Manuscript Engine FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Find help articles, troubleshooting guides, and tutorials
General Questions
Manuscript Engine is a platform for researchers to submit their manuscripts and track the publication process online.
Manuscript Engine itself does not charge a fee for registration or submission, but there may be Article Processing Charges (APCs) depending on the journal to which you submit.
Manuscript Engine supports all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. For optimal performance, make sure your browser is updated to the latest version.
Visit the Manuscript Engine website and click on "Sign up Now" to create an account.
Yes, Manuscript Engine is accessible online from any location with internet connectivity.
Yes, Manuscript Engine provides a range of resources and guidelines specifically designed to assist first-time authors with the submission process.
Currently, Manuscript Engine primarily operates in English. Check the platform for updates or future support for additional languages.
You can update your profile information by logging into your account and navigating to the profile settings section.
Submission Process
Log in to your Manuscript Engine account, and navigate to the submission section where you can upload your manuscript files and fill in the required details.
The portal typically accepts manuscripts in PDF or Word format, but check the specific guidelines of the journal you are submitting to for detailed requirements.
Yes, you can track the status of your manuscript through your Manuscript Engine dashboard.
When submitting a manuscript, you typically need to include the title, abstract, keywords, author details, funding information, conflicts of interest, and any other information as specified by the journal’s submission guidelines.
Yes, many journals allow the submission of supplementary materials such as datasets, large figures, videos, or additional documentation that supports the research. Check the specific journal’s guidelines for details.
Word limits can vary by journal. You should consult the specific submission guidelines of the journal you are submitting to for detailed information.
Review the journal’s aims and scope, which can typically be found on the Manuscript Engine platform or the journal's own website, to determine if your research aligns with the topics and fields the journal covers.
You should disclose this information during the submission process. Some journals have specific policies regarding work derived from theses or dissertations, which may require citing the original work.
During the submission process, you will be asked to provide the names, affiliations, and contact details of all co-authors. Ensure that all co-authors have approved the manuscript and its submission to the journal.
Review Process
Manuscripts go through a peer review process where they are evaluated by experts in the field to ensure the quality and integrity of the research.
The review process time can vary, but typically it takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the journal.
Peer reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on originality, significance of the research, clarity and relevance of the methodology, robustness of data and analysis, logical presentation of results, and compliance with ethical standards. Reviewers also consider the quality of writing and adherence to journal-specific guidelines.
Some journals allow authors to suggest potential reviewers. However, the final decision to use these reviewers is at the discretion of the editor to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
If you disagree with a reviewer’s comment, you can respectfully address it in your response letter, providing clear, evidence-based reasons for your disagreement. It's important to remain constructive and focused on the scientific aspects of the feedback.
Most journals offer a process for appealing rejection decisions. You would typically need to write to the editor explaining why you believe the decision should be reconsidered, citing specific reasons and evidence. Check the journal’s guidelines for details on the appeal process.
This depends on the journal's review policy. Manuscript Engine supports journals with both single-blind and double-blind review processes. In single-blind reviews, the reviewers know the identities of the authors, but not vice versa. In double-blind reviews, both parties' identities are concealed.
Update frequency can vary by journal, but generally, you should receive notifications when your manuscript has been reviewed, if additional information is required, and when a decision has been made.
Post-Submission
Once accepted, you will receive instructions on the next steps, which may include editing, payment of APCs if applicable, and finally, publication.
Minor changes can be communicated to the editorial office, but major revisions might require a withdrawal and re-submission depending on the stage of review.
After submission, you will receive feedback from peer reviewers which may include suggestions for improvement, critical commentary on your research's significance and methodology, and requests for clarification or additional data.
The time from acceptance to publication can vary significantly based on the journal's publication schedule and whether the journal publishes on a rolling basis or has scheduled issue releases. Typically, this process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Post-acceptance, authors are usually responsible for making required revisions, proofreading the manuscript, approving the final proofs, and possibly dealing with copyright transfer agreements.
Withdrawing a manuscript after acceptance is generally discouraged and may be subject to the journal's policies on withdrawals. This action can only be taken under exceptional circumstances and requires communication with and approval from the journal's editorial office.
If you discover an error in your published paper, contact the journal immediately. Depending on the nature of the error, the journal may issue a correction or retraction.
You can promote your published work by sharing it on academic social networks, discussing it at conferences, incorporating it into teaching, and sharing with peers via email or social media. Journals often provide tools and tips for effectively disseminating your research.
Technical Support
You can contact Manuscript Engine support via the contact details provided on the website.
Click on the "Lost password?" link on the login page to reset your password.
If you encounter technical issues such as login problems, error messages, or functionality glitches, please report them immediately to the technical support team via the contact us page. Include a detailed description of the problem and any error codes you see.
Yes, Manuscript Engine provides a user guide that includes detailed instructions on how to use the platform effectively. This guide is accessible in the help section or you can request it from customer support.
For questions not covered in the FAQs, you can contact Manuscript Engine's customer support through email, phone, or a live chat service if available. Details are typically listed on the website’s contact page.
Manuscript Engine’s technical support is generally available during standard business hours, which are typically listed on the website. Some services may also offer extended hours or 24/7 support depending on the nature of the inquiry.
Manuscript Engine occasionally offers webinars and training sessions to help users familiarize themselves with new features and updates. Information about these sessions is usually available on the platform's news section or sent directly to users via email.
Policy and Ethics
Manuscript Engine adheres to strict ethical guidelines, which can be found detailed in the "Publication Ethics and Virtue" section on their website.
Yes, guidelines for authors are available on the Manuscript Engine website under the 'Manuscript Guidelines' section.
Authors must disclose any financial or personal relationships that could be viewed as potential conflicts of interest. This information helps to ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of the research.
Manuscript Engine takes allegations of research misconduct seriously. They investigate claims in accordance with COPE guidelines, and appropriate actions are taken based on the severity and nature of the misconduct.
Authorship should be limited to those who have made a significant contribution to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the reported study. All those who have made substantial contributions should be listed as co-authors.
Manuscript Engine maintains confidentiality by ensuring that manuscripts are only accessible to the editorial team, reviewers, and journal staff involved in the handling and review process.
Many journals on the Manuscript Engine platform encourage or require authors to share their data either by depositing in a public repository or by providing it as supplementary materials. This practice is in line with promoting transparency and reproducibility in research.
Yes, studies involving humans or animals must have appropriate ethical approval and informed consent, which should be documented in the manuscript. Ethical considerations must align with international norms and guidelines.