This is a web version of a series of emails sent to authors. Other emails in the series:

Cochrane Learning: free to review authors! / Research Integrity: be aware of Conflict of Interest / Cochrane Methods Support: online guidance & live web clinics

Your Review: involving patients and the public / Sharing Cochrane evidence: plan ahead! / Ready to submit your Cochrane protocol? Read this first

Your Cochrane Review: start here

Before you begin your Cochrane protocol, please read our Author guidelines carefully. They include essential information on preparing your manuscript for submission. If you follow these guidelines, your protocol will have a better chance of being accepted for publication.

NEW! Your protocol is in our focused review format which includes a shorter main review article accompanied by a package of supplementary materials. If you are working on an intervention reivew, your protocol is also set up for study centric data management. Set up your review criteria, synthesis PICO and data extraction templates at protocol stage. At review stage, simply import your data and RevMan will populate your analyses automatically! Find out more.

Our top 3 tips for new and experienced authors:

Your protocol is available in RevMan, our online review-writing software. Watch a 6-minute RevMan tutorial. If you are working on an intervention review, your protocol will include built-in guidance on methods and reporting. All authors can also open the Cochrane review template as a practice review in RevMan.
Complete Module 2 of our online course on conducting a systematic review. This module focuses on Writing the review protocol. Access is free for Cochrane authors.
Cochrane methods are always evolving to keep pace with the latest research. Attend our monthly Methods Support web clinics to have your questions answered and stay up to date.

This is the first in a series of emails providing practical advice and helpful tips to Cochrane authors. To make sure you receive the rest of these emails, opt in to Cochrane communications.

We recommend you sign up to the Author Digest, a monthly email that shares information, tips and updates for Cochrane Authors. Once you have opted into Cochrane communications in your Cochrane Account, scroll down the page to Optional Digests and tick the box for Author Digest.

Don’t hesitate to contact Cochrane Support with any technical issues or general queries as you begin your protocol. We wish you all the best with your work!

Best wishes,

Cochrane Support Team

Development Directorate | Cochrane Central Executive

The Cochrane Collaboration, a charity (no. 1045921) and a company limited by guarantee (no. 03044323) registered in England & Wales.