Publishing yourPublishing yourideasideas

Publishing yourPublishing yourideasideas

Why Write?Why Write?• List three reasons why you want to write an

article.

Why ReadWhy Read• List three reasons why you read published

articles

Understanding feelings aboutUnderstanding feelings aboutwritingwriting

• A recent survey of 400,000 U.S. faculty revealed 26%spent zero hours per week writing.

• 27% never published a peer reviewed journal paper.• 43% had published nothing in the last 2 years.• 62% never published a book.• Only 28% had produced two publications in the past two

years.• Only 25% of faculty spent more than eight hours a week

writing. This was self reported the real number could bemuch lower. (Lindholm 2005)

• Some scholars believe this number is 15% of facultybeing productive writers (Moxley and Taylor)

• A recent survey of 400,000 U.S. faculty revealed 26%spent zero hours per week writing.

• 27% never published a peer reviewed journal paper.• 43% had published nothing in the last 2 years.• 62% never published a book.• Only 28% had produced two publications in the past two

years.• Only 25% of faculty spent more than eight hours a week

writing. This was self reported the real number could bemuch lower. (Lindholm 2005)

• Some scholars believe this number is 15% of facultybeing productive writers (Moxley and Taylor)

A paper can be no better thanA paper can be no better than

the research that it reportsthe research that it reports..A paper can be no better thanA paper can be no better than

the research that it reportsthe research that it reports..

4%

9%

7%

8%

13%

2%

16%

7%7%

English Errors27%

Faulty methodology

Inadequate references

Poor quality supporting figures

Outside the scope of journal

Not enough contribution to field

Authors did not follow manuscript instructions

Poor writing style and use of English

Title not representative of study

Subject of little novel interest or not generally applicable

Poorly written discussion

Reasons for major revision or rejection of Taiwanesejournal papers

4%

9%

7%

8%

13%

2%

16%

7%7%

English Errors27%

Faulty methodology

Inadequate references

Poor quality supporting figures

Outside the scope of journal

Not enough contribution to field

Authors did not follow manuscript instructions

Poor writing style and use of English

Title not representative of study

Subject of little novel interest or not generally applicable

Poorly written discussion

Imitate skillful writersImitate skillful writersRead how successful writers introduce their topic andcite literature

• Imitate their words and phrases, and modify them to suityour topic

• Create a file of template sentences

Read how successful writers introduce their topic andcite literature

• Imitate their words and phrases, and modify them to suityour topic

• Create a file of template sentences

Examples of offensiveExamples of offensivecitation:citation:

• “The deficiency of Smith’s approach is...”• “The problems with Smith’s paper are…"• “A serious weakness with Smith’s

argument, however, is that ......”• “The key problem with Smith’s explanation

is that ......”• “It seems that Smith’s understanding of

the X framework is questionable.”

• “The deficiency of Smith’s approach is...”• “The problems with Smith’s paper are…"• “A serious weakness with Smith’s

argument, however, is that ......”• “The key problem with Smith’s explanation

is that ......”• “It seems that Smith’s understanding of

the X framework is questionable.”

A better citation would be:A better citation would be:

• “Smith’s model was effective in X problem,however in Y…”

• “The X benefit of Smith’s approach are notapplicable to Y…”

• “Smith’s model was effective in X problem,however in Y…”

• “The X benefit of Smith’s approach are notapplicable to Y…”

When should researchersWhen should researchersstart trying to ensure that theirstart trying to ensure that their

research is publishable?research is publishable?

When should researchersWhen should researchersstart trying to ensure that theirstart trying to ensure that their

research is publishable?research is publishable?

When they start planning theirresearch!

Some Other Factors AffectingSome Other Factors AffectingPublishabilityPublishability

• Appropriateness for the journal chosen• Consistency with the journal’s instructions• Macro aspects of the writing (organization, etc)• Micro aspects of the writing (word choice,

grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc)

• Appropriateness for the journal chosen• Consistency with the journal’s instructions• Macro aspects of the writing (organization, etc)• Micro aspects of the writing (word choice,

grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc)

Identifying a Target JournalIdentifying a Target Journal• Decide early (before drafting the paper). Do not write

the paper and then look for a journal. (Why?)• Look for journals that have published work similar to

yours.• Consider journals that have published work you cite.

