Professional Development


42 - Questions an editor asks
Once we have chosen the target journal, written the manuscript and sent it, the first filter will be established by the editor of the journal. The editor will determine if the manuscript meets the scope of the journal; if the conclusions drawn by the authors are fully justified and not speculative; if the extent of the manuscript is adequate (neither too short nor too long); if the data justify its publication due to its relevance or originality and, most importantly, if the data is unprecedented and has not been previously published in another journal. We should extensively review our manuscript prior to mailing it. Bad grammar or inappropriate style may lead to rejection of the manuscript in spite of the adequate data it contains. The first impression of the editor and referees is relevant! Editors and reviewers spend many hours reading manuscripts, and therefore appreciate receiving manuscripts that are easy to read and edit. This will also reflect on the reader's first impression.