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By following the advice and guidance here, you’ll be able to produce a paper that’s a great fit for your chosen journal. ## Jump to section  ### Know who you’re writing for *Play an audio reading of this section:* Your browser does not support the audio tag. Before you start writing up your research, it’s important to have a good idea of which journal you want your paper to be published in. When writing your paper you should keep the journal you are targeting in mind, to make sure the style, structure and audience are all a good fit. This helps the editor to see how your work matches with the [aims and scope of the journal](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/choosing-a-journal/how-to-use-a-journals-aims-and-scope/), and make it more likely to be accepted for publication. Make sure you’ve read the aims and scope for your target journal before you start writing, it will tell you what types of article are accepted. You’ll find lots more advice on finding the right journal for your research in our section on [choosing a journal](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/choosing-a-journal/).  ### Read the guidelines *Play an audio reading of this section:* Your browser does not support the audio tag. You need to understand what the editor of your target journal will be looking for. By understanding the expectations of both the journal and the publisher, you can write your paper to meet those standards from the start. Familiarizing yourself with your chosen journal’s [instructions for authors](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/making-your-submission/get-familiar-with-the-instructions-for-authors/) (IFAs) is a key part of writing your paper and preparing to submit. The IFAs tell you exactly what the journal’s editorial board expects to see, including details of specific processes to follow to make sure there are no problems should your article be accepted It’s important to familiarize yourself with the journal’s own policies, but in addition, you should also review the Taylor & Francis [Editorial Policies](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/editorial-policies/) that apply across our whole portfolio of journals. Editorial Policies clearly lay out the [standards of reporting](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/editorial-policies/standards-of-reporting/) expected by the journal/publisher, as well as covering everything from ethics standards to use of third-party material.  ### Structuring your article *Play an audio reading of this section:* Your browser does not support the audio tag. The best way to determine how to structure your article is to study your target journal. The right manuscript structure can boost your chances of publishing success. To save time and for peace of mind, you may want to consider using [manuscript formatting experts](https://www.tandfeditingservices.com/services/manuscript-formatting.html) while you focus on your research. [Get help formatting your manuscript](https://www.tandfeditingservices.com/services/manuscript-formatting.html " Get help formatting your manuscript ") - Look through the journal’s instructions for authors, but also take the time to read a selection of articles already published there to see how they are structured. This will help you to understand what the editor may be looking for. - You could also make use of an article template. Check the instructions for authors for your chosen journal to see if they accept templated articles, then [download the article template and instructions](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/formatting-and-templates/). - Sometimes there are specific templates available to use, for example the [Article Template](https://www.overleaf.com/latex/templates/f1000research-journal-article-template/tmshcjpczjbb#.VNjqxGM8RQ4) and [Software Tool Article Template](https://www.overleaf.com/latex/templates/f1000research-software-tool-article-template/wcbcqgcryfzk#.VvvoKXqo78K) for LaTeX users submitting to F1000Research via Overleaf. ### Writing your manuscript *Play an audio reading of this section:* Your browser does not support the audio tag. Every article is unique, and the structure and the sections you need to include depends on the type of article you’re writing and the subject of study. Here’s a helpful step by step guide to take you through the standard sections that many researchers need to include when writing a manuscript, in the order in which you would normally write them. 1. **Prepare tables and figures (if required)** When creating [tables](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/including-tables-in-your-article/) and [figures](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/editorial-policies/images-and-figures/) for your article, check the journal’s instructions for authors, which may specify [artwork formatting guidelines](https://www.tandfeditingservices.com/services/artwork-preparation.html) such as layouts and use of color. 2. **Write up the literature review (if required)** Literature reviews aren’t always needed, but often form an important part of Humanities and Social Sciences manuscripts. Typically, a literature review should discuss what’s already known about the topic of the article, identify gaps in current knowledge and present your approach to addressing those gaps. 3. **Write the method** The method section gives the reader all the details of how you conducted your research. Check the [instructions for authors](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/making-your-submission/get-familiar-with-the-instructions-for-authors/) for your target journal to see whether there are any specific requirements on how it should be presented. It’s also a good idea to review previously published papers in the journal or sample reports on the journal website. 4. **Write up your results** In the results section, you’re answering the question ‘what have you found?’. You should state your findings, but don’t interpret the results or discuss their implications in this section. 5. **Write the discussion and conclusions** Your discussion and conclusion are where you interpret your results. Discuss your conclusions in order of most to least important, and end by stating your main conclusions again. 6. **Write the introduction** Your introduction should provide the background information needed to understand your study, and the reasons why you conducted your experiments. At the end of your introduction you should include a clear statement of your aims and a brief sentence or two on how you conducted your study. Although your introduction comes first in your article, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to write it once you’ve written the rest of your paper. 