Introducing and Describing an Article in Appealing Ways

Introducing and Describing an Article in Appealing Ways

In academic publishing, your research is judged not only on the strength of your manuscript but also on the clarity and persuasiveness with which you present it. The first impression you give to a journal editor often begins not with the article itself, but with the message that introduces it. Whether this message takes the form of a traditional covering letter, a required submission statement, or the “comments to the editor” box within an online submission platform, it remains a crucial—yet frequently overlooked—component of the publication process.

Although many journals today state that covering letters are optional, very few explicitly forbid them. When used effectively, a covering letter becomes an opportunity: a chance to speak directly to the editor, contextualise your article, and clearly express why your work belongs in that specific journal. A well-crafted introduction can increase editor engagement, establish your professional credibility, and create a favourable environment for your manuscript before the peer-review stage even begins.

This article explores how to introduce and describe your research in ways that are compelling, appropriate, and academically persuasive. It also highlights what authors should avoid and how to tailor your introduction to each journal’s unique perspective and priorities. When done well, this early communication becomes an extension of your scholarly voice—inviting the editor into your intellectual world and encouraging them to read your article with interest.

1. Why Your Introduction Matters

Editors handle large volumes of submissions and must quickly assess the suitability of each article. Your introduction—whether long or short—helps them understand:

• the purpose of your study,
• its most important findings,
• how it contributes to the field, and
• why it aligns with the journal’s mission.

It also allows editors to gauge your professionalism, your clarity of thought, and your ability to communicate with both precision and diplomacy. In this sense, your introduction functions as both a practical guide and a rhetorical gesture. When written thoughtfully, it prepares the editor to read your manuscript with curiosity rather than skepticism.

2. Describe Your Article in Journal-Specific Terms

One of the most powerful strategies for describing your article appealingly is tailoring your message to the scope and identity of the journal. Never assume that a one-size-fits-all description is sufficient. Editors expect authors to understand the journal’s mission and explain why their work fits it.

For example:

• If you conducted a rigorous literature review and the journal values traditional scholarship, your introduction should emphasise methodological thoroughness, engagement with established debates, and respect for disciplinary heritage.
• If your article compares surgical versus nonsurgical treatments, and you are submitting to a journal that focuses on surgery, highlight the surgical dimension—even if your findings present a nuanced or ambivalent conclusion.
• If the journal emphasises innovation, frame your article around its novel contributions and forward-looking insights.

The underlying research remains the same, but its presentation can—and should—be adapted to suit audience expectations. This is not manipulation; it is editorial awareness. The goal is to illustrate how your submission speaks directly to the interests and priorities of that journal’s readership.

3. Strike the Right Tone: Confident but Not Arrogant

One of the most common mistakes authors make is leaning too far toward either excessive humility or excessive confidence. Editors should recognise that your work is valuable and original, but statements such as “This article will fundamentally transform the field” or “My work is entirely unprecedented” are rarely received well. Overclaiming makes authors appear inexperienced or unaware of existing scholarship.

Instead, aim for a tone that is:

• Professional – respectful, courteous, and formal.
• Balanced – acknowledging both strengths and scope.
• Evidence-based – claims grounded in what the article actually shows.
• Confident – highlighting your contribution without exaggeration.

A good editor appreciates assertive, well-reasoned scholarship—not bravado. Demonstrate that you are knowledgeable, not self-promoting; confident, not boastful; and capable of articulating your article’s significance without resorting to hyperbole.

4. Avoid Excessive Detail and Specialist Terminology

A covering letter or introductory description is not the place to explain your entire methodology, provide extensive background theory, or re-create sections of your article. Editors want a concise overview, not a substitute for reading the manuscript.

Likewise, highly specialised jargon—especially when unnecessary—can alienate readers. Remember: the editor may not be an expert in your subfield. They must be able to understand your message quickly and accurately.

Use accessible language that demonstrates intellectual sophistication without sacrificing clarity. Let the article itself present the full technical details.

5. Emphasise Relevance: Why This Article, for This Journal, Now?

Editors often look for submissions that respond to current scholarly conversations, fill established gaps, or address recent developments in a field. When introducing your article, consider whether you can briefly highlight:

• a debate your research clarifies or advances,
• a methodological improvement it proposes,
• a conceptual refinement it offers,
• a problem it explains, resolves or re-frames,
• a timely issue or emerging topic it engages with.

These signals help the editor understand how your article contributes not only to your subfield but to the ongoing evolution of the discipline.

6. Present Yourself as a Professional and Collaborative Scholarly Author

Editors appreciate authors who communicate efficiently, respond promptly, and demonstrate willingness to collaborate during peer review and revision. Your introduction gives you a chance to project this professionalism.

Your writing should convey that you:

• are prepared to engage constructively with reviewer feedback,
• understand journal expectations,
• can work within deadlines, and
• take the publication process seriously.

A covering letter that is polished, courteous and concise signals that you are likely to be a reliable and pleasant author to work with—something every editor values.

7. Polish Your Writing Carefully Before Submitting

Because your introduction is often the first thing an editor reads, it serves as an indirect assessment of your writing quality. Errors in grammar, punctuation or clarity can weaken confidence in your manuscript before the editor even reaches it. A covering letter must therefore be written with the same care you apply to the article itself.

Before submitting, be sure to:

• read the letter aloud to check for awkward phrasing,
• review grammar and punctuation carefully,
• trim unnecessary words,
• ask a colleague to provide feedback,
• consider professional proofreading if needed.

Clean, precise prose reflects positively on your manuscript and your scholarly identity.

8. Keep Your Introduction Concise and Focused

Busy editors appreciate brevity. As a general guideline, a covering letter should be no longer than a single printed page. This encourages you to distill your article’s value into a crisp overview rather than overwhelming the editor with unnecessary detail.

A concise introduction typically includes:

• a clear statement of the article’s title and type (e.g., research article, review, case study),
• a brief description of the article’s purpose and contribution,
• a short explanation of how the article aligns with the journal,
• any essential declarations or ethical statements,
• a polite, professional closing.

Conciseness is not a limitation—it is a demonstration of communication skill.

Conclusion: Introduce Your Work With Confidence and Care

Introducing and describing your article effectively is an essential part of the academic publishing process. While your manuscript carries the full weight of your research, the introduction—whether as a covering letter or accompanying statement—provides the editor with the lens through which your work will first be viewed. A thoughtful, targeted and professionally written introduction sets the stage for a positive editorial response.

By aligning your message with the journal’s aims, striking an appropriate tone, avoiding unnecessary detail, highlighting relevance and ensuring linguistic precision, you help the editor appreciate both the value of your article and the professionalism of its author. These seemingly small steps can significantly influence your publication success, helping your research reach the readers and scholarly communities it deserves.