Introduction to the Journal of Perinatology Author Guidelines
The Journal of Perinatology is a leading peer-reviewed publication dedicated to advancing research, clinical practice, and education in the field of perinatology. For authors aiming to publish their work in this reputable journal, understanding and adhering to the journal's author guidelines is essential. These guidelines ensure that submissions meet the journal’s standards for quality, clarity, and consistency, facilitating a smooth peer-review process and increasing the likelihood of acceptance. This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into the submission process, manuscript formatting, ethical considerations, and other critical aspects of preparing your manuscript for the Journal of Perinatology.
Scope and Types of Manuscripts Accepted
Scope of the Journal
The Journal of Perinatology covers a broad spectrum of topics related to perinatal and neonatal medicine, including but not limited to:
- Neonatal intensive care
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Perinatal epidemiology
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Neonatal neurodevelopment
- Perinatal nutrition and metabolism
- Pediatric surgery
- Ethical issues in perinatology
The journal aims to publish original research, reviews, case reports, and commentaries that contribute meaningfully to these areas.
Types of Manuscripts
Authors can submit various types of manuscripts, each with specific requirements:
- Original Research Articles
- Review Articles
- Case Reports
- Brief Communications
- Letters to the Editor
- Editorials
- Perspectives and Commentaries
Each type has its own formatting and length specifications, which must be strictly followed to ensure proper review and publication.
Manuscript Preparation and Formatting
General Formatting Guidelines
To ensure consistency and readability, manuscripts should adhere to the following formatting standards:
- Use a standard, easily readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial, size 12 pt.
- Double-space the entire manuscript, including references and figure legends.
- Use 1-inch (2.54 cm) margins on all sides.
- Number pages sequentially in the footer.
- Include line numbers for all pages to facilitate review.
- Save and submit files in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) format unless specified otherwise.
Title Page
The title page should include:
- The manuscript title, concise yet descriptive.
- Full names of all authors, with institutional affiliations.
- Corresponding author’s name, address, telephone number, email address.
- A short running title (up to 50 characters).
Abstract and Keywords
- Abstracts should be structured for original research articles, typically including background, methods, results, and conclusions (word limit usually 250 words).
- For other manuscript types, an unstructured abstract may suffice.
- Provide 3-6 keywords based on Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) for indexing purposes.
Main Text Structure
Depending on the manuscript type, the main body should be organized into sections such as:
- Introduction
- Methods
- Results
- Discussion
- Conclusion
- Acknowledgments (if applicable)
Use subheadings to improve clarity where necessary.
References
- Follow the Vancouver style for citations.
- Number references consecutively in the order they appear in the text.
- Include all necessary details: authors, article title, journal name (abbreviated), year, volume, and pages.
- Example:
1. Smith J, Doe A. Perinatal outcomes in preterm infants. J Perinatol. 2020;40(5):567-574.
Figures and Tables
- Number figures and tables consecutively.
- Provide clear, high-resolution images (minimum 300 dpi).
- Include descriptive legends.
- Embed figures within the manuscript or submit as separate files, depending on journal instructions.
Ethical and Legal Requirements
Ethical Standards
- All research involving human subjects must conform to the Declaration of Helsinki.
- Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval must be obtained and documented.
- For studies involving animals, adhere to institutional and national guidelines.
Informed Consent
- Obtain informed consent from all participants or their guardians.
- State in the manuscript that informed consent was obtained.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
- Disclose all potential conflicts of interest for each author.
- Use the journal’s specified form or statement.
Funding and Support
- List all sources of financial support for the work.
- Clearly specify grant numbers and funding agencies.
Submission Process
Online Submission System
- Submissions are typically made via the journal’s online platform.
- Create an account or log in to submit your manuscript.
- Follow prompts for uploading files, entering metadata, and selecting manuscript types.
Cover Letter
- Include a cover letter addressed to the editor.
- Summarize the importance of the work and its relevance to the journal.
- Declare that the manuscript is original, not previously published, and not under consideration elsewhere.
Supplementary Materials
- Supplementary data, such as datasets, videos, or additional figures, can often be included.
- Ensure files are clearly labeled and referenced in the manuscript.
Peer Review and Editorial Process
Initial Screening
- The editorial team reviews submissions for scope and adherence to guidelines.
- Manuscripts not meeting criteria are returned or rejected.
Peer Review
- Manuscripts are sent to expert reviewers.
- Reviewers provide feedback on scientific validity, significance, and clarity.
- Authors may be asked to revise their manuscript accordingly.
Decision Notification
- The editorial team communicates acceptance, revision requests, or rejection.
- Authors should respond promptly and thoroughly to reviewer comments.
Publication Ethics and Policies
Authorship Criteria
- Only individuals who have made substantial contributions qualify as authors.
- All authors must approve the final manuscript.
Plagiarism and Duplicate Submission
- The journal employs plagiarism detection tools.
- Submissions must be original and not under review elsewhere.
Retractions and Corrections
- The journal adheres to guidelines for correcting or retracting published articles when necessary.
Copyright and Open Access
Copyright Transfer
- Authors usually transfer copyright to the publisher upon acceptance.
- Clarify rights regarding reuse and distribution.
Open Access Options
- The journal may offer open-access publishing for an article processing charge.
- Check specific policies and licensing options.
Additional Tips for Authors
- Carefully review sample articles published in the journal to understand style and expectations.
- Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon.
- Follow all instructions meticulously to prevent delays.
- Proofread thoroughly before submission.
Conclusion
Adhering to the Journal of Perinatology author guidelines is fundamental for authors seeking to contribute to this esteemed publication. A well-prepared manuscript that aligns with the journal’s standards increases the chances of acceptance and ensures that your research reaches the appropriate audience effectively. Always consult the latest official guidelines on the journal’s website before submission, as policies may evolve over time. By following these comprehensive instructions, authors can facilitate a smooth submission process and contribute valuable knowledge to the field of perinatology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key author guidelines for submitting to the Journal of Perinatology?
Authors should adhere to the journal's guidelines on manuscript formatting, including structured abstracts, word limits, figure and table specifications, and referencing style as outlined on the journal's official website.
Does the Journal of Perinatology require a specific manuscript format or template?
Yes, the journal provides a detailed manuscript template and formatting instructions that authors must follow to ensure consistency and ease of review.
Are there specific ethical guidelines authors must follow when submitting to the Journal of Perinatology?
Authors are required to adhere to ethical standards concerning human and animal research, including obtaining institutional review board approval and declaring conflicts of interest, as specified in the author guidelines.
What is the peer review process for submissions to the Journal of Perinatology?
Submissions undergo a rigorous peer review process, typically involving initial editorial screening followed by double-blind review by experts in the field to ensure scientific validity and originality.
How should authors cite references in their manuscript for the Journal of Perinatology?
References should be formatted according to the journal's specific style, which generally follows the Vancouver style, with numbered citations in the text and a corresponding reference list.
Are there open access options available for articles published in the Journal of Perinatology?
Yes, authors can choose open access publication options during submission, often involving a fee, to make their articles freely accessible to the public.
What are the guidelines for submitting figures and tables to the Journal of Perinatology?
Figures and tables should be submitted as high-resolution files, with clear legends and labels, and should conform to the journal’s size and format specifications outlined in the author guidelines.
How long does the review process typically take for submissions to the Journal of Perinatology?
The review process usually takes approximately 4-8 weeks, but this can vary depending on the manuscript complexity and reviewer availability.
Where can authors find the most up-to-date author guidelines for the Journal of Perinatology?
Authors should visit the official Journal of Perinatology website or the publisher’s author instructions page for the latest and most detailed guidelines.