7. **Write the abstract and create a compelling title** Your abstract is the shop window of your article – this is where customers (researchers) can sample your wares and decide whether to read and cite your content or look elsewhere. Follow our advice on [writing the title and abstract for your article using keywords](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/using-keywords-to-write-title-and-abstract/) to set up your work to be easily discovered online.  Don’t worry if you’re not a native English speaker. Here’s [how to break language barriers and publish in international journals](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/researcher-services/how-to-break-language-barriers-and-publish-in-international-journals/). *Play an audio reading of this section:* Your browser does not support the audio tag. ### What else should I include when writing my paper? - If you are using [third-party material](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/using-third-party-material/) in your article, It is important to make sure that you are clear on the guidance you need to follow, as most journals need you to have written permission. - If you need to refer to a data set in your article, you’ll need to make sure that you cite the data appropriately. Read more in our how-to guide on [citing data](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/data-sharing-policies/citing-data-guide/). - There are also specific guidelines to follow when including [mathematical scripts](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/mathematical-scripts/) and [special characters](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/using-special-characters/). - Please make sure you read through the [Taylor & Francis Editorial Policies](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/editorial-policies/) which include important information about why and how you should [cite sources](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/editorial-policies/citations/) in your article. These requirements apply to all journals published by Taylor & Francis Group. - Have you considered writing a [Plain Language Summary](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/how-to-write-a-plain-language-summary/)? They can greatly help to communicate the significance of scientific research evidence to a broad audience. - Do you want your scientific paper to be shared with a non-scientific audience, such as policy makers? If so, the recently launched [Key Policy Highlights scheme](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/key-policy-highlights/) can support you with this. For more tips and useful advice, we’ve put together a handy guide and video on what to consider when [writing your journal article](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/writing-a-journal-article/). You can also check out our guide to know [what makes a good research paper](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/researcher-services/what-makes-a-good-research-paper/). ### Writing a review article? A review article, also called a literature review, should give an overview of current thinking on the theme rather than presenting new results. Read our specific advice on [writing a review article](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/how-to-write-review-article/) for more guidance. ### Writing a manuscript in a more unusual format? There may be specific resources available to help you structure and write the article – for example, F1000Research offer detailed instructions for authors for some of their article types, like [Data Notes](https://think.f1000research.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Data-Note-Template-for-Authors.pdf) and [Registered Report Stage 1 Study Protocols](https://think.f1000research.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Registered_Reports_Stage_One_Study_Protocol_Template_for_authors.pdf). It’s always worth exploring the journal or platform homepage to see if there are dedicated guides and resources to help you prepare your manuscript. ### Formatting your paper ## Everything in one guide [](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/resources/writing-paper-ebook/) [Download your free guide to writing your paper](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/resources/writing-paper-ebook/ " Download your free guide to writing your paper ") Our [manuscript layout guide](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/journal-manuscript-layout-guide/) will help you to format your manuscript to get it ready to submit to a Taylor & Francis journal. Many journals also allow the use of templates to help you format your article. You can find out if this applies to your chosen journal by checking the instructions for authors. Then you should visit our [formatting and templates page to find the downloadable template files and their instructions](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/formatting-and-templates/). ## Publishing tips, direct to your inbox Need some help and tips for publishing your research? Hear from expert voices, sharing top tips and advice. [Sign up to Research Insights today](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/research-insights/ " Sign up to Research Insights today ") ### Using AI when writing your paper Taylor & Francis supports the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence tools in the process of writing your article. Examples of their use include: - **Language improvement**: There is a range of tools that will suggest options for improving the clarity or accuracy of your writing, as well as adapting your language so that it is more suitable for a research journal. - **Plain language summaries**: If the journal you are submitting to provides the opportunity to provide an abstract for lay readers, AI tools can be useful for helping to synthesize your article into a more accessible form. - **Formatting**: Many journals require you to use a set format for citations, sections and language (e.g. British or American English). AI can help to reformat your draft manuscript to meet those requirements.  