• Decide early (before drafting the paper). Do not writethe paper and then look for a journal. (Why?)

• Look for journals that have published work similar toyours.

• Consider journals that have published work you cite.

Some Factors to ConsiderSome Factors to Consider• Audience• Prestige• Access• Impact• Publication time• Technical quality• Likelihood of acceptance

• Audience• Prestige• Access• Impact• Publication time• Technical quality• Likelihood of acceptance

Some Questions theSome Questions theInstructions Might AnswerInstructions Might Answer

• What categories of article does the journal publish?• What is the maximum length of articles?• Does the journal include abstracts? If so, what is the

maximum length?• What sections should the article include? What are the

guidelines for each?• What guidelines for writing style should be followed?• How many figures and tables are allowed? What are the

requirements for them?• In what format should references appear? Is there a

maximum number of references?• In what electronic format should the paper be prepared?• How should the paper be submitted?

• What categories of article does the journal publish?• What is the maximum length of articles?• Does the journal include abstracts? If so, what is the

maximum length?• What sections should the article include? What are the

guidelines for each?• What guidelines for writing style should be followed?• How many figures and tables are allowed? What are the

requirements for them?• In what format should references appear? Is there a

maximum number of references?• In what electronic format should the paper be prepared?• How should the paper be submitted?

Beyond the InstructionsBeyond the Instructions• Look at some recent issues of the journal.• In the journal, look at some papers that present research

analogous to yours.• Doing so can help you gear your paper to the journal.

• Look at some recent issues of the journal.• In the journal, look at some papers that present research

analogous to yours.• Doing so can help you gear your paper to the journal.

Structuring a Journal ArticleStructuring a Journal Article

A Common Format for JournalA Common Format for JournalArticles: IMRADArticles: IMRAD

• Introduction: What was the question?• Methods: How did you try to answer it?• Results: What did you find?• And• Discussion: What does it mean?

• Introduction: What was the question?• Methods: How did you try to answer it?• Results: What did you find?• And• Discussion: What does it mean?

TitleTitle• The fewest possible words that adequately

indicate the contents of the paper• Important in literature searching• Should not include extra words, such as “A

Study of”or “Observations on”• Should be specific enough• Generally should not include abbreviations• (Running title: short version of title—appears at

tops of pages)

• The fewest possible words that adequatelyindicate the contents of the paper

• Important in literature searching• Should not include extra words, such as “A

Study of”or “Observations on”• Should be specific enough• Generally should not include abbreviations• (Running title: short version of title—appears at

tops of pages)

AuthorsAuthors• Those with important intellectual contributions to

the work• Often listed from greatest contributions to least• In some fields, head of research group often is

listed last• In some fields, listed alphabetically• Important to list one’s name the same way on

every paper

• Those with important intellectual contributions tothe work

• Often listed from greatest contributions to least• In some fields, head of research group often is

listed last• In some fields, listed alphabetically• Important to list one’s name the same way on

every paper

The AbstractThe Abstract• An important part of the paper

o Relatively widely reado Used to decide whether to read the rest of the papero Gives editors, reviewers, others a first impression

• Briefly summarizes the paper• Should be organized like the paper (for example,

in sort of a mini-IMRAD format)• In some fields, there are structured abstracts

(with standardized headings).

• An important part of the papero Relatively widely reado Used to decide whether to read the rest of the papero Gives editors, reviewers, others a first impression

• Briefly summarizes the paper• Should be organized like the paper (for example,

in sort of a mini-IMRAD format)• In some fields, there are structured abstracts

(with standardized headings).

Orders of Reading and WritingOrders of Reading and WritingSections of a PaperSections of a Paper

• People read the sections of journal papers invarious orders. (What does that imply for how towrite such papers?)

• You can write the sections of a paper in anyorder.

• A convenient order in which to write the sections:Methods, Results, Discussion, Introduction

• People read the sections of journal papers invarious orders. (What does that imply for how towrite such papers?)

• You can write the sections of a paper in anyorder.

