Elsevier Author Services – Articles
  • Research Process
  • Manuscript Preparation
  • Manuscript Review
  • Publication Process
  • Publication Recognition
  • Language Editing Services
  • Translation Services
  • Language Editing Services
  • Translation Services
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
WeChat
x
Elsevier QRcode Wechat
Elsevier Author Services – Articles
Language Editing Services by Elsevier Author Services
Elsevier Author Services – Articles
  • Research Process
  • Manuscript Preparation
  • Manuscript Review
  • Publication Process
  • Publication Recognition
  • English
    • 简体中文
Academic paper format
  • Manuscript Preparation

Submission 101: What format should be used for academic papers?

  • 4 minute read
  • 29.7K views
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0
0
0

Table of Contents

  • Choosing the Right Format 
    • Title Page 
    • Abstract  
    • Main Body
    •  “References” Section  
    • Formatting Text 

In the process of writing a manuscript, researchers need to not only create a concise and clear structural framework to accurately and professionally present their academic findings, but also pay attention to the aesthetic and consistent formatting of the paper. Therefore, there is an important step that should not be overlooked before submission—checking whether the article adheres to the formatting requirements of your chosen journal. 

Most journals have a preferred format for manuscript submissions, detailing guidelines for organizing elements such as text alignment, fonts, margins, line spacing, and even the use of borders. By familiarizing yourself with some of the more common formatting standards, you can create a well-formatted and uniformly styled manuscript, thereby enhancing the reading experience. 

In this blog post, we present some popular formatting styles, compare them, and offer suggestions on how to choose the right format for your manuscript. Let’s check them out! 

 

Choosing the Right Format 

When choosing the format for your manuscript, go with this one golden rule—check the publisher’s or journal’s guidelines first.  

For instance, Journal of Materials Research and Technology recommends using Arial font with single-spacing and one-inch margin while  AEU – International Journal of Electronics and Communications also has specific formatting instructions and recommends double-spaced as well as 1-inch margins.  

Typically, authors should refer to the specific requirements of the journal when the clear formatting specifications are available. 

However, things can sometimes become tricky when journals or publishers provide vague formatting instructions or accept submissions with relaxed or even “format-free” styles. Below, we have compiled a list of “general” guidelines for formatting a manuscript in the absence of publisher or journal guidelines. 

The main sections of a paper generally have different formatting requirements, common examples of which are listed below: 

 

  • Title Page 

The title page is what the reader sees first, and getting it right is important. Place the title in the upper half of the title page, centered, and written in the title case (capitalize the first letters of all words, except for minor words such as “and,” “or,” and “off”)¹. Here’s an example: 

Title Submission Academic Paper

 

  • Abstract  

The abstract provides a concise overview of your work, including its aims, methods, results, and conclusions. It should be self-contained and free of abbreviations, footnotes, or references2. An ideal word limit for the abstract is 150–250². 

Here is an example: 

Academic Work Abstract

 

  • Main Body

Consistency is key when it comes to formatting the main body text of your paper. Use a single font throughout your paper and align all main body text left³. Also, ensure that the spacing between paragraphs is consistent. Begin the main body on a new page after the abstract. 

Here is an example³: 

Main body of academic paper

 

  •  “References” Section  

The references section should begin with the word “References” placed at the top of the page and centered⁴. For the reference list, use left-aligned text and ensure that each entry is numbered.  

academic paper references

 

  • Formatting Text 

Font Size and Style: It is recommended that a uniform font (e.g. Times New Roman) be used throughout the text. Adjust the font size and style between the various levels of headings in accordance with the logic of the text. For example, use a 12-point Times New Roman font throughout the document as default; use a bold 14-point font for section headings; the subheadings of each section should be in 12-point font and bold; and the rest of the text should be in regular 12-point font. 

academic paper font

 

Margin: Ensure you leave a one-inch margin on all sides throughout the document. 

Justification: Use left-aligned text as default and center-align only the title and the heading of the Reference section. 

Following recommended formatting styles or the journal-specific guidelines enhances accessibility for all readers, ensuring a seamless reading experience, which in turn, contributes to successful publication and subsequent wider dissemination.  

