Q: How can I submit two manuscripts with methods similar to another previously written but unpublished work?

Detailed Question -

I am currently using Editage's manuscript preparation/submission services for three of my manuscripts. The issue is that some of the procedures are similar in those three manuscripts. I have four procedures in each of the manuscripts ( let's say Procedure 1-Procedure 4). So the way they are similar is like this: (1) Manuscript 1 includes Procedure 1- Procedure 4 (2) In Manuscript 2 Procedure 1 and 2 are similar to Manuscript 1, but Procedure 3 and 4 are different. (3) In Manuscript 3, Procedure 1 is similar to Manuscript 1 and 2, but Pcedure 2- 4 are different. All the manuscripts will be ready for submission around the same time. The reason this is happening is because Manuscript 1 which was ready one year ago, faced rejection from multiple journals. So in the mean time I continued my research and started writing Manuscript 2 and 3. What if Manuscript 2 and Manuscript 3 are ready for submission before Manuscript 1 is published? How do I deal with this situation ? Should I wait for Manuscript 1 to be successfully published first, so I can cite the similar procedures in Manuscript 2 and 3? Or is this not a problem? Please, kindly advise.

Asked by Maliazurina Saad on 02 Aug, 2017

Answer

Follow this Question

1 Answer to this question

Answer:

The best option, as you have correctly pointed out, would be to wait for Manuscript 1 to be published or at least accepted by a journal. Once it is accepted, you can cite it with the words "accepted for publication" in brackets after the journal name. However, since Manuscript 1 has previously been rejected by multiple journals, one concern here is that if it gets rejected again, this will delay the submission of the other two manuscripts as well.

Another option would be to upload Manuscript 1 on a preprint server such as aRxiv first. That way, you will be able to establish priority on the piece of research and this will reduce your chances of getting scooped. Additionally, you will be able to submit Manuscript 2 and 3, citing the preprint, without having to wait for Manuscript 1 to be accepted.