You should also be aware of the limitations of AI tools for writing. They can introduce inaccuracies, falsities (aka hallucinations), and do not always precisely attribute ideas, quotes, or citations. Therefore, if you do decide to use AI tools to support your writing, it will need rigorous revision before it can be submitted for publication. Please note that if you use AI when writing your paper, this will need to be acknowledged. Read our [authorship guidance](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/editorial-policies/defining-authorship-research-paper/) for more details. **Key principles to be aware of when using AI in any part of the research process include:** - AI technologies should always be used with **human oversight and transparency**. - You must make sure any tools you intend to use respect **high standards of data security, confidentiality, and copyright protection**. - You must make sure that your **input and output data is not retained for AI training** when you use third-party AI tools during manuscript writing. - You must receive **permission from copyright holders prior to using copyrighted material** in input to an AI tool. This applies, for example, to literature reviews and summaries. - **Some potential uses of AI in research are considered unethical**. For example, generative AI tools should not be used in ways that replace core researcher and author responsibilities. See our [guidance on misconduct](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/editorial-policies/misconduct/) . - **You must also acknowledge the use of AI** in any papers you write based on that research. Read our [authorship guidance](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/editorial-policies/defining-authorship-research-paper/) for more details. Above all, however you use AI, it remains your responsibility to make sure that your work meets the highest standards in your field of research. If you use AI tools to support your writing, it will need thorough review before it can be submitted for publication. ### Before you submit *Play an audio reading of this section:* Your browser does not support the audio tag. Once you have the first complete draft of your paper, make sure it is in the best possible shape before submitting, by editing your manuscript properly. You need to know [how to improve your research paper](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/research-paper-editing/) by taking a critical look at your manuscript. This guide to [preparing your article for submission](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/researcher-services/preparing-your-article-for-submission/) will also show you how to write and refine your paper in confidence. When you’re confident in the final draft of your manuscript, it’s important to check it back against the Taylor & Francis Editorial Policies, and the individual processes and policies of your target journal found in the IFAs. Guidance may vary by journal, so we’ve listed below a few key areas that you need to pay attention to: - [Defining authorship](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/editorial-policies/defining-authorship-research-paper/): co-authors, corresponding authors, and affiliations. - The [ethical issues](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/ethics-for-journal-authors/) you should be aware of as an author. - [Declaring competing interests](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/editorial-policies/competing-interest/). Also known as a ‘conflict of interest’, full disclosure of any competing interests is required when you submit your paper to a journal. - If your research includes a medical/clinical study you will need written [patient consent](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/editorial-policies/research-ethics-and-consent/) from your participants. All authors are required to follow the [ICMJE requirements](http://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/roles-and-responsibilities/protection-of-research-participants.html) on privacy and informed consent from patients and study participants.  If you need more help to get your paper ready to submit, find out how [Taylor & Francis Editing Services can help you improve your manuscript](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/editing-services-improve-your-manuscript/). These tailored services make the process of preparing and submitting a manuscript even easier to offer you a smooth journey to publication.  Once you have written your paper and are ready to submit, [read our guidance on making your submission](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/making-your-submission/) to help you through the process. ### Enhance your paper Have you considered any optional enhancements for your paper? - [Plain Language Summaries](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/how-to-write-a-plain-language-summary/) communicate the significance of scientific research evidence to a broad audience in jargon-free and clear language. Improve public engagement with a Plain Language Summary. - [A graphical abstract](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/using-keywords-to-write-title-and-abstract/#graphicalabstract) is a useful tool that provides a concise, visual summary of the main conclusions of your article. It can be a great additional way to communicate your findings. - [A video abstract](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/research-impact/creating-a-video-abstract-for-your-research/) lets you introduce readers to your article in your own words, telling others why they should read your research. They are an increasingly popular way of getting others to engage with published research. ### Explore related posts Insights topic: [Get published](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/insights-blog/#get-published)  #### [Digital presence guide: Transform your research visibility](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/blog/research-impact/digital-presence-guide-transform-your-research-visibility-with-ai/ "Digital presence guide: Transform your research visibility")  #### [Navigating ethical challenges in academic publishing: Expert advice from a journal editor](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/blog/get-published/navigating-ethical-challenges-in-academic-publishing/ "Navigating ethical challenges in academic publishing: Expert advice from a journal editor")  #### [Language scorer service](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/blog/get-published/language_scorer_service/ "Language scorer service") [Contact us Contact us](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/contact/) - [Cookie Policy](https://privacy.informa.com/policies/en/) - [Accessibility Statement](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/accessibility-statement/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.informa.com/privacy-policy/) - [Terms & Conditions](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/terms-conditions/) - [Editorial Policies](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/editorial-policies/) - [Contact us](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/contact/) - [Taylor & Francis Online](https://www.tandfonline.com/ "Link – Taylor & Francis Online") - [F1000 Research](https://f1000research.com/ "Link – F1000 Research") - [Editing Services](https://www.tandfeditingservices.com/ "Link – Editing Services") - [Editor Resources](https://editorresources.taylorandfrancis.com/ "Link – Editor Resources") - [For Books Authors](https://www.routledge.com/resources/authors "Link – For Books Authors") © 2026 Informa UK Limited, an [Informa Group](https://informa.com/) Company. 