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Practical advice for researchers looking to inform, influence — and get published

A review article is more than just a literature summary. When done well, it frames a field, defines knowledge gaps, and sparks new research questions. Whether you’re responding to an invitation or pitching your own idea, a successful review requires more than familiarity with the topic — it takes strategy, structure, and strong communication.

At Insight Editing London, we’ve worked with hundreds of authors on review articles across fields and formats. We’ve seen what makes a review publishable, shareable, and ultimately, valuable. Below, Jessica shares her advice as a former Reviews editor for the Nature Reviews journal series. She outlines some of the key elements to keep in mind as you plan and write your next one.

Start with a Focused, Timely Question

Broad reviews may feel comprehensive, but they often struggle to add something new. Editors — and readers — are looking for a fresh perspective. That often means narrowing your scope.

A good starting point is to define a clear conceptual or mechanistic focus. For example, a review of “genetic mechanisms in cancer” may be too wide to offer novel insight. But a review on “epigenetic regulation of MYC in pediatric neuroblastoma” gives you room to synthesize new findings and highlight underexplored areas. Once you have your topic, scan the literature from the past 3–5 years. You’ll want to be sure you’re not duplicating existing work and that your article responds to current trends, debates, or data.

Think Strategically About Your Team

Unlike primary research papers, which often reflect the collective work of a whole lab, review articles benefit from a more focused authorship. Ideally, your co-authors should represent different but complementary expertise — and contribute meaningfully to the planning and writing. Including collaborators from other institutions or subfields can bring fresh viewpoints and strengthen the final product.

Avoid defaulting to long author lists. Readers, editors, and reviewers expect a review to be crafted by experts — not committees.

Engage Early with the Journal

If you’re planning to submit to a specific journal, it’s a smart move to reach out early. A well-crafted presubmission inquiry can save time and energy later on — especially if the journal already has similar content in the pipeline.

In your inquiry, include:

  • A proposed title and author list
  • A short paragraph outlining your authority on the topic
  • Key references you plan to include
  • Tentative figure and section titles

This allows the editor to gauge scope, timeliness, and suitability. They may even offer feedback that helps shape your structure or angle.

Don’t Just Summarize — Synthesize

One of the most common weaknesses in review articles is that they read like annotated bibliographies. A strong review should go beyond summarizing individual studies to offer interpretation and insight.

Aim to:

  • Highlight patterns, conflicts, and trends in the field
  • Offer critical perspective on study quality or limitations
  • Explain what remains unclear — and why that matters
  • Suggest areas for future research or practical applications

It’s fine — even encouraged — to include your own opinion, as long as you distinguish it from consensus. Your expertise is part of the value you bring to readers.

Use Structure and Visuals to Guide the Reader

A well-structured review article is easy to navigate. Each section should have a clear function and build toward your overall message. Visuals play a key role here. Figures and tables aren’t just decorative — they help readers grasp complex relationships, timelines, or comparisons at a glance.

In general, try to include at least one display item per main section. These will also increase your chances of being cited and reused — in talks, lectures, and future articles.

Keep It Concise — and Readable

While it’s tempting to write everything you know about a topic, a focused, readable review is far more effective — and more publishable.

Some tips:

  • Aim for 3,000–5,000 words unless the journal allows more
  • Use headings, signposting, and short paragraphs
  • Avoid long blocks of text — especially in technical sections
  • Don’t overexplain basics unless your audience is broad

And remember: readability doesn’t mean dumbing down. It means clear, confident communication.

Final Thoughts

Writing a review article is a chance to shape how your field sees itself — what’s known, what’s still unclear, and what questions are worth asking next. It’s also a powerful way to position yourself as a thought leader in your area.

So give your review the attention it deserves. Plan your structure carefully. Engage with the journal early. Revise ruthlessly. And don’t hesitate to seek expert help.

If you’re working on a review this summer, we’re offering 10% off all review edits until 31 August. Just mention SUMMERREVIEW when booking.

Let’s make your next review article one that informs, inspires — and gets read.