Author Guidelines

For Authors

Author Guidelines

Everything you need to know about preparing and submitting a manuscript to NeucitePress.

1 Manuscript Requirements

Word Count Guidelines

Content TypeWord Count
Full Chapter5,000 – 10,000 words
Short Chapter3,000 – 5,000 words
Case Study2,000 – 4,000 words
Chapter Abstract150 – 300 words

These ranges are general targets rather than hard limits. Your Editor-in-Chief or handling editor may specify a tighter range for a specific book, journal issue, or proceedings volume — always follow the project-specific brief where one has been provided.

Formatting Standards

  • Microsoft Word format (.docx) preferred for the main manuscript file
  • Font: Times New Roman, 12pt
  • Line spacing: Double-spaced
  • Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
  • Page numbers in footer
  • Headings clearly marked using your word processor’s built-in heading styles (Heading 1, 2, 3) rather than manually bolded text

File Formats and Technical Requirements

We ask authors to submit each element of a chapter or paper as a separate, clearly named file rather than a single combined document:

  • Main text: .docx (Word). PDF is accepted only for the final proof-check stage, not initial submission.
  • Figures: separate high-resolution files (300 DPI minimum), in TIFF, PNG, EPS, or high-quality JPEG. Do not embed figures only inside the Word file — embedded copies are for reference and placement only.
  • Tables: editable tables built in Word or Excel, not screenshots or images.
  • Supplementary material (datasets, extended appendices, questionnaires): any common format (.xlsx, .csv, .pdf), clearly labelled and referenced in the main text.

Reference Style

We follow the Vancouver citation style for our publications. In-text citations are numbered consecutively in the order they first appear, using superscript or bracketed numbers, and the full reference list is ordered by citation number (not alphabetically) at the end of the chapter or article. A typical Vancouver-style journal reference follows this pattern:

Author AA, Author BB, Author CC. Title of the article. Abbreviated Journal Name. Year;Volume(Issue):Page range. DOI (if available).

Important Note

All references must include DOIs where available. We strongly recommend using reference management software (EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley) to keep numbering and formatting consistent, particularly for chapters with 40+ references.

Figures and Tables

  • Submit figures as separate high-resolution files (300 DPI minimum)
  • Accepted formats: TIFF, PNG, EPS, or high-quality JPEG
  • Include figure legends in the main document, listed together at the end or on a separate legends page
  • Tables should be editable (not images)
  • Obtain and retain written permission for any third-party figures, tables, or extended quotations before submission

2 Chapter Structure

Each chapter or article should follow this general structure:

Required Elements

  • Title: Clear, descriptive, and concise
  • Author(s): Full names, affiliations, and ORCID IDs
  • Abstract: 150-300 words summarising key points
  • Keywords: 4-6 relevant terms
  • Introduction: Context and objectives
  • Main Body: Organised with clear subheadings
  • Conclusion: Summary and implications
  • References: Vancouver style

Optional Elements

  • Learning Objectives (for educational texts)
  • Key Points boxes
  • Clinical pearls or practical tips
  • Case studies or examples
  • Self-assessment questions
  • Supplementary materials

3 Submission Process

Step 1: Initial Proposal

Submit a brief proposal (500-1000 words) including:

  • Proposed chapter title
  • Brief outline of content
  • Your qualifications and relevant experience
  • Estimated completion timeline

Step 2: Proposal Review

Our editorial team reviews proposals within 5-7 business days. You’ll receive feedback and, if accepted, a formal invitation to contribute, along with the specific word count, deadline, and formatting brief for your project.

Step 3: Full Manuscript

Upon acceptance, submit your complete chapter via email to [email protected] with:

  • Main manuscript file (.docx)
  • Separate figure files
  • Completed author agreement form
  • Conflict of interest disclosure

Step 4: Revision & Approval

After peer review, you may be asked to revise your manuscript. Reviewer comments are shared with you directly, organised by section, so you know exactly what to address. Final approval is granted once all revisions are complete and the handling editor confirms the manuscript meets the project’s scope and quality standard.

What Happens After You Submit

Once your full manuscript arrives, you’ll receive an acknowledgement of receipt within a few business days. The manuscript then moves to the editorial and peer review stages described in Section 4. You’ll hear from us at each decision point — you are never left waiting without an update through a full review cycle. If a decision is delayed beyond the timelines below, you’re welcome to contact your handling editor directly for a status check.

4 Review Process

All submissions undergo editorial and peer review:

StageDurationDescription
Initial Review1 weekEditorial assessment of scope and quality
Peer Review3-4 weeksExpert review by 2-3 specialists
Decision1 weekAccept, revise, or decline
Revision2-4 weeksAuthor addresses reviewer comments

Review Criteria

Manuscripts are evaluated on: scientific accuracy, clinical or academic relevance, originality, clarity of writing, appropriate citations, and alignment with the book, issue, or proceedings volume’s overall scope.

Decisions fall into one of three categories: accept (occasionally with minor copyediting notes), revise and resubmit (the most common outcome, requiring you to address specific reviewer comments), or decline (with an explanation of the main reasons, generally scope misalignment or issues that would require a substantially different manuscript rather than a revision).

5 Rights & Responsibilities

Copyright

Authors retain copyright of their work while granting NeucitePress exclusive publication rights. A formal copyright transfer agreement is signed upon acceptance.

Open Access Options

We offer Open Access publication for authors whose institutions or funders require it. Contact us for Open Access fees and options.

Author Warranties

By submitting, authors confirm that:

  • The work is original and not previously published
  • All co-authors have approved the submission
  • Proper permissions obtained for third-party content
  • No conflicts of interest exist (or are disclosed)
  • Human/animal research follows ethical guidelines

Author Copies

Contributing authors receive:

  • 1 complimentary print copy of the book
  • PDF of their chapter for personal use
  • 40% discount on additional copies

6 Timeline Expectations

PhaseTypical Duration
Proposal to Acceptance1-2 weeks
Writing Period8-12 weeks
Peer Review4-6 weeks
Revisions2-4 weeks
Production6-8 weeks
Total (approximate)6-9 months

Timelines may vary based on project complexity and number of contributors. Your Editor-in-Chief will provide specific deadlines for your chapter, and will flag early if a project’s schedule is running ahead of or behind this general pattern.

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