How to publish a scientific manuscript in a high‐impact journal

An insider's view of what editors look for in a successful manuscript is provided and advice on how to achieve this success is offered.

Abstract

Summary Scientific publishing is an essential aspect of medical progress. New advances in human knowledge are communicated to the outside world through publications. It is essential that this knowledge is accurate, valid, reproducible, and clinically useful. Many aspiring clinicians and scientists dream of publishing their work in high‐impact journals. For these dreams to become reality, it is essential to follow the basic principles of scientific research and publishing. In this paper, I outline my own personal view on how to publish your paper in such high‐impact journals. I discuss the strategy for high‐impact research, the logistics of manuscript submission, the likely outcomes, and the reasons for failure or success. I provide an insider's view of what editors look for in a successful manuscript and I offer advice on how to achieve this success.