Need an expert to help you with your manuscript? Elsevier’s Plus Language Editing Service is here to help! Our team of formatting and English language experts from diverse scientific backgrounds offers a variety of services to meet the unique needs of researchers. Our goal is to ensure your manuscript adheres to general or journal-specific guidelines, along with flawless English and get unlimited editing support. Contact us today to maximize your chances of publication success while saving time and effort! 

 

Type in wordcount for Standard
Total:
Follow this link if your manuscript is longer than 12,000 words.
Upload

 

References 

  1. General Format – Purdue OWL® – Purdue University. (n.d.). https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html 
  2. Manuscript Format – IEEE Computational Intelligence Society. (n.d.). https://cis.ieee.org/publications/ci-magazine/cim-manuscript-format 
  3. Example of introduction. (n.d.). https://websites.uwlax.edu/biology/ExampleofIntroduction.html 
  4. Formatting research papers. (n.d.). https://psychology.ucsd.edu/undergraduate-program/undergraduate-resources/academic-writing-resources/writing-research-papers/formatting-research-papers.html#Formatting-References 
Total
0
Shares
Post 0
Tweet 0
Share 0
Send 0
Message 0
Previous Article
how to write a cover letter
  • Publication Process

How to Write a Cover Letter for Your Manuscript? Here are the Tips and Examples

View Post
Next Article
Latex format
  • Manuscript Preparation

How to submit articles to Elsevier journals using LaTeX format 

View Post
You May Also Like
Latex format
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

How to submit articles to Elsevier journals using LaTeX format 

Being Mindful of Tone and Structure in Artilces
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Page-Turner Articles are More Than Just Good Arguments: Be Mindful of Tone and Structure!

How to Ensure Inclusivity in Your Scientific Writing
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

How to Ensure Inclusivity in Your Scientific Writing

impactful introduction section
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Make Hook, Line, and Sinker: The Art of Crafting Engaging Introductions

Limitations of a Research
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Can Describing Study Limitations Improve the Quality of Your Paper?

Guide to Crafting Impactful Sentences
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

A Guide to Crafting Shorter, Impactful Sentences in Academic Writing

Write an Excellent Discussion in Your Manuscript
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

6 Steps to Write an Excellent Discussion in Your Manuscript

How to Write Clear Civil Engineering Papers
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

How to Write Clear and Crisp Civil Engineering Papers? Here are 5 Key Tips to Consider

  • Levels of evidence in research

    Levels of evidence in research

    • 5 minute read
    View Post
  • Paper Rejection Common Reasons

    Paper Rejection: Common Reasons

    • 4 minute read
    View Post
  • Writing an Effective Cover Letter for Manuscript Resubmission

    Writing an Effective Cover Letter for Manuscript Resubmission

    • 3 minute read
    View Post
  • Scholarly Sources What are They and Where can You Find Them

    Scholarly Sources: What are They and Where can You Find Them?

    • 3 minute read
    View Post
  • Paper Retraction: Meaning and Main Reasons

    Paper Retraction: Meaning and Main Reasons

    • 4 minute read
    View Post
More Posts
  • Latex format
    How to submit articles to Elsevier journals using LaTeX format 
    • 4 minute read
  • how to write a cover letter
    How to Write a Cover Letter for Your Manuscript? Here are the Tips and Examples
    • 3 minute read
  • Being Mindful of Tone and Structure in Artilces
    Page-Turner Articles are More Than Just Good Arguments: Be Mindful of Tone and Structure!
    • 5 minute read
  • How to Ensure Inclusivity in Your Scientific Writing
    How to Ensure Inclusivity in Your Scientific Writing
    • 4 minute read
  • Tips to Efficient Spellchecks
    Three Tips to Efficient Spellchecks | Elsevier
    • 3 minute read
  • impactful introduction section
    Make Hook, Line, and Sinker: The Art of Crafting Engaging Introductions
    • 3 minute read
Price Calculator
Type in wordcount for Standard
Total:
Follow this link if your manuscript is longer than 12,000 words.
Upload
Learn more about
  • Research Process
  • Manuscript Preparation
  • Manuscript Review
  • Publication Process
  • Publication Recognition
  • News
Language Editing Services
Elsevier Author Services – Articles
  • Language Editing Services
  • Translation Services
Elsevier wordmark
Terms and conditions Privacy policy

Cookies are used by this site. To decline or learn more, visit our Cookies page.

All content on this site: Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V., its licensors, and contributors. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

RELX Wordmark

Input your search keywords and press Enter.