Submitting articles to the BMJ

We are now inviting all authors who want to submit a paper to the BMJ to do so via the web (http://submit.bmj.com).

We have introduced Benchpress, our new web based manuscript tracking system, with the aim of streamlining our processes and providing better, quicker information for authors, reviewers, and editors.

Benchpress is a website where authors deposit their manuscripts and editors go to read them and record their decisions. Reviewers' details are also held on the system, and when asked to review a paper reviewers will be invited to access the site to see the relevant paper. The system is secure, protected by passwords, so that authors see only their own papers and reviewers see only those they are meant to. The system is run by Highwire Press, who host bmj.com, and is already being used by 30 journals, including most of the BMJ Publishing Group's specialist journals.

For authors in particular the system offers several benefits. The system provides all our guidance and forms and allows authors to suggest reviewers for their paper—something we'd like to encourage. Authors get an immediate acknowledgement that their submission has been received, and they can watch the progress of their manuscript. The record of their submission, including editors' and reviewers' reports, remains on the system for future reference.

Anyone with an internet connection and a web browser can use the system.

As with all new systems we expect a few teething problems, but the system itself offers extensive help, and the BMJ 's editorial office is geared up to help authors and reviewers if they get stuck. We see Benchpress as part of our endeavour to improve our service to authors and reviewers and, as always, we'd welcome feedback.