If you have been asked to submit a revised manuscript it will appear in the [Submit a Revision] queue in your Author Area. Click on the link and find the manuscript you have been asked to revise. Click on Upload Revision and you will be taken to the first page of the manuscript submission screen. All the data you entered with your first submission will have been retained for your convenience (this can be edited if required).

Please ensure that you upload, as a supplemental file a version of your source text file which demonstrates the changes made during revision. If you are using MS Word, this can be achieved by activating 'track changes' before editing the original source file which should then be saved with 'track changes' still activated. Alternatively, you can use any word processor to highlight additions and deletions with special fonts (e.g., underlined for additions and strike-through for deletions). In this case include a note on the cover to explain how changes are indicated.

Please ensure you enter a point by point response to the reviewers' comments in the field provided. Your manuscript will be returned if you do not do this. If you wish to add HTML formatting to your response to the reviewer comments (for example: italics, bold, underline, or bulleted points), please look at our tips on using HTML codes.

Please also remember to enter the word count of your revised manuscript.

You are able to upload a complete PDF at this stage, but you will also be asked to upload the original source files, the word processing file and any images files. These are required for copyediting if your manuscript is accepted.

Please note: hard copies of your images may be required for publication if the quality of your electronic images are not of a high standard. You will be contacted if these are required.

NB. if you delete your revised manuscript, the first version will also be deleted from the system and will not be recoverable. Please feedback{at}bmj.com for further guidance if you wish to do this.

View detailed guidelines on formatting your manuscript and images (including tips on creating your own PDF).

View further information regarding online only and supplementary material which can be uploaded with your manuscript to support your submission.

Once you have uploaded your files to Bench>Press, the system will convert your manuscript and image files to a single PDF for reviewing purposes. This may take 2 - 30 minutes. An email will be sent to you once it has been converted asking you to re-enter the site and approve your manuscript to complete submission.

Occasionally there may be problems with the conversion that results in a conversion error. An email will be sent to you informing you which files have caused the conversion error. This will usually be because an incorrect file format has been uploaded (further guidance on file formats).

Correct your manuscript and click on the Manuscript Conversion Error queue in your Author Area to re-upload your manuscript.

If you experience any problems please feedback{at}bmjgroup.com.

Before the revised manuscript is considered to be formally submitted to the journal you are asked to check your manuscript metadata and approve the conversion of your manuscript file(s). Click on the Submissions ready for you to approve queue in your Author Area. You will be required to approve 3 areas:

1. The manuscript metadata.

2. The author details.

3. The conversion of your manuscript file and references.

You must check the box at the end of each section confirming that the data and manuscript conversion are correct. If you wish to edit any of the sections click on Edit This Section. If your manuscript has not converted correctly or you wish to make a change to the manuscript before submission click on Reupload manuscript and/or image files. Any new files you upload will enter the conversion process again. You are able to edit your references without uploading a new manuscript file. Open the references section and click on Edit references.

Further guidance on preparing references correctly.

Once you have approved all sections, click on the Approve button at the bottom of the page. An email will be sent to you confirming your submission to the journal.

Please note: if you are unable to complete your submission in one sitting, you are able to return at a later stage and complete your partial submission. Please go to the [Submissions/Revisions in Progress] queue to complete the submission. Do not start the submission again.