How long do scientists spend formatting manuscripts for publication every year?

Pencil placed on scientific journal paper with areas of colour highlighted text.

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Study puts a number on the cost in time and money

A study has for the first time attempted to assess the cost of that most frustrating of processes – formatting scientific manuscripts for publication. Using responses to an online survey, Canadian researchers estimate scientists lose 52 hours of the year to formatting, at a cost of $1908 (£1485) – based on a submission rate of four papers a year.