1. Writer’s Workshop: Mastering the Publication Process
Dr. Susan S. Raines
Associate Director, School of Conflict Management,
Peacebuilding & Development, KSU
Editor, Conflict Resolution Quarterly

2. Introductions and Agenda
Why do you want to write/publish?
Learning the language/process of
publishing

3. 01.
Introduction
Why get published? 01 03 02
Share what you’ve learned through research and practice
Promote your practice and enhance your reputation as an expert
Expected part of work in academia

4. Begin with the End in Mind
Who is your audience?
What sets your work apart from the
competition? (thorough lit review)
What do you want to accomplish
through the writing/publishing process?
Timeline (Build it, use it, love it)
The worst book/article never written?

5. Choosing the right outlet:
Academic Journals: For academics and
advanced practitioners. Good for research,
surveys, data. Needed for academics. Hardest outlet access. Must pass peer review (not law
journals). Authors earn no $ for publications.
Book Publishers: Many to choose from.
Check their website for book proposal reqs. May
earn $$. May cost $$ (copy-editing or other fees).
* Self Publishing: Good for self-promotion, not for
academic environments. Costs $$, rarely makes $$

6. Conflict Resolution Quarterly
“Wiley Conflict Resolution Quarterly”
Include references from previous works
published by your target journal in your
literature review. Continue the conversation.

7. Choosing the right outlet:
Magazines: Shorter articles than journals, higher
acceptance rates, great venue to share info about
ADR, new processes or techniques, etc.
Newsletters: Same as magazines. Short, accessible, good to communicate to other neutrals or to the public. Quick turn-around time.
Local newspapers: Great to educate the public about ADR and promote yourself as a local expert.
Free. Light work. Quick project.

8. Handout List of Journals and Book Companies focusing on ADR/CR
There is a home for every manuscript.
Note: Assistant Professor applicants have 1-3
publications already.

9. 01 03 02 What is a peer-reviewed journal?
The Publication Process
What is a peer-reviewed journal?
Articles are published on merit and potential impact, rather than the reputation or influence of the author.
Benefits of Peer Reviewed Process
What is the peer review process like? 01 03
(In a double-blind process) Reviewers do not know who wrote the article, and author does not know who will be selected to review their submission.
The reviewers submits comments/recommendations about publication to the editor.
Each article is sent out for review by two or more experts in the subject matter of the work 02
The author’s name is removed from the manuscript

10. 04. 01 03 02 Few things to remember The Publication Process Timeframe
If you receive a ‘revise and resubmit’ decision, you will have a specified amount of time to revise the work. This timeframe may be negotiable. 01 03
Timeframe
Non-simultaneous
Law Journals 02
Once you submit your manuscript to review, you cannot submit it elsewhere until you receive a decision from the first journal
Law school journals are rarely peer reviewed and DO allow for simultaneous submissions---this is why they are easier outlets for publications.

11. 04 06 05 Few things to remember The Publication Process Patience
From the time your manuscript is accepted for publication, it might take another 3-15 months before it comes out in print or online, depending on the backlog that exists at the journal and how frequently it is published. 04 06
Patience
Copyright
Update CV 05
Once your piece is accepted for publication, you will typically need to sign a copyright transfer agreement, giving ownership of it to the journal for commercial purposes.
Once you have received an acceptance letter, you can update your cv and list the article as “forthcoming”.

12. 01 03 02 Targeting the right journal Formatting Timeframe
The Publication Process
Targeting the right journal
Repeated Journal
Formatting
Timeframe 01 03
It can take between 3-15 months to get a decision on your submission, so you want to target a journal with a reasonably timely process. the editor to inquire.
Where do you find the most useful articles for your research?
Look at your reference list. What journals appear repeatedly?
Each journal’s website has information for authors/contributors. This includes information on article length, formatting, citation style, the peer review process, etc.
Also, be sure to get the manuscript length right. 02

13. 01 03 02 Targeting the right journal Research Method Readership
The Publication Process
Targeting the right journal
Research Method
Acceptance Rate
Readership 01 03
Acceptance rates for top tier journals typically fall between 10-30%. If you feel your work is highly competitive, it makes sense to reach for a top journal, especially if their turnaround time for the review is fairly short.
Who reads the journal you have targeted? If you are not sure, go to the journal’s webpage and look at the tables of contents for the last few editions. See any patterns or recurrent topics? That will help you understand if this journal publishes work on your chosen topic.
What kinds of research methods do they tend to favor? Be sure the methods you select and the way you present your data are a good fit for your journal. 02

14. 01 02 Questions to consider When choosing a journal
Who is their primary audience? Is it the same audience you have targeted in your work?
Who is on their
editorial board?
How long is the average review time? 01
What is their acceptance rate? 02
Is there someone who has published there previously with whom you can co-author?
How highly is the journal rated or what is their impact score?

15. Common Elements in Journal Articles
I. Introduction
(Research Question, so what?)
II. Literature Review
What do we already know on this issue?
What is unanswered?
How will your work share something new?
III. Research Methods
Describe source of data/case study/findings
IV. Findings/Discussion
V. Implications for Practice/Theory
VI Conclusions

16. Write like a pro Put away your ego
Please
Write like a pro
Have someone edit your manuscript for typos, grammatical and spelling errors.
If English isn’t your first language and you seek to publish in an English-language journal, consider partnering with a native English speaker. 01 03
Put away your ego 02
Don’t let one (or more) cranky reviewers convince you to stop writing and seeking to get published. There is indeed some luck to the process.
Some reviewers are definitely harder to please than others. If you get rejected, use the feedback to improve your work and submit it elsewhere.

17. Book Proposals See Handout: Academic publishing
Fictional work: Need an agent
Check out writer’s groups in your area.

18. Self-Publishing Growing For who? Practitioners: Build your brand
Good marketers, Established authors
Not accepted in academic settings
Lulu.
CreateSpace. CreateSpace is part of Amazon. ...
Kindle Direct Publishing. ...
Kobo. ...
Blurb. ...
Xlibris. ...
BookBaby. ...
BookRix.

19. Questions?

20. Thank you