• A convenient order in which to write the sections:Methods, Results, Discussion, Introduction

Purposes of the IntroductionPurposes of the Introduction• To provide background

o In order to help readers understand the papero In order to help readers appreciate the importance of the

research

• To identify the question(s) the researchaddressed

• To provide backgroundo In order to help readers understand the papero In order to help readers appreciate the importance of the

research

• To identify the question(s) the researchaddressed

Gearing the IntroductionGearing the Introductionto the Audienceto the Audience

• Papers in relatively general journals:Introduction must provide basic backgroundinformation.

• Papers in specialized journals in your field:Introduction can assume that readers have moreknowledge about the field.

• Papers in relatively general journals:Introduction must provide basic backgroundinformation.

• Papers in specialized journals in your field:Introduction can assume that readers have moreknowledge about the field.

Structure of the IntroductionStructure of the Introduction• Introduction typically should be funnel-shaped,

moving from general to specific• A common structure:

o Information on importance of topico Highlights of relevant previous researcho Identification of unanswered question(s)

• Introduction typically should be funnel-shaped,moving from general to specific

• A common structure:o Information on importance of topico Highlights of relevant previous researcho Identification of unanswered question(s)

Purposes of the Methods SectionPurposes of the Methods Section• To allow others to replicate what you did

o In order to test ito In order to do further research

• To allow others to evaluate what you dido To determine whether the conclusions seem valido To determine whether the findings seem applicable to other situations

• To allow others to replicate what you dido In order to test ito In order to do further research

• To allow others to evaluate what you dido To determine whether the conclusions seem valido To determine whether the findings seem applicable to other situations

Methods: Amount of Detail toMethods: Amount of Detail toUseUse

• For well-known methods: name of method,citation of reference

• For methods previously described but not wellknown: brief description of method, citation ofreference

• For methods that you yourself devise: relativelydetailed description

• For well-known methods: name of method,citation of reference

• For methods previously described but not wellknown: brief description of method, citation ofreference

• For methods that you yourself devise: relativelydetailed description

Methods: The Words and MoreMethods: The Words and More• Should be written in past tense• In some journals, may include subheads (which

can help readers)• May include tables and figures—for example:

o Flowchartso Diagrams of apparatuso Tables of experimental conditions

• Should be written in past tense• In some journals, may include subheads (which

can help readers)• May include tables and figures—for example:

o Flowchartso Diagrams of apparatuso Tables of experimental conditions

The Results SectionThe Results Section• The core of the paper• Often includes tables, figures, or both• Should summarize findings rather than providing

data in great detail• Should present results but not comment on them• (Note: Some journals combine the Results and

the Discussion.)

• The core of the paper• Often includes tables, figures, or both• Should summarize findings rather than providing

data in great detail• Should present results but not comment on them• (Note: Some journals combine the Results and

the Discussion.)

Results Sections of PapersResults Sections of Paperswith Tables or Figureswith Tables or Figures

• How much should the information in the textoverlap that in the tables and figures?o Not extensive overlapo In general, text should present only the main points from the tables and

figureso Perhaps also include a few of the most important data

• Remember to mention each table or figure. Doso as soon as readers might want to see it.

• How much should the information in the textoverlap that in the tables and figures?o Not extensive overlapo In general, text should present only the main points from the tables and

figureso Perhaps also include a few of the most important data

• Remember to mention each table or figure. Doso as soon as readers might want to see it.

Mentioning Tables and Figures:Mentioning Tables and Figures:Some Writing AdviceSome Writing Advice

• In citing tables and figures, emphasize thefinding, not the table or figure.o Not so good: Table 3 shows that researchers who attended the

workshop published twice as many papers per year.o Better: Researchers who attended the workshop published twice as

many papers per year (Table 3).

• In citing tables and figures, emphasize thefinding, not the table or figure.o Not so good: Table 3 shows that researchers who attended the

workshop published twice as many papers per year.o Better: Researchers who attended the workshop published twice as

many papers per year (Table 3).

Tables: A Few SuggestionsTables: A Few Suggestions• Use tables only if text will not suffice.• Design tables to be understandable without the

text.• If a paper includes a series of tables, use the

same format for each.• Be sure to follow the instructions to authors.

• Use tables only if text will not suffice.• Design tables to be understandable without the

text.• If a paper includes a series of tables, use the

same format for each.• Be sure to follow the instructions to authors.

