Good Publication Practice in Scientific Writing

What you will learn

Six things you will be able to do after reading this guide.

Decide who qualifies as an author
The four ICMJE criteria, how to agree author order early, and who belongs in the acknowledgements.
Avoid the ethical pitfalls
Duplicate publication, salami slicing, ghost and honorary authorship, and undisclosed conflicts of interest.
Cite accurately and avoid plagiarism
Including self-plagiarism, and why accurate referencing lets readers trace the provenance of ideas.
Make your work reproducible
Data availability, code sharing and transparent methods, with the reporting checklists journals expect.
Get the most from peer review
What reviewers check, and how to respond to their comments constructively.
Choose the right journal
Matching scope and readership, avoiding predatory outlets, and checking open access and funder policies.

How well do you know good publication practice?

Three quick questions taken from the guide. Test what you already know.

0of 3 correct so far

Question 1 of 3

How many ICMJE criteria must someone meet to qualify as an author?

All four: substantial contribution, drafting or critical revision, final approval and accountability for the work. The guide explains each one.

You scored 0 out of 3

The guide covers each of these in depth, with checklists you can use on your next manuscript.

Download the free guide

Look inside

A few of the 15 pages, so you know exactly what you are getting.

Sample page: Key insights — **Key insights**Two checklists to get you started

Sample page: How GPP came to be — **How GPP came to be**From 1665 to GPP 2022

Sample page: Ethical considerations — **Ethical considerations**Six red flags to avoid

Sample page: Research design — **Research design**From study design to reporting

Sample page: An interview with our House Editor — **An interview with our House Editor**Practical answers to common questions

“AI tools must not replace critical thinking or original research.”

Our House Editor, from the interview in this guide

Frequently asked questions

What is Good Publication Practice (GPP) and why does it matter?

GPP refers to the ethical, transparent, and rigorous standards that guide how scientific research should be reported. The article explains that “scientific publication is the cornerstone of knowledge dissemination and academic progress” and that increasing scrutiny of research ethics makes understanding GPP “more critical” than ever. Readers will learn how GPP evolved, why it underpins research credibility, and how modern frameworks like ICMJE, COPE, and CONSORT shape responsible publication.

How should authors determine who qualifies for authorship?

The guide provides a clear explanation of ICMJE authorship criteria, noting that authors must contribute substantially to the work, approve the final version, and accept accountability. It states: “Authorship is a formal acknowledgment of scholarly contribution and carries both credit and accountability.” The FAQ highlights how the article helps teams avoid disputes, document contributions early, and prevent ghost or honorary authorship.

What are the most common ethical pitfalls in scientific publishing—and how can they be avoided?

The article addresses plagiarism, COI disclosure, data integrity, duplicate publication, and salami slicing. It warns that “fabrication, falsification, and selective reporting undermine scientific credibility and are grounds for retraction.” This FAQ positions the guide as a practical roadmap for navigating ethical grey zones and maintaining trust in the scientific record.

How can researchers ensure their work is reproducible and transparent?

The document emphasises that reproducibility depends on clear methods, accessible data, and transparent reporting. It notes that “transparent access to data prevents selective reporting and hidden biases” and that journals increasingly require code, datasets, and detailed methodology. This FAQ promotes the article’s actionable guidance on data sharing, reporting standards, and computational reproducibility.

How do you choose the right journal and navigate the submission process?

The guide explains how journal scope, audience, and ethical standards influence publication success. It states that selecting a journal aligned with your research “maximises visibility… and helps avoid desk rejection for being out of scope.” This FAQ highlights the article’s practical advice on journal selection tools, open‑access considerations, and compliance with submission requirements.