ALEC 604: Writing for Professional Publication Week 13: Submission for Publication

Activities  Re-examine professional publication standards and guidelines  Discuss cover letters and related materials  Review the checklist for manuscript submission

Publication Standards and Guidelines  Review journal submission guidelines  Follow those guidelines Editors can help with the submission process Experienced authors may help, but  YOU, are most responsible for attention to detail during the manuscript submission process

Check Calls for Conference Papers  Deadline dates  Specifics for Conference Calls: Topic or theme for the conference Product: full papers vs. proposals Format: sections, font-type/size, etc. Submission: electronic or mail  Create a calendar for submitting research

Check Journal Guidelines  No deadline dates, but very specific purposes for each journal: Topics considered by each journal Page/word limits Formatting issues Citation standards Review processes Submission guidelines

Formatting Issues  Every publishing venue is different  Read and follow instructions to authors  Look at published articles Search for “Outstanding” articles/papers Collaborate with others in and outside your area

Preparing Cover Letters  If the instructions include sending a cover letter with your manuscript, then: Write a short introduction about your article Focus less on the content, more on the context Describe the type of paper submitted (article, book review, etc.) Always include the title of your manuscript Provide your complete contact information

Online Submission Processes  No need for a formal cover letter  Online profile should reflect professionalism No questionable addresses Use a correct title (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.) for yourself  Typical Online Procedure: Create profile/account Submit the abstract or full manuscript  Note file types (*.pdf, *.doc, *.rtf, etc.) accepted by system

Related Issues  Some journals may charge for submission Charges vary If charges exist, discuss options with your supervisor BEFORE submitting your manuscript  Some journals have publication page charges Charges vary per page or per article If print charges exist, discuss options with your supervisor when your manuscript is accepted

Checklists for Manuscript Submission  Conference/Journal manuscript preparation relies on style manual standards, but not always exactly as indicated in the manual  APA Standards  MLA Standards

Checklists for Manuscript Submission  CMS Standards  CBE/CSE Standards

Summary  Submitting your manuscript for publication is a joyful event, but attention to detail is needed when heeding: Conference- or journal-specific guidelines Style manual standards Differences between guidelines and standards  Cover letters are almost outdated elements  Publication processes can cost you money