In Blog

How to Strengthen Your Scientific Manuscript Before Submission

Once you’ve finished a full draft of your manuscript, it can be tempting to hit “submit” — or at least send it straight to an editor or co-author. But the truth is, the draft you just completed isn’t quite ready.

There’s one more crucial phase: revision.

This isn’t about fixing typos. It’s about making sure your ideas land clearly, your structure flows logically, and your reader doesn’t get lost — whether that reader is a peer reviewer, journal editor, or funding panel.

At Insight Editing London, we’ve supported thousands of researchers in refining their manuscripts before submission — across fields, languages, and stages of the publication process. Along the way, we’ve seen where drafts often fall short, and what kinds of revisions make the biggest difference. In this post, we’re sharing what we’ve learned so you can apply the same techniques to strengthen your own writing before you submit.

Why revision is more than proofreading

Proofreading checks for errors. Revision checks for strength.

It asks:

  • Does the structure support the story I’m telling?
  • Is my key message clear in the abstract, introduction, and conclusion?
  • Are there sections that wander, repeat themselves, or dilute the impact?

Revision is where your manuscript becomes not just accurate — but convincing.

Five questions to ask yourself before you revise

  1. What is the key message of my paper? Can you summarise it in a single sentence? Does that message appear clearly in the title, abstract, and conclusion?
  2. Does the paper flow logically from one section to the next? If you outlined each paragraph, would the argument build clearly?
  3. Is every section doing its job? Are your methods overly detailed? Do your results feel like a list or a narrative?
  4. Are there sections that repeat the same point? Look out for overlapping content between the intro and discussion, or across figure legends.
  5. Would a colleague from my field understand it easily? If not, what might confuse them?

Practical self-editing strategies

  • Take a break before revising. A day or two away from the text will give you fresh eyes.
  • Read aloud. This helps you hear awkward phrasing or overly long sentences you may have skimmed over before.
  • Print it or change the format. Reviewing a hard copy can help you notice structural issues you might have missed on the screen.
  • Trim the fat. Watch for vague wording and redundant phrases. Say only what you mean — and say it simply.
  • Track changes as you go. If you’re unsure about cuts or rewording, track your revisions so you can step back and review them later.

When to ask for help

Self-revision is powerful — but there’s a limit to how far you can go on your own. You may be too close to the work to spot gaps in logic, missing background, or unbalanced interpretation.

That’s where an expert editor adds value: by seeing your work from the reader’s point of view, asking the right questions, and helping you shape a clear and compelling narrative.

Looking ahead

Your draft deserves more than a quick polish. With a bit of time, a clear plan, and the right kind of support, you can turn a rough manuscript into one that’s focused, persuasive, and submission-ready. We’re here to help you do just that! Want to stay connected?
Follow us on LinkedIn: Insight Editing London
 Explore our services: www.insighteditinglondon.com
 Email us: enquiry@insighteditinglondon.com