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If you think your abstract is ready, always do at least a basic proof read and edit. Look at every single word and ask yourself, "Does that word need to be there? Does it add value to my abstract? Can I present my point in an even better way?" It is often a good idea to do this process, then leave the abstract alone for a day or two and return to it with fresh eyes. Very often you will suddenly find a way to improve your work. Revisiting your work 2-3 times is a good habit and will only help further refine and improve your writing.

Always pass your article to a couple of trusted colleagues before you submit it. This is the peer review BEFORE peer review process. Asking your professor, colleague, mentor or tutor, for example, to proof read your work and give feedback is vital before submitting it to the Journal.

You may also need to ask or pay for professional editing services at this point, depending on the level of your language skills. Articles that are not well written and structured could be rejected, even if the science is sound. The goal is to ensure your article is at its very best, before you submit it to the Journal. This will save huge amounts of time, not only for yourself but also for the editors and reviewers – the easier you make their job, the better your chances will be.

When you receive feedback or criticism on your abstract or your entire article from your peers, do not take it personally. Look at the feedback critically, openly, and objectively.

You have chosen these peers to provide you feedback because you trust and value their opinion. You need to trust and value their feedback when it comes. That is not to say that you shouldn't also be analytical of the feedback. If you can look at it objectively and reject their feedback based on valid reasons, then there is no obligation on your part to incorporate it – but you must be objective at this point – it is a great training for you, when it comes to the feedback received through the official peer review process also.

Once you have completed all of this, you are ready to submit your article.