Each journal has different specifications regarding the length, format and style of manuscript it accepts. This crucial information is contained in the Guide to Authors which is most likely found somewhere on the Journals web page, as well as printed in at least one issue of the paper Journal each year.
It is absolutely worthwhile reading this before you start writing. It saves you time by telling you how to get things right and appropriate for that particular Journal:
in turn keeping the editors, reviewers and publishers happy in advance.
(Editors have been known to reject manuscripts on the basis that they do not conform to these guidelines without acknowledgement to the scientific content :it demonstrates negligence and laziness!)
Guidelines include...
- Manuscript lengths
- Accepted manuscript formats
- Manuscript accepted structures
- Title page structures
- Word limits within the manuscript: ie. Abstract lengths and description
- Writing style and written English (American/British)
- Figure guidelines: Tables, graphs, formula, photographs accepted sizes, minimum line-widths, numeric type etc…
- Bibliography and reference styles
- Submission method
- Copyright requirements
- Associated print fees
- Ethical considerations
- Etc...
This is really useful information to know and act upon from the start. It is very much worth downloading or printing an up to date copy for your continual reference.
(These Guidelines can be subject to change regularly, so please don't rely on an old copy of guidelines your supervisor popped on your desk as important information may be out of date!)