What is the The MSL Journal looking for?
The MSL Journal publishes articles about professional development, best practices, industry leadership, key opinion leader engagement, technology, and travel. We are always looking for analyses of trends and issues as they pertain to the Medical Science Liaison profession.
Any article submitted for publication must be original and new. It cannot have been published previously, and must not be currently under consideration by another publication. The content should be unique. The article should also be both compelling and practical, readers seek actionable insights that they can use in their current jobs.
What is the The MSL Journal not looking for?
The MSL Journal does not publish scientific papers or articles that directly promote the author’s products or services.
Can vendors submit articles for The MSL Journal?
Yes. Our experience is that consultants, technology vendors, outsource service providers, agencies, and others often have valuable insights to contribute to our readers. Articles by vendors need to be strictly non-promotional.
How long should articles be?
Articles between 500-1000 words in length are best. We will edit all articles as needed. Authors may write in either the first or third person; however, articles voiced in the third person are preferred. Authors should provide visual graphics, including photographs, figures, and tables. If no graphics are provided, any suggestions or ideas for stock photography would be appreciated. Cover Stories may require additional graphics or photos.
What is the submission and acceptance procedure?
We recommend submitting a detailed proposal or outline before preparing a manuscript. If possible, please send proposals as a Microsoft Word file attached to an email. The author is responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information provided in the article before submitting the document. Any information or data taken from outside sources should be acknowledged within the text or in a numerical reference list. The MSL Journal reserves the right to line-edit manuscripts for space considerations, clarity, and consistency with the publication’s editorial style. The copy may be further edited after this stage to conform to physical editorial space restraints. Any article submitted and accepted for publication assumes The MSL Journal and the MSL Society retains all copyrights to the article in its published form.
Send your articles for publication to journal@themsls.org. If you have any questions, contact Karolina Sandalova (karolina.sandalova@themsls.org).
In most cases, you will hear back from us in about a month. We cannot guarantee publication. It is possible, an edited article may go unpublished.
How should manuscripts and materials be submitted?
Microsoft Word files submitted via e-mail. Try to avoid complex formatting in the article. Charts, graphs, and photos should be submitted as separate documents. Any graphic- or information-intensive figure or table should be provided as a Microsoft PowerPoint file. Each one should have an accompanying caption or legend indicating the title of the compiled data, as well as definitions of any abbreviations or acronyms. The images must be clear, readable, and should include any data points (if applicable) for editorial reference checking and for accurate re-creation. The author must cite the original source of the material or data in the caption or legend. Permission to reproduce or modify copyrighted artwork or information must be obtained by the author before submission.
Photos must be submitted in a high-resolution format (300dpi, 1 MB in size or larger, maximum-quality JPEG or TIFF files preferred). All photos, including headshots, article artwork, or stock photography, should be clean and professional. Authors should wear business or business-casual attire in their photographs. If the photographer requires a photo credit, the corresponding author must provide the information either in an email or in the article text.
Please send your full name and credentials, and complete contact information, including email address, phone, and a headshot and a biography in one Word document.
If you are required to put your article through review with your employer prior to publication, please let us know at the time of submission, so we can budget an appropriate amount of time.
What is the editing procedure?
Most articles go through at least one rewrite, guided by questions and comments from our editors. We may also provide vigorous line-editing to improve the readability of your article. Substantive edits are reviewed with authors. Minor style changes and cuts for length generally are not. Our lead time, from acceptance to publication is 30 to 90 days.
Who owns copyright to the article?
You do, although The MSL Journal owns copyright to our editing and the laid-out pages that appear in the magazine. Authors, by submission, automatically provide permission to use the article, on a nonexclusive basis, in ancillary settings such as on our website, on social media, in reprints, and similar such uses.
What are some hints for success?
As much as possible, talk about your experience rather than pure theory. Use specific examples to illustrate your points. Write the way you’d talk, with a minimum of jargon. Near the beginning of the article, include a paragraph that states your intentions. Don’t be subtle about it: “This article will…” is fine.
Include quotations from other people; additional voices and perspectives always make articles stronger. Break out relevant subtopics as sidebars or boxes—which will improve the way the story looks and reads in the magazine.
Finally, remember that you’re writing for people who face many of the same challenges you do. Write something that will help them.
Reprints and Permissions
Bulk reprints of articles are available for a fee, based on the article’s length and the number of copies desired. To order, contact Karolina.sandalova@themsls.org.