In general, manuscripts submitted to Applied Clinical Trials should be written in a straightforward, businesslike style that presents factual information in a clear and orderly manner. You may, however, introduce anecdotal elements that help illustrate points or convey a fresh and candid impression of the circumstances in which events took place. The paper should be detailed enough to ensure that readers can use the information, but not so technical that only specialists can understand it.

Engage the readers. It is important to remember that the magazine's readers live in more than 40 countries around the world.

Write in clear, unambiguous English, using active voice wherever possible. In the first two or three paragraphs, tell readers why and how reading the article can help them to conduct clinical trials more efficiently and effectively. The first two or three paragraphs should answer the question uppermost in each reader's mind: "What's in it for me?"

Suggest titles and subtitles. Suggest a short and specific title that accurately reflects the article's purpose and content. Although authors may suggest titles and identify the parts of their articles with subheadings, the editorial staff makes all final decisions about titles and subheadings.

Provide keywords and Web sites. As the writer of the article, you may have special knowledge of the Web sites and keywords specific to your topic. Please provide those keywords—common search terms used to search the Web about your topic—at the end of the document after your references.

Provide appropriate graphics. High-quality illustrations, charts, tables, graphs, and other figures increase reader involvement and can reinforce the message in your article. Submitting Graphics Electronically. We can accept graphics via e-mail attachment in the following formats: JPEG, TIFF, EPS, Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator. Required image resolution is 300 dpi to ensure high-quality results.

Identify Tables and Illustrations. Refer to tables and figures in order: Table 1, Table 2, Figure 1, Figure 2. Identify figures and captions by number. Give tables and each of their component parts appropriate headings.

Include byline and biographical information. Provide authors' names, titles, and affiliations (company, agency, university)— exactly as each prefers that it appear in the article. Include the corresponding author's mailing address, email address, and telephone and fax numbers.

Check facts and spelling. Before submitting a manuscript, review the text for clarity and accuracy. Check the spelling of proper nouns (names of people and products), include the locations of any companies named in the text, and make sure that references are complete and cited in numerical order in the body of the article. Define acronyms and abbreviations, even those that seem obvious.

Submit electronically. A manuscript should be submitted via email as a MS Word attachment. When submitting reference lists in Word, do not embed them in End Notes Program; they should be listed at the end of the manuscript. Also, do not use footnotes or embed properties when preparing a manuscript.

Acknowledgment, review, revisions

Within 5–10 working days after receiving a manuscript, Applied Clinical Trials notifies the author of its receipt and enters the manuscript into the review process. The Editor-in-Chief, with the counsel of the Editorial Advisory Board and other appropriate outside reviewers, determines whether a manuscript is suitable for publication. Reviews typically take 6–8 weeks, but can take 9–12 weeks due to high submission volume.

Few articles are accepted without some requests for additional information or clarification. When the reviewers are basically satisfied with a manuscript but have a few minor suggestions, an article is generally accepted and changes and clarifications worked out with the author during the copy editing stage. When editorial reviewers recommend major revisions or extensive rewriting, the author is provided with their comments and an explanation of the revisions or clarification required.

Copy editing, review of first proofs

All accepted articles are subject to copy editing for clarity and for conformity with Applied Clinical Trials house style. As a safeguard against publishing any changes in meaning that might inadvertently slip into an article during copy editing, we ask authors to review the first proofs of their articles before publication in the magazine.