Writing for Publication: It’s Easier Than You Think Jeff Chang, PhD, R.Psych. Editor , Canadian School Counselling Review Graduate Centre for Applied Psychology Athabasca University

Overview Steps in Getting Published The Editorial Process Decide on a topic Recruit co-conspirators Choose a journal Prepare the manuscript Get the necessary support Submit manuscript for review Revise following feedback The Editorial Process

Decide on a Topic You can write! If you have a strong interest in something… If you have something that you think others should know about… If you are passionate about something… If you can speak… If others share your passion (optional) You can write!

Decide on a Topic All you need is: An understanding of the process Persistence What are some topics you are interested in, that you think could turn into an article?

Choose a Journal Think about the journals that you enjoy reading It’s likely that the kind of thing you like to read will be the kind of thing you enjoy reading Other things to pay attention to: Editorial board composition Review process Length and style requirements Average time to process manuscripts

Choose a Journal (vested interest) Canadian School Counselling Review: Practice focused School-based intervention/counselling/health care Not just for certificated teachers Case studies Interesting programs Literature reviews geared to school-based work Policy and systems Whole school initiatives

Choose a Journal Editorial board and policy: Most articles will be reviewed by at least one practitioner We don’t want professors to dominate! As a new journal, we want to be collaborative and have aspiring and new authors contribute The editors will discuss an idea and help you develop an outline

Preparing the Manuscript Check “author guidelines” Font, spelling (Canadian vs. American), length, etc. Structure the paper Develop an outline Definitions; logical presentation of ideas Team approach? Divide duties Seek out a mentor or co-conspirators Professional presentation APA style Proof read manuscript

Preparing the Manuscript Outlines (generic) Advance organizer: say what you are going to say (1/2 page) Introduction: Why this is an issue for school-based practitioner (2 pages) Literature review (3-4 pages) Body: the meat of the issue (8 pages) Implications (4 pages) How does this help school-based personnel? What are your recommendations for practice? What should school administrators do? Conclusion: say what you said (1 page)

Submit Manuscript for Review Review submission instructions Submit to one journal at a time

The Editorial Process Process can take several months Depends on topic, availability of reviewers, time of the year Initial review of manuscript by Editor: Reject outright Sent for 2 -3 blind reviews Reviewers are chosen based on Interests/areas of specialization Preferred research methodology (if a research article) Availability

The Editorial Process Reviewers complete Manuscript review form Written review of manuscript Reviews are considered by editor Accept Revise (with deadline) Reject

Helpful Hints Co-author with an experienced professor/writer. Seek a writing mentor. Recording and transcribing is sometimes useful Decide upon a journal and shape your manuscript around their audience and guidelines. Develop an intimate relationship with the APA Manual (or with someone who does). Get feedback from friends, family, peers, and professors.

Helpful Hints Work with the editor to move your manuscript forward (if invited to do so). Take regular “time outs” (particularly after receiving the peer reviews).

Difficult Moments Finding the time: “bum glue”. Length of time it takes to get a response. Managing your response to editor/peer review comments. Deciding how to re-write or edit the manuscript. Finding the time to rewrite.

Rewards Sharing your work Sense of achievement Connections with others Becoming a practice leader and recognized authority Builds your CV (applying for a master’s or doctoral program?)

Workshopping an idea or two