How to find the submission guidelines for academic journals?

Locating academic journal submission guidelines primarily involves consulting the journal's official website or instructions within the submission management system. This step is essential and always feasible for authors preparing a manuscript. Authors should prioritize the journal's own website, typically under headings like "Author Guidelines," "Instructions for Authors," "Guide for Authors," or "Submissions." It is crucial to consult the guidelines provided by the publisher, either directly on the journal site or via the publisher's portal. Thoroughly review all relevant sections, including scope, manuscript structure, referencing style, ethics policies, artwork requirements, and supplementary materials. If encountering difficulties on the journal site, academic databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) often link to the journal homepage. Always verify you have the latest version and note any journal-specific variations, such as word counts or data sharing mandates. To implement this process: first, identify the journal's official website via a search engine or database link; second, meticulously navigate the site for the dedicated guidelines section; third, download and study the entire guidelines document carefully before manuscript preparation; fourth, adhere strictly to all specified requirements throughout the writing and submission process. Applying these steps ensures manuscript compliance, significantly reduces the risk of desk rejection, and enhances publication efficiency.