Author FAQs

• What is BMJ Case Reports?
• What sort of cases can I submit?
• Where can I submit cases?
• If I have problems submitting my article where can I get help?
• Why do I need to use your Word templates?
• How many figures am I allowed to submit and what format do you require?
• Do I need patient consent?
• Why do I have to pay?
• Do you waive fees for anyone?
• When will my case be published?
• How do I become a peer reviewer for BMJ Case Reports?
• These FAQ’s have been no help at all, what shall I do now?

1. What is BMJ Case Reports?

BMJ Case Reports is an online resource that aims to publish a high volume of peer reviewed cases in all disciplines so that healthcare professionals, researchers and others can easily find clinically important information on common and rare conditions. Further information: About BMJ Case Reports

2. What sort of case can I submit?

We are interested in cases that have educational value, novelty or rarity are not important. Further information: What cases do we want to publish?

3. Where can I submit cases?

You can submit your cases online at: Manuscript Central BMJ Case Reports

First time users need to create an account before submitting their articles

4. If I have problems submitting my article where can I get help?

There is a get help now link: http://mchelp.manuscriptcentral.com/gethelpnow/index.html on the submission home page in the top right hand corner, which should answer your questions. If not contact the editorial office on bmjcases{at}bmjgroup.com; +44 (0) 20 7383 6708

5. Why do I need to use your Word templates?

We require all case reports to be written using our Word templates, which speeds up peer review and publication. Please read our Instructions for authors to help you prepare your case.
Case report template
Images in ... template

6. How many figures am I allowed to submit and what format do you require?

We have no limit on the number of figures with each case and we encourage the use of colour. We accept most file formats (JPG, TIF, GIF, PowerPoint, EPS) and the preferred resolution is 300 dpi. Please try to keep them under 2 MB. You may also submit video files in either WAV or AVI formats.

7. Do I need patient consent?

We have a very strict policy regarding patient confidentiality and your case report will not be sent for review until we receive explicit consent from the patient or guardian. Patient consent form (in 13 different languages)

8. Why do I have to pay?

BMJ Case Reports has a unique business model whereby users (whether authors and/or readers) become FELLOWS

Individuals pay an annual fellowship fee of £95; US$180; €130 (plus applicable VAT). During your 12 month fellowship period you can submit as many cases as you like, access all the published material, and re-use any published material for personal use and teaching without further permission. Become a fellow

9. Do you waive the fees for anyone?

Yes, authors and readers based in Hinari countries do not have to pay Fellowship fees.

Also we offer institutional fellowships - faculty, staff and students at these institutions will not have to pay individual fees. For further information and pricing (based on the number of full time equivalents at the institution) contact our institutional sales team

10. When will my case be published?

We publish cases every week following a copy editing and final author approval process. To keep up to date with everything we publish sign up for weekly email alerts

11. How do I become a peer reviewer for BMJ Case Reports?

If you are interested in becoming one of our reviewers please send an email to the Editor at bmjcases{at}bmjgroup.com with a brief outline of your areas of expertise and experience with being a peer reviewer

12. These FAQ's have been no help at all, what shall I do now?

Please contact the editorial office on +44 (0)20 7383 6708 or email: bmjcases{at}bmjgroup.com