How To Get Published
It takes many hours of research and months of manuscript revision, but the road to publication is not yet finished. You might experience delays in the peer review process even after choosing the appropriate journal, and there’s no assurance that your work will be accepted. Because of this uncertainty, it is important that you know exactly what a journal is looking for and that you tailor your article to meet their criteria.
KNE CLUE: WHAT DO JOURNALS LOOK FOR?
Before you submit your article, ensure that it meets the fundamental criteria that most journals look for. These criteria serve as the foundation upon which editors base their initial decision to consider your manuscript for peer review. The key factors include:
Originality of Research or Approach: Your work should offer a fresh perspective or present new findings that contribute to the field.
Relevance to the Journal’s Readers: The article must align with the journal’s scope and interest its audience.
Value to the Research Field: Your research should add value to ongoing discussions or address gaps in the literature.
Rigour of Argument and Evidence: The arguments presented must be well-supported by robust evidence and sound methodology.
Impact on the Academic Community: Consider the broader implications of your research and its potential to influence future studies.
KNE CLUE: HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF BEING SELECTED
Once you’ve confirmed that your article meets the minimum standards, the next step is to fine-tune your submission to reduce the chances of rejection. Editors go through numerous submissions, so making your article stand out and ensuring it aligns with the journal scope, aims and criteria is critical.
Check the Journal’s Criteria
Before submitting, thoroughly read the journal’s submission criteria and author guidelines. This ensures that your article aligns with the journal’s expectations regarding content and structure.
Aim Appropriately
Set realistic goals when choosing the journal for your submission. While it’s important not to undersell yourself, targeting a journal that’s beyond the scope of your research can lead to rejections and would be a waste of time.
Avoid Errors
Errors can undermine the quality of your work. Before submission, meticulously proofread your manuscript to eliminate any mistakes. Adhering to the journal’s formatting criteria not only reflects your attention to detail but also shows respect for the publication’s standards.
KNE CLUE: HOW TO HIGHLIGHT THE UNIQUE VALUE OF YOUR RESEARCH
Finally, ensure that your article highlights what is new and significant about your research. Editors and reviewers are more likely to be interested in work that offers innovative insights. Clearly state the unique contributions your research makes. These could be a new methodology or how your work investigates an unexplored area of study. Frame your work in relation to current literature and highlight how your research builds upon or diverges from previous research. Additionally, emphasise the broader implications of your findings and potential impact on future research, policy, or practice.
By doing so, you not only increase the likelihood of getting noticed by editors but also ensure that your work is recognised for its contributions to the academic community.
The process of submitting your work to journals can be daunting. It’s normal to be nervous or to doubt the quality of your work, particularly because of how competitive academic publishing is. It’s crucial to keep in mind, though, that all researchers experience similar emotions. One way to conquer these obstacles is through confidence and readiness. By carefully following the above tips, you can improve your chances of success. However, it is natural to face setbacks, and not every submission will be accepted on the first try. Persistence is key. Don’t be disheartened by a rejection but try to view it as an opportunity to learn, improve, and grow as a researcher.