Manuscript Preparation and Style Guide

Official manuscript template: Open the JITPro template. This guide replaces generic platform formatting instructions with JITPro-specific page settings and APA 7 heading, citation, table, figure, and reference conventions. Where a JITPro-specific template differs from general APA manuscript formatting, the journal template takes precedence.

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01. Page Setup

In Microsoft Word, choose Layout → Size → A4; set custom margins under Layout → Margins; and use Header & Footer → Different First Page. Different First Page changes header/footer content, not page margins. Follow the official template for any running header, page-number placement, and first-page design.

02. Manuscript Structure

Include the article title, author information (as required by the submission workflow), abstract, keywords, main text, declarations, and references. Typical research articles use Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion; the exact structure may be adapted to the research design and JITPro article type. Tables and figures should appear close to their first discussion in the text.

To be confirmed against the official JITPro template: accepted manuscript languages, abstract word limit, number of keywords, article word count, and whether a separate anonymized review file is required. The old generic Digital Commons instruction to omit the title and abstract should not be retained without journal confirmation.

03. APA 7 Heading Levels

Use the five APA 7 heading levels in sequence. Do not skip levels (for example, do not move directly from Level 1 to Level 3). All headings use Title Case in English. Use Cambria 10.5 pt for heading text unless the official template specifies otherwise. APA 7 does not require larger font sizes for higher heading levels; hierarchy is indicated by position, bold, italics, and run-in formatting.

For Levels 1–3, begin the paragraph on a new line. For Levels 4–5, continue the paragraph on the same line after the heading's period. Apply levels consistently; a section need not contain all five levels.

04. Text, Paragraphs, and Language

Use consistent, readable typography and proofread all text. Cambria 10.5 pt is required for the main manuscript text, with 1.15 line spacing and 10 pt space after each paragraph (0 pt before). Use black body text, consistent paragraph indentation, and standard word-processor styles rather than manual spacing. Do not insert unnecessary blank lines or manually force page breaks for ordinary sections.

APA 7 general manuscript convention: double spacing and flush-left alignment. JITPro-specific overrides: use Cambria 10.5 pt, 1.15 line spacing, and 10 pt after paragraphs. Follow the official journal template for paragraph alignment and indentation. These overrides should not be described as universal APA 7 rules.

05. Tables and Figures (APA 7)

Number tables and figures consecutively in the order first mentioned (Table 1, Table 2; Figure 1, Figure 2). Refer to each item in the text. Place the bold number above the item, followed by an italicized, descriptive title on the next line. Add notes beneath the item as needed, including explanations of abbreviations and attribution for reused content.

Avoid decorative table borders and vertical gridlines when applying APA 7. Use clear, legible figures at sufficient resolution. Submit original editable or high-quality image assets if requested during production.

06. In-Text Citations (APA 7)

Use an ampersand (&) between two authors in parenthetical citations and “and” in narrative citations. For works with three or more authors, use the first author's surname followed by et al. from the first citation unless ambiguity requires additional names. Include page numbers or another suitable locator for direct quotations. Distinguish same-author, same-year works with a, b, c suffixes.

07. Reference List (APA 7)

Provide a References section, alphabetized by the first author's surname. Use a 1.27 cm hanging indent. Every in-text citation should have a corresponding reference entry and vice versa, except for APA-defined exceptions (such as personal communications). Include DOI links as https://doi.org/... when available. Do not use arbitrary reference styles or replace repeated author names with dashes.

These are formatting patterns, not real publications. APA 7 generally lists up to 20 authors in a reference entry; for 21 or more, list the first 19, an ellipsis, and the final author. Follow the rules appropriate to each source type.

08. Research Ethics, Similarity, and Generative AI

Authors should disclose funding, conflicts of interest, relevant data-availability information, ethics approval, and informed consent where applicable. Protect research participants' identities and confidential information.

Under the JITPro policy discussed in the journal's editorial guidelines, generative AI is permitted for language editing, grammar, clarity, and readability, with disclosure of the tool and its purpose. AI must not substitute for original research data, substantive analysis, interpretation, or scholarly conclusions. Authors remain accountable for all manuscript content.

09. Final Submission Checklist