Interactive tool
Manuscript Outline Planner
Section-by-section writing guidance aligned to STROBE, CONSORT, COREQ, and PRISMA. Each section shows what to include, the relevant guideline items, common mistakes, and suggested word counts.
Observational study
For cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies. STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) is expected by most public health and epidemiology journals.
Typical length: 3,000–4,500 wordsCommon journals: Most public health, epidemiology, and global health journals
6 sections
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What to include
- Paragraph 1: What is the problem? Why does it matter in context (globally, then locally)?
- Paragraph 2: What is already known? Summarise evidence from 3–6 key studies
- Paragraph 3: What is the gap? Be precise: what specifically is not known?
- Final sentence: State the objective clearly: what did this study aim to do?
Reporting guideline items
- 2Explain the scientific background and rationale
- 3State specific objectives, including any prespecified hypotheses
Common mistakes
- Background runs too long: reviewers want to reach the objective quickly
- No clear evidence gap: the reader cannot see why this study was needed
- Objective is vague ('investigate the relationship between…'): make it specific
- Objective uses 'determine' without defining what 'determined' would look like
Suggested word count: 350–550 words
Word count planner
Enter your journal's word limit and we'll distribute it across sections proportionally.
words
Suggestions only. Adjust based on your study's complexity and the journal's author guidelines.
Not sure about your design?
Use the Study Design Decision Guide
Ready for a pre-submission review?
Request manuscript editing support
Guidance is based on STROBE and common editorial practice. Always check the target journal's author instructions: they override these suggestions.
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- Journal Cover Letter TemplatesA set of cover letter templates for journal submissions, including initial submission, revision response, and appeal letters. For authors preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
Category · Manuscript & Publication