Practical Advice from Professor Carolin’s Publishing Workshop
Insights from the workshop held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Publishing a research article can be challenging, but many of the reasons manuscripts are rejected are completely avoidable. During a recent workshop, Professor Carolin, editor of Biological Research for Nursing, shared candid, practical advice to help researchers improve their chances of success. Here’s what every author should know before and after submitting a manuscript.
1. The Most Common Reasons Manuscripts Are Rejected
According to Professor Carolin, most rejections fall into three categories:
- Poor writing or reporting
- Failure to follow reporting guidelines
- Missing key information
- Grammar and clarity problems
- Poor fit with the journal’s scope
For example, Biological Research for Nursing requires a clear biological or physiological intervention or outcome. Manuscripts based primarily on qualitative research are unlikely to be a good fit. In addition, submissions are often rejected simply because formatting, references, tables, or figures do not follow journal instructions.
“All of these issues are within your control,” Professor Carolin emphasized.
2. Reporting Guidelines Are Not Optional
Professor Carolin strongly encouraged authors to use the EQUATOR Network, which provides reporting standards for nearly all study designs:
- CONSORT – Randomized clinical trials
- STROBE – Observational studies
- PRISMA – Systematic reviews
- STARD – Diagnostic studies
Editors and reviewers expect these elements, such as flow diagrams- to be present. Missing them signals an incomplete manuscript.
3. Choose the Right Journal (Not Just the Highest Impact Factor)
Before submitting, authors should ask:
- Does my manuscript fit the journal’s scope?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Is the journal indexed in major databases (Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science)?
- Does the impact factor make sense for my field?
“Impact factor matters to some institutions,” Professor Carolin noted, “but fit and readership matter more.”
4. Prepare Your Manuscript Carefully Before Submission
Submitting a manuscript is not a one-draft process. Professor Carolin emphasized:
- Expect multiple drafts
- Include a power analysis, when appropriate
- Follow author instructions exactly
- Use spellcheck and grammar tools
- Remove all tracked changes
- Check number consistency between text, tables, and figures
“I can’t tell you how often numbers don’t match,” she said. “That’s an easy fix- but only if you take the time.”
5. What Happens During Peer Review
Manuscripts that don’t fit the scope may be returned within two days. Finding reviewers can take
up to two weeks. Reviewers are unpaid volunteers, so timelines vary
Reviewers typically evaluate:
- Fit with the journal
- Clear purpose and rationale
- Sound methodology
- Scholarly rigor
- Writing quality
Professor Carolin also encouraged researchers to serve as reviewers, noting that it’s one of the best ways to learn what editors and reviewers expect.
6. How to Handle “Revise and Resubmit” Decisions
Many authors panic when they see “revise and resubmit.” According to Professor Carolin, they shouldn’t.
“We wouldn’t ask you to revise and resubmit if we didn’t want the article.”
Key advice:
- Don’t let revisions sit on your desk for weeks
- Address reviewer comments promptly
- You do not have to accept every suggestion, but you must explain why
If you disagree with a reviewer:
- Be professional and respectful
- Explain your rationale clearly
- Never respond emotionally or dismissively
- Make it easy for the editor
Professor Carolin strongly recommended creating a response table:
This allows editors to quickly see that every concern was addressed. “Your goal is to make it easy for the editor to say yes,” she explained.
7. If Your Manuscript Is Rejected - Don’t Give Up
Rejection happens to everyone.“I’ve had manuscripts rejected by two journals and accepted by the third,” Professor Carolin shared.
What to do next:
- Review the comments carefully
- Make changes you agree with
- Select a new journal that fits better
- Follow that journal’s author guidelines
- Submit again
Persistence is critical, most of the work is already done.
8. Grammar, Guidelines, and Scope: Still the Big Three
To close the workshop, Professor Carolin returned to where she began:
- Poor writing and grammar
- Failure to use reporting guidelines
- Submitting outside the journal’s scope
“There’s no reason today not to have good grammar,” she said, pointing to available software and professional editing services.
If you have questions:
- Email the editor before submitting
- Page limits and formatting questions are often flexible
- Editors may suggest restructuring or splitting manuscripts
- Final Takeaway
Everything Professor Carolin discussed—from journal fit to revision strategies—is within the author’s control. Taking time before submission, responding thoughtfully to reviews, and persisting through rejection can dramatically improve publication success.
“You’ve already done most of the work,” she concluded. “You may as well finish it.”
