Navigating the Publishing Process: An Introduction to Submission, Review, and Publication
Part One: Submission
Topics: Framing the project Key features of a good paper Selecting a journal Submission The review process When to contact the editor
Topics: Framing the project Key features of a good paper Selecting a journal Submission The review process When to contact the editor
TO ASK QUESTIONS!
Framing: 5 key questions 1.What do you have to say? 2.Who’s going to be interested? 3.How does it build on what we already know? 4.How significant is your message? 5.How sure are you of the findings?
Answers should indicate: Manuscript length Scope Writing style Type of journal
What I look for in a manuscript Early overview Clear, compelling statement of purpose Conceptual grounding Intro that clarifies / connects key constructs Hypotheses / research Q’s that are clear, meaningful, answerable, interrelated, flow logically from introduction
What I look for in a manuscript Appropriate sample -- full details Procedures / measures – enough info for replicability / trust Systematic, sensible analyses Tables / figures that speed comprehension Low – fat, no – bull Discussion (key findings)
What I look for in a manuscript Directives for research and practice Awareness of limitations
5 little things that bug me Silly typos “Little is known” as justification Over – referencing Cryptic tables / figures (SPSS / SAS) “Star Trek” Discussions
Selecting the right journal Consult colleagues Consider your citations Read the journal’s articles / TOC Look for mission statement Review editorial board, associate editors Communicate with editor
A good cover letter... is short Indicates purpose / significance highlights special features explains relevance to readership notes special circumstances suggests reviewers???
Editor screening Maybe Assoc Ed review Agree Disagree Assign Action Ed. Find reviewers Reviews returned Letter to author No
When should / can I contact the editor? No acknowledgment Two weeks past editor – specified decision date Three months past submission
End of Part One. Comments?