When submitting a paper to a SCI journal, one of the first things editors and reviewers notice is the paper's formatting. Correctly formatted papers are easier to read and review, and they adhere to the journal’s specific requirements. Proper formatting can make a significant difference in how your work is perceived. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential formatting standards for SCI papers to help you prepare a professional and polished manuscript.

1. General Formatting Guidelines

A. Paper Length

Most SCI journals specify a word limit or page limit for submissions. Typically, the length of the paper is divided into sections such as the Abstract, Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion, and References.

• What to do:
  • Always check the journal's submission guidelines for word count limits.
  • Avoid exceeding the page limit unless you have special permission.

B. Font Style and Size

The font style and size should be consistent throughout the document. Most SCI journals require a standard serif font like Times New Roman, with the following font sizes:

• Title: 14-16 pt, bold

• Section Headings: 12-14 pt, bold

• Subsection Headings: 10-12 pt, bold

• Body Text: 10-12 pt

• References: 8-10 pt

• What to do:

  • Times New Roman is the default font for most journals.
  • Follow the specific font and size instructions in the submission guidelines.

C. Line Spacing and Margins

Line spacing is crucial for readability. Most SCI journals require 1.5 to 2.0 line spacing for the main text. Margins are generally set at 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides.

• What to do:
  • Set your document with 1-inch margins on all sides.
  • Use 1.5 or double spacing for the body of your manuscript.

D. Alignment

Typically, the body of the text is left-aligned, and justification should be avoided, as it can create uneven spacing between words. Some journals may specify the alignment of the abstract and headings.

• What to do:
  • Keep the text left-aligned for the main body.
  • Follow the specific journal’s instructions for headings and abstract formatting.

2. Title and Abstract

A. Title

The title of your paper should be concise yet informative, capturing the essence of your research. It should be written in Title Case (capitalizing important words) and centered at the top of the first page.

• What to do:
  • Make the title clear and descriptive. Avoid unnecessary jargon.
  • Ensure the title is formatted according to the journal's guidelines (usually centered, 14-16 pt font).

B. Abstract

The abstract is a concise summary of your study, typically around 150-250 words, depending on the journal. It should briefly describe the research objectives, methods, main findings, and conclusions.

• What to do:
  • Write the abstract in one paragraph with no indentation at the beginning.
  • Avoid using abbreviations and references in the abstract.

C. Keywords

SCI journals often require a list of keywords after the abstract, usually between 3 to 6 words. Keywords should be relevant to your research and assist in indexing your paper.

• What to do:
  • Use relevant, specific keywords that represent the content of your paper.
  • List the keywords in alphabetical order or in a bullet point format.

3. Main Text Structure

A. Headings and Subheadings

The main body of the paper is divided into sections, each with a heading. The structure typically follows this order:

1. Introduction
2. Methods
3. Results
4. Discussion
5. Conclusion

Each of these main sections is usually bold and in larger font size. Subsections may be numbered or labeled with bolded headings.

• What to do:
  • Use clear and descriptive headings for each section of your paper.
  • Follow any numbering system or formatting conventions required by the journal.

B. Indentation and Paragraphs

Each paragraph should be indented (except for the abstract) and separated by one line space. Paragraphs should not have extra spacing between them unless specified by the journal.

• What to do:
  • Use 0.5-inch indentation for each paragraph’s first line.
  • Ensure there is no extra space between paragraphs unless stated otherwise by the journal.

C. Figures and Tables

Figures and tables should be numbered consecutively and referenced in the text by their number (e.g., Figure 1). Each should have a descriptive caption placed either below the figure or above the table.

• What to do:
  • Place tables and figures as close to their first reference in the text as possible.
  • Ensure captions are brief but descriptive, clearly explaining the content of each figure or table.

4. Citations and References

A. In-Text Citations

Citations within the text should follow the journal's preferred citation style (such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or a specific style used by the journal). In SCI papers, the most common citation style is numeric (e.g., [1], [2]) or author-date (e.g., Smith, 2020).

• What to do:
  • Follow the journal's citation style precisely.
  • Cite all sources referenced in the manuscript text.

B. Reference List

At the end of the paper, include a reference list with full details of all cited sources. The format of the reference list depends on the citation style used by the journal, but it usually includes the author(s), title of the article or book, journal name, volume number, issue number, and page numbers.

• What to do:
  • Follow the journal’s reference style.
  • Double-check that all in-text citations are included in the reference list, and vice versa.

5. Final Submission Checklist

Before submitting your SCI paper, ensure the following:

• Title page: Include the title, author names, affiliations, and contact information.

• Abstract: The abstract should be between 150-250 words.

• Keywords: List 3-6 relevant keywords.

• Main text: Organized sections (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion) with clear headings.

• Figures and tables: Properly formatted and placed in the correct location with descriptive captions.

• References: Consistent with the journal’s citation style.

• What to do:

  • Proofread the paper to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
  • Double-check formatting for consistency, including headings, font size, and spacing.

Conclusion

Proper formatting is a critical aspect of preparing a SCI paper for submission. It not only ensures that your work meets the journal's standards but also makes your paper easier to read and understand. By following the guidelines for font style, line spacing, headings, and references, you increase the likelihood of your manuscript being accepted for publication. Always carefully check the submission guidelines of your target journal, as each one may have slightly different formatting requirements.

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