Q1 journals are ranked in the top 25% of impact factor and reputation within their scientific fields, making them highly competitive and prestigious.
We help authors prepare their manuscripts to meet the rigorous editorial, ethical, and technical standards required for publication in these elite journals. To make your submission process seamless, we’ve created a Q1 Journal Submission Checklist that every author should review before sending their manuscript to us.
Why This Checklist Matters?
Q1 journals expect precision, originality, and clarity. A single formatting or ethical oversight can delay publication or lead to rejection. This checklist ensures your paper is publication-ready, compliant with journal guidelines, and aligned with global standards for academic integrity.
Summary
Article Specific Checklist
1
Original Research Articles – Q1 Standards
Q1 journals demand a well-structured and transparent presentation of research.
Before submission, ensure the following:
- Title Page: Includes author names, affiliations, and contact details for the corresponding author.
- Abstract: Structured with Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusion.
- Keywords: 3 - 6 relevant keywords aligned with the journal’s focus.
- Introduction: Clearly defines the research gap and objectives.
- Methods: Transparent methodology with reproducibility and ethical approvals.
- Results: Presented with clear tables, graphs, and statistical analysis.
- Discussion: Interprets findings critically with global context and citations.
- Conclusion: Highlights novelty and contribution to the field.
Key
- Follow reporting standards (e.g., CONSORT, STROBE, ARRIVE).
- Include data availability and supplementary documents
- High-quality images throughout
- Maintain language quality (preferably edited by native English experts).
- Ensure plagiarism similarity index is below 10%.
2
Review Articles – Q1 Expectations
High-impact review articles must provide deep, analytical insights rather than just summarizing previous studies.
- Comprehensive Title & Abstract that attract wide readership.
- Introduction: Establishes the importance and timeliness of the review.
- Balanced Literature Coverage: Recent and credible sources, minimal self-citation.
- Critical Evaluation: Integrates findings to identify trends and research gaps.
- Figures & Tables: High-quality visuals summarizing key concepts.
- Conclusion: Summarizes perspectives and outlines future directions.
Q1 Tip
- Use systematic methods for literature selection even in narrative reviews, ensuring transparency and rigor.
3
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
Systematic reviews in Q1 journals must meet PRISMA standards and show impeccable methodological transparency.
- Title includes “Systematic Review” or “Meta-Analysis.”
- Abstract structured using PRISMA checklist.
- Detailed Methods: Databases searched, inclusion/exclusion criteria, search strings.
- Results include PRISMA flow diagram and forest plots if applicable.
- Discussion interprets findings, heterogeneity, and limitations.
- Conclusion provides practical and scientific relevance.
Q1 Tip
- Register your review protocol on PROSPERO and disclose software used for analysis (e.g., RevMan, Stata).
4
Protocol Submissions (Clinical, Experimental & Review Protocols)
Protocols in Q1 journals must emphasize transparency, reproducibility, and adherence to international reporting standards (SPIRIT or PRISMA-P).
- Title clearly states “Protocol” and study type (e.g., Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol).
- Abstract structured with Background, Objectives, Methods, and Registration details.
- Registration ID provided (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov, PROSPERO).
- Methods detail study design, population, interventions, outcomes, and analysis plan.
- Ethical approval and informed consent processes mentioned.
- Data management, confidentiality, and dissemination plans outlined.
- Supplementary files include SPIRIT or PRISMA-P checklist and flow diagram.
Q1 Tip
- Use SPIRIT 2013 for clinical trials or PRISMA-P 2020 for review protocols. Register before recruitment or literature screening begins.
5
Case Reports & Short Communications
Though rare in Q1 journals, some top medical and clinical journals accept exceptional cases that bring new insights or challenge existing understanding.
- Title and abstract clearly convey clinical relevance.
- Case presentation includes detailed patient information, diagnosis, management, and outcomes.
- Discussion links findings to literature and clinical implications.
- Patient consent and ethics approval are mandatory.
- Figures/images are clear, anonymized, and labeled professionally.
Q1 Tip
- Highlight the novelty and clinical relevance - Q1 journals accept case reports only if they present a unique finding, a rare presentation, or a new insight that advances current understanding. Support with high-quality images, clear follow-up data, and adherence to CARE guidelines.
Next Step: Submit to ScienceBy
Once your checklist is complete, send your manuscript here