Research Paper Revision Checklist Before Journal Submission
Edit & Proofread
Last updated: 2026-08-10

Use this checklist before submitting a research article to a journal. Always check the current author instructions for your target journal.

1. Confirm the journal scope, article type, word limit, section rules, reference style, figure rules, and file-format requirements.
2. Check that the title, abstract, keywords, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, references, tables, figures, and supplementary files are complete.
3. Read the abstract against the final paper so claims, methods, findings, and implications match.
4. Check that the introduction states the research problem, gap, aim, and contribution clearly.
5. Review methods for clarity, reproducibility, ethics information, approvals, consent statements, and data/source details where relevant.
6. Check results against tables, figures, values, percentages, units, statistical notation, and supplementary files.
7. Review the discussion for overclaiming, unsupported statements, missing limitations, and unclear implications.
8. Check every table and figure title, caption, note, permission, citation, and in-text callout.
9. Cross-check in-text citations against the reference list and remove uncited reference-list entries.
10. Review reference formatting, DOI/URL handling, capitalization, italics, punctuation, and missing publication details.
11. Confirm author names, affiliations, ORCID details, acknowledgements, funding, conflicts of interest, data availability, and contribution statements.
12. Proofread for grammar, punctuation, spelling, consistency, sentence clarity, and academic tone after all substantive revisions are complete.
13. Export or prepare every required file and inspect it manually before upload.
14. Check cover letter details, suggested reviewer rules, declarations, and submission portal fields.
15. Keep a copy of the submitted manuscript, supplementary files, cover letter, and submission confirmation.

Important: This checklist supports final quality control. It does not guarantee journal acceptance and does not replace author responsibility, peer review, ethics requirements, or factual/source verification.