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*Play an audio reading of this section:*Your browser does not support the audio tag. Every article is unique, and the structure and the sections you need to include depends on the type of article you’re writing and the subject of study. Here’s a helpful step by step guide to take you through the standard sections that many researchers need to include when writing a manuscript, in the order in which you would normally write them. 1. **Prepare tables and figures (if required)** When creating [tables](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/including-tables-in-your-article/) and [figures](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/editorial-policies/images-and-figures/) for your article, check the journal’s instructions for authors, which may specify [artwork formatting guidelines](https://www.tandfeditingservices.com/services/artwork-preparation.html) such as layouts and use of color. 2. **Write up the literature review (if required)** Literature reviews aren’t always needed, but often form an important part of Humanities and Social Sciences manuscripts. Typically, a literature review should discuss what’s already known about the topic of the article, identify gaps in current knowledge and present your approach to addressing those gaps. 3. **Write the method** The method section gives the reader all the details of how you conducted your research. Check the [instructions for authors](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/making-your-submission/get-familiar-with-the-instructions-for-authors/) for your target journal to see whether there are any specific requirements on how it should be presented. It’s also a good idea to review previously published papers in the journal or sample reports on the journal website. 4. **Write up your results** In the results section, you’re answering the question ‘what have you found?’. You should state your findings, but don’t interpret the results or discuss their implications in this section. 5. **Write the discussion and conclusions** Your discussion and conclusion are where you interpret your results. Discuss your conclusions in order of most to least important, and end by stating your main conclusions again. 6. **Write the introduction** Your introduction should provide the background information needed to understand your study, and the reasons why you conducted your experiments. At the end of your introduction you should include a clear statement of your aims and a brief sentence or two on how you conducted your study. Although your introduction comes first in your article, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to write it once you’ve written the rest of your paper. 7. **Write the abstract and create a compelling title** Your abstract is the shop window of your article – this is where customers (researchers) can sample your wares and decide whether to read and cite your content or look elsewhere. Follow our advice on [writing the title and abstract for your article using keywords](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/using-keywords-to-write-title-and-abstract/) to set up your work to be easily discovered online.  *Play an audio reading of this section:*Your browser does not support the audio tag. ### What else should I include when writing my paper? - If you are using [third-party material](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/using-third-party-material/) in your article, It is important to make sure that you are clear on the guidance you need to follow, as most journals need you to have written permission. - If you need to refer to a data set in your article, you’ll need to make sure that you cite the data appropriately. Read more in our how-to guide on [citing data](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/data-sharing-policies/citing-data-guide/). - There are also specific guidelines to follow when including [mathematical scripts](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/mathematical-scripts/) and [special characters](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/using-special-characters/). - Please make sure you read through the [Taylor & Francis Editorial Policies](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/editorial-policies/) which include important information about why and how you should [cite sources](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/editorial-policies/citations/) in your article. These requirements apply to all journals published by Taylor & Francis Group. - Have you considered writing a [Plain Language Summary](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/how-to-write-a-plain-language-summary/)? They can greatly help to communicate the significance of scientific research evidence to a broad audience. - Do you want your scientific paper to be shared with a non-scientific audience, such as policy makers? If so, the recently launched [Key Policy Highlights scheme](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/key-policy-highlights/) can support you with this. ### Writing a review article? A review article, also called a literature review, should give an overview of current thinking on the theme rather than presenting new results. Read our specific advice on [writing a review article](https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/how-to-write-review-article/) for more guidance. ### Writing a manuscript in a more unusual format? There may be specific resources available to help you structure and write the article – for example, F1000Research offer detailed instructions for authors for some of their article types, like [Data Notes](https://think.f1000research.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Data-Note-Template-for-Authors.pdf) and [Registered Report Stage 1 Study Protocols](https://think.f1000research.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Registered_Reports_Stage_One_Study_Protocol_Template_for_authors.pdf). It’s always worth exploring the journal or platform homepage to see if there are dedicated guides and resources to help you prepare your manuscript.