Manuscript guidelines

What do you need to know to prepare your manuscript efficiently, to produce the highest quality content possible, and to give your book the best chances for being discovered by readers?

Below you will find the most pertinent information on templates and guidelines, on book structure, and how to optimize your manuscript for search engines.

Templates and macros

To produce the best structured manuscript efficiently and in adherence with requirements, you can rely on manuscript preparation tools or follow Springer Nature’s guidelines. 

  • If you’re comfortable using templates, you can choose between Word and LaTeX templates to help with structuring and style formats. 
  • If you’d rather not use templates, just follow the relevant guide below to ensure your manuscript is precisely prepared.
  • See our key style points manuscript guide for additional advice on layout and formatting of your manuscript

Using AI

Using AI for Content Generation Please be aware that our AI authorship policy states that we do not accept AI models, such as ChatGPT, as authors of content in Springer Nature books. Please discuss any use of AI in your book with your Editorial contact before submitting your manuscript.

Declaring Use of AI for Content Generation in Your Manuscript Use of an LLM (large language model) should be properly documented in the acknowledgments section of the book front matter for monographs. It should be documented in the acknowledgments section at the end of the related chapter(s) for edited works.

Using AI for Figure Generation Please be aware that our AI-generated figures policy states that we do not accept figures that were created using generative AI. Exceptions to this are detailed in the policy. Any questions about this should be discussed with your Editorial contact.

Declaring Use of AI for Figure Generation in Your Manuscript The use of non-generative machine learning tools to manipulate, combine, or enhance existing images or figures should be disclosed in the respective figure captions.

AI models have been known to plagiarize content and to create false information. As such, authors should carry out due diligence to ensure that any AI-generated content in their book is correct and appropriately referenced and that all content is free from copyright infringement.

Inclusive language

Springer Nature is committed to supporting clear and unbiased communication of research, consistent with our commitment to embedding inclusive principles in our editorial and publishing practices. Therefore we recommend that all authors review the Springer Nature Inclusive Language guide (available in our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hub) when writing, to ensure accurate, culturally sensitive, and bias-free language.

Content that may be harmful  to human population groups

We believe that authors, editors, reviewers and publishers need to be mindful about research and its dissemination that may potentially harm population groups, as a result of discrimination in the assumptions or framing, methodology, interpretation or presentation of the research. We achieve this by presenting principles and guidelines intended to assist those considering the interests of population groups and also ethical aspects of various forms of discrimination.

Book structure

To guarantee a smooth publication process and a seamless transformation of your manuscript into the final layout and various electronic platforms, the manuscript needs to be structured as follows:

Front matter


Text body/chapters


Back matter


Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Research Publishing

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are at the forefront of strategic priorities at Springer Nature. We are committed to serving a diverse and global research community. Get the information and inspiration you need from our DEI Hub to make your published work inclusive, and representative.

Optimizing for Google

Contribute to your book's success, long before it's published. 

Search engine optimization (SEO) is about relevance. You can help Google and other search engines present your book to the right audience and give these readers what they are looking for.

By following our tips on how to optimize your manuscript for SEO – when thinking about your book’s title, the back cover description, and unique selling points – you can make sure that potential readers are able to find your finished book.