The word count excludes the title page, abstract, tables, acknowledgements and contributions and the references.

Also see detailed instructions for online submission and formatting your manuscript.

Papers should be 3500 words including references, although longer papers may be accepted in this category the chance of acceptance falls sharply. This is the main category for original research papers on all topics.

Word count: up to 3500 words.
Structured abstract: up to 250 words.
Tables/Illustrations: up to 5, any more at editorial discretion.
References: excluded in word count total.

A short original paper 1500 words including references with 2 images or tables, with a brief abstract.

Letters should be 400 words including references and are for more general comments concerning a specific development in medical ethics or health policy.

Responses should be 1500 words including references or can be up to 3500 after discussion with the Editor in Chief. They are a response from person or persons mentioned/criticised in a previous JME paper. It should in most cases be submitted within 6 months of the publication of the paper to which it is a response.

Word count: 1500 words (up to 3500 words after discussion with Editor in Chief)
Illustrations: at editorial discretion.
References: included in word count total.

A long review of one or more significant publications in medical ethics. Ideas for review essays should generally be discussed with the Editor in Chief responsible for commissioning before they are written/submitted.

Word count: up to 3500 words.
Abstract: up to 250 words.
Illustrations: at editorial discretion.
References: included in word count total.

An original paper on an issue of current controversy in medical ethics. Will usually be published on the web prior to publication. This category is only for papers where there is truly current controversy.

Word count: up to 3500 words.
Abstract: up to 250 words.
Tables/Illustrations: at editorial discretion.
References: included in word count total.

Short comments on papers or current controversies, 500 words including references. Usually only published on the web.

An original paper by a medical or other health care student. The paper will be peer reviewed in the same way as all other papers, but the author will be given help to make the necessary changes if the referee reports are favourable.

Word count: up to 3500 words.
Abstract: up to 250 words.
Tables/Illustrations: at editorial discretion.
References: included in word count total.

Short literary quote, patient story or brief point 50 to 250 words in length.

Letters in response to articles published in the JME are welcome and should be submitted electronically via the website. Contributors should go to the abstract or full text of the article in question. At the top right corner of each article is a "contents box". Click on the "eLetters: Submit a response to this article" link.

Letters relating to or responding to previously published items in the journal will be shown to those authors, where appropriate.

Word count: up to 400 words.
References: included in word count total.

The BMJ Publishing Group journals are willing to consider publishing supplements to regular issues. Supplement proposals may be made at the request of:

1. The journal editor, an editorial board member or a learned society may wish to organise a meeting, sponsorship may be sought and the proceedings published as a supplement.
2. The journal editor, editorial board member or learned society may wish to commission a supplement on a particular theme or topic. Again, sponsorship may be sought.
3. The BMJPG itself may have proposals for supplements where sponsorship may be necessary.
4. A sponsoring organisation, often a pharmaceutical company or a charitable foundation, that wishes to arrange a meeting, the proceedings of which will be published as a supplement.

For further information on criteria that must be fulfilled, download the supplements guidelines (PDF).