Publishing in multiple venues
Know what is expected in your discipline, department, institution
It is part of academic life to engage in scholarly research, but the expectation of scope and depth varies from institution to institution and even across departments on an individual campus. Accomplished faculty members take the initiative, find the time, and make the commitment to study issues in their field and move the findings into the public discussion in a variety of ways. New faculty members need to be clear on the expectations at their particular institution, in their department, and in the field to make certain they meet those as they prepare for tenure. At the California State University the expectations for scholarly research are outlined in the tenure and promotion documents for each college. Be certain to familiarize yourself with the appropriate documents and all expectations early in your academic career at a campus.
Choose the appropriate venue
Depending upon the purpose and audience, a number of venues for publishing research findings are available to faculty members. Where things are published does matter, and a hierarchy exists in terms of the prestige, respect, and status of some publications over others. The criteria include the degree to which the materials for publication are reviewed, and by what members of the academic community. The peer reviewed materials that carry the most weight are edited and reviewed by the most respected academics in the field and have the highest journal impact factor. The quality is often determined by the acceptance rate of manuscripts, with the most selective also being considered the most prestigious. Publications with a higher acceptance rate, or published for practitioners or as trade publications are important but not as highly regarded in the tenure process. Less formal publications such as newsletters, blogs, or reports from associations show engagement but are typically less valuable toward the tenure process. Having said these general statements, it is critical that you as a new faculty member find out what is expected in your particular situation, and in your particular field as there are many exceptions to this general description.
Wide variety of publishing venues
Think broadly about the goal of a paper, article or manuscript when deciding where to publish, and take advantage of every opportunity to go public. Some examples of the variety of possibilities include: journals, web journals, publication series by departments or societies, conference proceedings, anthologies, edited books or chapters, monographs, books, blogs that are individual, community or organizational, newsletters, reports, reviews, proposals, critiques, or columns. Accomplished faculty members use whatever venue will communicate their findings, perspectives and insights in an attempt to further the dialogue and understanding in their field. As a new faculty member take advantage of every available opportunity.
Journal impact factor
The impact factor is determined by the relative scrutiny with which submitted materials are examined. The amount of peer review involved is one measure of the quality of a publication or presentation, along with the sponsoring body for the venue, the reputation of the publication, and the size of the audience. Several factors that determine how well regarded a journal is include: wide circulation, more people read it; low acceptance rate, selective; well known editor and editorial board members; and long citation half life. One way of determining how often an article is cited over time is a citation index such as Thomson Social Sciences Citation Index. Publishers have expectations that materials submitted will be original, and some publications take long periods from submission to publication. New faculty members need to think carefully about where and how to publish their research findings. They should spend some time investigating the level of respect of various venues by talking with veteran researchers in their field, and then strategically make decisions about where to submit materials. Citation indices are an additional means of determining the degree to which articles are cited, and are therefore respected in the field.
Follow submission guidelines exactly
Publishing venues provide clear guidelines concerning format, content organization, and style for their publications. Those submissions that do not follow the guidelines are rejected early in the review process. Accomplished faculty members carefully follow the expected guidelines and thereby are more successful published authors. It seems obvious, but literally every publishing outlet reports receiving submissions that are not properly formatted. There is a reason for the requirements, it eases the work of the publication as they select and prepare articles for publication, since the publication looks more professional when the format is consistent. As a new faculty member take the time to review the guidelines carefully, follow them closely, and implement them as you prepare the manuscript so that there is no necessity for last minute reformatting when the deadline is looming.
Anticipate need for revision or rejection
Academics who submit materials for publication must be thick skinned. Rejection or request for revision is normal, and not commentary on the value of the contribution. There may be a mismatch between the needs of the publication and the item submitted, or it may need to be revised to achieve a better match. It is rare for papers to be accepted “as is” after a first submission. It is more likely that one of the following responses will be returned, with suggestions for revision.
- Accept – very rare
- Accept with revisions – only need minor changes
- Revise and resubmit – interested but need some changes
- Reject and resubmit – still interested but need to rework
- Reject – not appropriate for this venue.
When the response comes back from the publishing venue, read reviews carefully, make certain you understand the reasons for rejection, and respond constructively.
Revise and resubmit
Do not put off revising, rather set aside time to consider each suggestion carefully, then decide which changes to implement. If several reviewers make similar comments, it is likely important to respond to the feedback. If reviewers have conflicting advice, be thoughtful about how to address the comments that make sense, and how to explain why it is less appropriate in some places to revise. Use a cover letter when the manuscript is resubmitted to explain the changes made, those not made, and why. Be diplomatic rather than defensive in the response. Accomplished faculty members look forward to feedback as an opportunity to make the manuscript better, explain their work more clearly, and engage in a dialogue with the field.
Submission etiquette
When submitting an article to a journal there are several things to prepare, including a manuscript cover letter, the manuscript, and a signed copyright transfer form. Familiarize yourself with the process prior to going online to submit the piece. Only send a manuscript to one journal at a time, since doing otherwise is a serious ethical violation. Follow all guidelines provided by the publication exactly.
Issues in publishing
Academic publishing has changed immensely in the last few decades. As a new faculty member you should be aware of some of the challenges and debates involved. A primary issue is the open access environment and the way it has pushed the established peer review timelines and process. The rise of the Creative Commons and implications for intellectual property is an important part of the conversation around publishing, and is detailed on the Copyright page of the CDIP Community Commons. Another issue is scholarly publishing and the impact of power structures and disparities across institutions and regions for faculty members in developing countries, from less well known institutions, or from underrepresented groups. As a new faculty member become aware of the issues and follow the debate, jumping in when you have an idea that will move the conversation forward.
