Submission Guidelines and Manuscript Preparation

The following submission guidelines outline the process for preparing and submitting manuscripts to Heighpubs Otolaryngology and Rhinology (HOR). These rules ensure consistency, ethical compliance, and smooth processing in accordance with ICMJE Recommendations, COPE principles, and WAME standards.

Submission Process

  1. Registration: Authors must register and log into the submission system.
  2. Manuscript Upload: Upload the manuscript in Microsoft Word (.docx) format.
  3. Supplementary Files: Upload figures, tables, datasets, and appendices separately.
  4. Metadata Entry: Provide article title, abstract, keywords, funding details, and author information.
  5. Compliance Checklist: Confirm adherence to ethical standards and formatting rules.
  6. Final Submission: Review and confirm submission. Authors receive an acknowledgment email.

Manuscript Preparation Guidelines

HOR manuscripts must be structured according to the IMRaD framework where applicable.

  • Title Page: Title, author names, affiliations, corresponding author details, ORCID IDs.
  • Abstract: Structured (250 words max; Background, Methods, Results, Conclusion).
  • Keywords: 3–6 terms aligned with MeSH headings.
  • Introduction: Rationale, objectives, and significance.
  • Methods: Detailed methodology, ethical approval, data availability statement.
  • Results: Clear findings with tables/figures.
  • Discussion: Interpretation, novelty, limitations, implications.
  • Conclusion: Key takeaways and recommendations.
  • References: Vancouver style, numbered citations [1].

Formatting Requirements

  • Language: English, clear and concise.
  • Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced.
  • Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides.
  • Figures: High-resolution (TIFF/JPEG, 300 dpi minimum).
  • Tables: Editable, not embedded as images.
  • Headings: Hierarchical, consistent, and descriptive.

Ethical Standards

  • Human Research: IRB approval and informed consent required.
  • Animal Research: Compliance with ARRIVE guidelines.
  • Clinical Trials: Must include trial registration number.
  • Conflict of Interest: Mandatory disclosure in manuscript.
  • Funding Acknowledgment: List grant numbers and funder details.

File Preparation

Authors should upload:

  • Main manuscript file (.docx)
  • Separate figure files (TIFF/JPEG)
  • Supplementary material (datasets, videos, appendices)
  • Cover letter addressed to the Editor-in-Chief

Cover Letter

The cover letter should include:

  • Manuscript title and type
  • Summary of novelty and significance
  • Conflict of interest disclosures
  • Confirmation of compliance with ethical standards

Authorship and Contributions

HOR follows the ICMJE authorship criteria. Each author must contribute significantly. Author contributions should be detailed using the CRediT taxonomy (e.g., Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing).

Submission Checklist

  • Manuscript formatted in accordance with guidelines
  • Abstract and keywords included
  • Figures and tables submitted separately
  • Ethical approvals obtained and documented
  • Conflicts of interest disclosed
  • Funding sources acknowledged

Example: A clinical trial submission must include a CONSORT checklist, trial registration number, IRB approval, and informed consent statements.

FAQs

Can I submit in PDF?

No, Word format is required for processing and peer review.

Do I need to anonymize my manuscript?

Yes, for double-blind peer review, manuscripts must exclude identifying details.

What is the maximum file size for submission?

Individual files should not exceed 20 MB; large datasets should be uploaded as supplementary material.

Are reference management tools supported?

Yes, authors may use EndNote, Mendeley, or Zotero with Vancouver style output.

Contact Information