1. 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

2. 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

3. 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!

4. 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?

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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)

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

11. 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

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

13. 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.

14. 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).

15. 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.

16. 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?)

17. Workshopping an idea or two