For authors
Read the rubric first.
These are the six questions reviewers answer. If one exposes a gap, revise before you send the paper.
Read the rubricAuthor toolkit
Make the paper easier to review.
A free checklist for student researchers, teachers, and program leaders. Use it to find the weak spots before you upload.
A six-part self-check
Before you upload.
Run through this list once the draft is complete. It works for humanities, social-science, and STEM work from a class, capstone, research program, or independent project.
- 01
Start with a question
State a question or thesis that a reader can test, follow, or challenge.
- 02
Show your trail
Use a consistent citation style or data record and make it possible for a reader to locate the evidence behind every major claim.
- 03
Name the limits
Explain what your evidence can and cannot establish. A limitation is part of a credible argument.
- 04
Blind the manuscript
Remove your name, school, acknowledgments, and identifying file metadata before upload.
- 05
Disclose assistance
Briefly explain material AI, mentor, editing, translation, coding, or data-analysis help.
- 06
Invite revision
Before submitting, ask one careful reader where the argument is least clear and revise with a point-by-point plan.
For teachers & programs
Let students choose.
Share the checklist, support revision, and let each student decide whether Open Margin fits. Editorial decisions stay independent.
Explore partnershipsFor contributors
Learn to write a useful review.
We recruit reviewers and advisors who can make comments specific, confidential, and fair.
Review with usWhen the draft is ready
Do the last check before the portal.
Blind the file, check the sources, explain the limits, and make sure you are ready to hear what another reader sees.