Getting Published
How to Publish Your Journal Paper
Hewlett, K. (September, 2002). Monitor, Vol. 33, No. 8, p. 50
This article offers the best advice of a group of journal editors and authors who are willing to pass on their secrets of success.
Publish Your Academic Writing
Mantex, software, books, and services for education and business
This site contains brief descriptions of a number of publications to support academic writers.
How to Publish in Scholarly Journals
Klingner, J.K., Scanlon, D. & Pressley, M. (November, 2005). Research News and Comment, Educational Researcher
This article addresses issues to consider when planning and writing a scholarly manuscript, along with details of the submission and peer review processes.
Publish with Us
Taylor & Francis Group
This publisher’s website invites authors to publish in their over 1100 academic journals, with support and tips for being successful.
Strategies for Enhancing the Impact of Research
Becker Medical Library, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis
This site offers suggestions for improving access and retrieval of your research study, and addresses issues of preparing for publication, dissemination, and keeping track of your research.
New Vision for Scholarly Publishing
Scientific Journals International
SJI publishes dozens of peer reviewed open access journals for all major disciplines. This link offers a new vision for academic publishing, an overview of the open access movement, and misinformation about open access publishing.
Submitting an Article for Review
Publishing a Technical Article
WebGURU, guide to research for undergraduates, funded by NSF Division of Undergrad Ed Material Development Program, and Camille & Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Inc.
While designed for undergraduates, this web guide to research is a helpful interactive tool for navigating research for any researcher. It offers information on research integrity, intellectual property, obtaining funding, laboratory safety, and more.
Six Simple Tips for Publishing your Academic Article
Duffy, M., Ezine@rticles
This site offers general tips for submitting academic articles.
Writing Successful Covering Letters for Unsolicited Submissions to Academic Journals
Gump, S. E. (January, 2004). Journal of Scholarly Publishing, Vol. 35, No. 2, Project Muse
This article outlines three functions of the cover letter: to establish the author’s credibility, ensure that the manuscript is seriously considered, and initiate a positive rapport with editor and editorial staff of the journal.
Example Submission Guidelines
Public Relations Journal Article Submission
Public Relations Society of America
This journal offers clear guidelines for submitting an article.
Op-Ed Guidelines for the Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal
This site offers details about submitting an opinion piece to a newspaper, a different venue for a different audience, but it can be helpful for communicating with a particular audience about your research, or accomplishing a service to the community.
Review Process
Inside an Academic Journal Editor’s World
AIM Research, Advanced Institute of Management Research
Use this site to get a stronger sense of the key audience for your journal article, and look more closely at the editorial and review process.
Overcoming Rejection
Pressley, M., Michigan State University, Chapter in Wepner, S.B. & Gambrell, L. (Eds.). Writing for Literacy Publications: Top Ten Guidelines, International Reading Association. Newark, Delaware
This chapter encourages faculty members to persist with a written piece, improve it with feedback, and continue to submit to publications until it finds a home.
Challenges and the Future of Publishing
What People are Saying
Berkeley Electronic Press, the new standard in publishing since 1999
This site offers feedback about the evolving world of electronic journals. Further links on the site address the journals, services, upcoming events, press releases, and rave reviews for BE press.
An Interview with Francis Pinter of Bloomsbury Academic
Park, J. (October, 2008)
In this interview a new publishing model is discussed that consists of releasing works for free online through a Creative Commons license, and offering print on demand (POD) copies at reasonable prices.
Nothing in Scholarly Communication Makes Sense Except in the Light of Open Access – Leslie Chan
Miller, J. (2009). Live Blogging, PKP Scholarly Publishing Conference
This site offers multiple perspectives on the challenges facing scholarly publishing through a series of blog comments submitted throughout the conference.
The Nature of Things – Dr. Philip Campbell – Challenges of Openness in Science Communication and Publishing
Steele, C., Australian National University, post on a library listserve at Yale University
Dr. Philip Campbell, Editor-in-Chief of Nature, gave a presentation on November 29 at CAMBIA in Canberra on the topic outlined in the title. This is a reflection on that seminar.
Publishing Challenges
Wikert, J., Joe Wikert’s Publishing 2020 Blog, A Book Publisher’s Future Visions of Print, Online, Video and All Media Formats Not Yet Invented
This blog offers some future ruminations about publishing generally, including links to several interesting articles.
Scientific Publishing in Developing Countries: Challenges for the Future
Salager-Meyer, F. (April, 2008). Journal of English for Academic Purposes
In this article the power structures and disparities between North and South America and the publishing world are addressed.
Challenges for Academic Libraries in Africa and Resolutions Sought
Tise, E. (2009). ALA AAMES, Chicago
This powerpoint addresses collection development, funding, and staffing for academic libraries in Africa, while offering some possible solutions.
Publishing in the Digital Age: Challenges and Requirements for Authors and Users of SpringLink
Griepke, G. (April, 2008). Information Services and Use, Vol. 28, Iss. 2, p. 159-161
Some of the issues faced due to digital publishing are explored in this article.
How to Publish without Financially Perishing
Mock, R. , Savage, A., Simkin, M. (Jan-Feb 2011). Academe, magazine of the American Association of University Professors.
Faculty members may be liable when sued as authors of published material, depending upon indemnity clauses in contracts and university policy, as outlined in this article.
