Guidelines For Manuscript Submission

Attention writers! CEontime invites you to submit manuscripts covering interesting, informative, topics in healthcare. The following guidelines for prospective authors provide you with specifics regarding the content of manuscripts and the submission process. We are dedicated to providing excellent continuing education that will enhance the knowledge and skill of healthcare professionals including those practicing complimentary care.  For the Massage and Acupuncture portion we are looking for in depth subjects that emphasize technique, and clinical application.  We are also looking for pieces on aromatherapy, herbology and other non- traditional therapies.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

Research Depth
 Course curriculum manuscripts present the results of careful research, often involving an analysis of two or more health activities or concepts, or they present substantive thoughts about an individual health activity, concept, program or opportunity.  Ideally, manuscripts should include professional and personal experiences that highlight the information presented.

Originality of work
Writers should develop a thesis and outline.  Although supporting references are necessary, the narrative of the work should be chiefly in the writers own words and reflect the writers understanding and experience.  By placing your name on the manuscript you are certifying the originality of all work not otherwise referenced. Never submit a manuscript that is under consideration for publication elsewhere or that has been previously published.   Submit a copy of your resume or CV with your outline of your topic.

Text Lengths
The course portion of the manuscript including charts, graphs, etc. must be double-spaced typed or word-processed using Microsoft Front Page.  If this is not available to you, MS Word in Windows 95 or better, is recommended in Ariel font on a PC, IBM compatible format. If you use Microsoft Word we recommend that you type your document and save it as "web page". The manuscript itself should be between 24,000 and 26,000 characters (with spaces). The bibliography, scenarios and test questions should be no longer than 6,000 characters.  All pages should be numbered.  (Hint: one double-spaced, typed page with standard margins equals about 250 words.)  Mail or e-mail your final manuscript on a 3.5-inch diskette along with a typed double spaced hard copy, and remember to keep a copy for yourself. 

Biographic Sketch
Add a brief bio approximately 50-115 words (three to five sentences) at the end of your manuscript.  Include your title (s) /credentials, position, place of employment (include city and state). Include any specific experience you have that relates to your topic.  A photo of yourself is recommended. Also, indicate the number of words your manuscript contains. If there is more than one writer, designate in your title page which author will serve as the contact person.

Abstracts
Abstracts are requested for all course curricula.  An abstract is a three to five sentence summary description of the essence of the course curricula.  It should describe the content of the piece, and explain the materials relevance to the health care practitioner.

References and Citations 
When a writer submits work that includes the words, ideas or data of others, the source of that information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate and specific references.  If verbatim phrases or statements are included, the writer must enclose the citation in quotation marks.  The following are examples that should be acknowledged for indebtedness to others:  

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Whenever one quotes the actual words of another person.
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Whenever one uses the ideas, opinion or theory of another person even if it is paraphrased in one's own words.
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Whenever one draws upon facts, statistics or other illustrative materials, unless the information is common knowledge.  

What is common Knowledge? 
It is what most people in a particular field know.  For example, most people in general know that Christopher Columbus discovered the New World in 1492.  Most can even name the ships in his fleet.  However, if one were to discuss the exact dimensions of his ships, then this is not common knowledge.  The source of that information should then be cited. Quotation marks are required around cited materials.

Permissions
The author is responsible for obtaining permission to use any copyrighted material that is not referenced as noted above.

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Include color prints or slides whenever possible. Submit a caption that identifies everyone pictured and explains what is happening.  Enclose witnessed, signed consent forms from anyone who can be recognized in the photos that you submit. 
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If you include any tables, illustrations, or graphs from other sources, include written permission for reprinting them from the original publisher.  If you quote other sources be sure to include full references, including page numbers for each citation.
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Never submit a manuscript that is under consideration for publication elsewhere, or one that has been previously published.  

Editorial Assistance

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All manuscripts will be edited for style, brevity, clarity and readability.  We will assist prospective authors with the preparation of timely manuscripts, and initial drafts.
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If your manuscript is declined and you would like it returned, enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope with enough postage to accommodate it.  

Testing Guidelines
The following are general guidelines for preparing questions:

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Submit at least 15 questions for each contact hour of content and 5 additional questions for each hour beyond one hour.  True or False questions are limited to four per contact hour, all other questions must be multiple choice.
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Make all multiple choice questions with four options labeled "a" "b" "c" and "d."
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Keep the number of possible answers consistent, with four being the recommended number of choices. 
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Make sure that one answer is clearly the correct answer. That the correct option is derived directly from the narrative and clearly defensible as the best answer.
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Make the incorrect answer clearly incorrect, but in such a way that the answers cause the test taker to think.
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Avoid drafting questions that, through the wording, gives the answers to previous questions or questions later in the test.
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Avoid sequencing questions as the answers appear in the manuscript. Mix them up.
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Test question should measure mastery of the objectives.  After you have finished writing the test, go back to the objectives and be certain that the test questions relate to each objective.
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Avoid using options such as, "none of the above."  Also, avoid phrasing questions in the negative such as "all of the following except."
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Submit an answer key.  

Manuscript Content

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Writers must submit course objectives and outline of each course.  The outline should contain at least three main points and at least two sub points for each main point.
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An introduction should be included with each course submission.  It should clearly state the main objective of the course.
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Primary and secondary headings are required for all submissions and should be used when appropriate to improve readability.  Headings should be similar in grammatical structure and tone.
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Graphics tables and charts may be placed within the manuscripts or separately, but with a clear identification of the intended placement and should include captions.
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Scenarios are to be included with each offering at least two for each one-hour course. Scenarios provide ample test questions.
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A summary or concluding statements should be included with each course submission.
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References should appear in alphabetical order by author.  For articles, the article title should be listed in quotation marks and the title of the publication in which it appears listed in italics or underlined.  For books, the title should be listed in italics or underlined, and the city and state, as well as the name of the publisher, should be included.  Citations within course curriculum should contain, in parentheses, the corresponding number to the source in the bibliography.  When electronic references are used include the date that reference was accessed and the URL.  A bibliography must be submitted at the end of the manuscript and must not be more than three years old, unless it is a seminal piece.  The format of the Fourth Edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) format is recommended: See http://osunlabs.network.ohio-state.edu/writing-lab/apa.htm for bibliography tables and graphs.
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Web links are recommended for patient education materials relevant to the course content.  The following sources may help with your research and course development.  http://www.spjc.edu/central/lib/ 
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Source for proofing and editing http://owl.english.purdue.edu/

Payment
Payment for accepted manuscripts is up to $200.00. Should the manuscript need substantial editing, the payment will be adjusted accordingly.  Each manuscript needs to stand alone with separate outlines, abstracts, objectives and test questions.
 
Please submit your full name address and social security number so that we may process your payment.

Copyright Agreement:
All manuscripts and associated materials once accepted for publication becomes the property of CEontime.com. Manuscripts that have been previously published are not acceptable for publication.
 
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