ISSN: 2349-6002
UGC Approved Journal No 47859
Publishing a research paper is an exciting step in your academic journey. However, many researchers—especially first-time authors—make avoidable mistakes during submission that can delay or even reject their work. At IJIRT.org, we’ve reviewed thousands of submissions, and we’ve identified some recurring errors that can impact your chances of publication.
Here are 10 common mistakes to avoid when submitting a research paper—and how you can fix them.
1. Not Following Journal Guidelines
The Mistake: Overlooking formatting or structure instructions.
The Fix: Always follow the specific submission guidelines of the journal.
2. Weak or Unclear Abstract
The Mistake: Vague or overly technical summaries.
The Fix: Write a concise, clear abstract that highlights your objective, method, and findings.
3. Poor Grammar and Language
The Mistake: Errors reduce credibility.
The Fix: Use proofreading tools and have peers review your manuscript.
4. Lack of Originality or Plagiarism
The Mistake: Unintentional copying or poor citation.
The Fix: Run a plagiarism check and cite every source properly.
5. Insufficient Literature Review
The Mistake: Ignoring existing research.
The Fix: Provide context and justify how your work adds to the field.
6. Weak or Missing Hypothesis/Objectives
The Mistake: No clear direction or purpose.
The Fix: Clearly state your research problem and what you're trying to prove or explore.
7. Overuse of Jargon or Complex Terminology
The Mistake: Confusing your audience.
The Fix: Simplify and clarify your language wherever possible.
8. Data Without Proper Analysis
The Mistake: Presenting raw figures without meaning.
The Fix: Analyze data with appropriate tools and interpret the results thoroughly.
9. Incorrect or Incomplete References
The Mistake: Citation errors and inconsistency.
The Fix: Use reference management tools and double-check every source.
10. Submitting to the Wrong Journal
The Mistake: Mismatched journal and topic.
The Fix: Ensure your research aligns with the journal’s focus—like IJIRT’s emphasis on innovation, engineering, and technology.
Final Thoughts
By avoiding these common submission mistakes, you enhance your paper’s chances of getting accepted and published. Remember, attention to detail and adherence to guidelines make a big difference in academic publishing.
