions for submitting manuscript (print vs. electronic submission) READ THE DIRECTIONS AGAIN!
The Journal of the American Medical Association---
To Promote the Science and Art of Medicine and the
Betterment of the Public Health
Instructions for Authors
MANUSCRIPT CRITERIA AND INFORMATION
/ifora_current.dtl
JAMA is an international, peer-reviewed, general medical journal that is distributed to readers in more than 140 countries and is published in multiple international editions and languages.
Manuscript Submission.We encourage authors to submit manuscripts via e-mail. Send manuscripts to the Editor, JAMA,at Include a cover letter and complete contact information for the corresponding author: address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address. Tables, figures, and text should be included in the same file if possible.
Manuscripts submitted by e-mail should not also be submitted by mail or fax. See Manuscript Checklist and details in these instructions for additional requirements. Editorial office contact information: JAMA, 515 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA; telephone: (312) 464-2402; fax: (312) 464-5824; e-mail:
Categories of Articles Original full-length articles (previously
unpublished material)
Short communications / case reports
Letters to the Editor / commentary
Review articles
Special communications (alerts, etc.) Each journal has its own scope and types of articles accepted for publication, Restrictions to form and style for each, etc.
Criteria for Manuscripts
(What the Editors look for)
Material is original and high-quality
Writing is clear and grammatically correct; style conforms to journal guidelines
Study methods are appropriate
Data are valid (reproducible; statistical signif.)
Conclusions are supported by the data
Information is important (impact on field)
Topic has general biomedical interest (or
specific interest to the journal’s audience)
*Note:  some journals have exceedingly stringent acceptance criteria, and only publish a small percentage of articles submitted (e.g., Science, Nature, Cell, etc.) Choosing the Correct Journal
for Your Manuscript Submission
“Aim high…but within reason (chances of success)”
“JIR targets hypocrisy, arrogance, and ostentatious sesquipedalian circumlocution.
We're a friendly escape from the harsh and the hassle.
JIR makes you feel good!”
Norm Sperling
Editor
editor at largespoofs parodies whimsies burlesques lampoons satires
www.jir/home.html
Sections/Components
of Manuscript
Abstract (typically 250-300 words; some may have subheadings:  Purpose; Methods; Outcome Measures; Results; Conclusions) Introduction
Materials and Methods
Results
Discussion / Conclusions Acknowledgments
Literature cited
Tables; Figure Legends/Figures