Figures: A Few SuggestionsFigures: A Few Suggestions• Use figures (graphs, diagrams, maps,

photographs, etc) only if they will help conveyyour information.

• Avoid including too much information in onefigure.

• Make sure any lettering will be large enoughonce published.

• Follow the journal’s instructions.

• Use figures (graphs, diagrams, maps,photographs, etc) only if they will help conveyyour information.

• Avoid including too much information in onefigure.

• Make sure any lettering will be large enoughonce published.

• Follow the journal’s instructions.

DiscussionDiscussion• One of the more difficult parts to write, because

have more choice of what to say• Often should begin with a brief summary of the

main findings• Should answer the question(s) stated in the

introduction• Sometimes is followed by a conclusions section

• One of the more difficult parts to write, becausehave more choice of what to say

• Often should begin with a brief summary of themain findings

• Should answer the question(s) stated in theintroduction

• Sometimes is followed by a conclusions section

The Discussion:The Discussion:Some Possible ContentSome Possible Content

• Strengths of the studyo For example, superior methods, extensive data

• Limitations of the studyo For example: small sample size, short follow-up,

incomplete data, possible sources of bias,problems with experimental procedures

o Better to mention limitations than for peerreviewers and readers to think that you’reunaware of them

o If the limitations seem unlikely to affect theconclusions, can explain why

• Strengths of the studyo For example, superior methods, extensive data

• Limitations of the studyo For example: small sample size, short follow-up,

incomplete data, possible sources of bias,problems with experimental procedures

o Better to mention limitations than for peerreviewers and readers to think that you’reunaware of them

o If the limitations seem unlikely to affect theconclusions, can explain why

The Discussion:The Discussion:Possible Content (cont)Possible Content (cont)

• Relationship to findings of other research—forexample:o Similarities to previous findings (your own, others’, or both)o Differences from previous findingso Possible reasons for similarities and differences

• Applications and implications—for example:o Possible uses of the findings (in schools, gov’t policy, etc)o Relationship of the findings to theories or models:

• Do the findings support them?• Do they refute them?• Do they suggest modifications?

• Other research needed—for example:o To address questions still unansweredo To address new questions raised by the findings

• Relationship to findings of other research—forexample:o Similarities to previous findings (your own, others’, or both)o Differences from previous findingso Possible reasons for similarities and differences

• Applications and implications—for example:o Possible uses of the findings (in schools, gov’t policy, etc)o Relationship of the findings to theories or models:

• Do the findings support them?• Do they refute them?• Do they suggest modifications?

• Other research needed—for example:o To address questions still unansweredo To address new questions raised by the findings

The Discussion: StructureThe Discussion: Structure• Typically should move from specific to general

(opposite of introduction)• Beware of excessive length

Functions of ReferencesFunctions of References• To give credit to others for their work• To add credibility to your work by showing that

you used valid information sources• To help show how your work relates to previous

work• To help readers find further information

• To give credit to others for their work• To add credibility to your work by showing that

you used valid information sources• To help show how your work relates to previous

work• To help readers find further information

References:References:Importance of AccuracyImportance of Accuracy

• Studies show that many references areinaccurate.

• For references to fulfill their functions, they mustbe accurate. Thereforeo Make sure that you accurately state what the cited material says.o Make sure that all information in the citation (for example, author list,

article title, journal title, volume, year, pages) is accurate.

• Studies show that many references areinaccurate.

• For references to fulfill their functions, they mustbe accurate. Thereforeo Make sure that you accurately state what the cited material says.o Make sure that all information in the citation (for example, author list,

article title, journal title, volume, year, pages) is accurate.

Another Reason YourAnother Reason YourReferences Should Be AccurateReferences Should Be AccurateOften, authors whose work you cite will be chosenas your peer reviewers. Inaccurate references totheir work will not impress them favorably.•Cite only items that you have read.•Check each reference against the original source.•Carefully follow the journal’s instructions toauthors.•Use other articles in the same journal as models.

Often, authors whose work you cite will be chosenas your peer reviewers. Inaccurate references totheir work will not impress them favorably.•Cite only items that you have read.•Check each reference against the original source.•Carefully follow the journal’s instructions toauthors.•Use other articles in the same journal as models.

Before Submitting Your PaperBefore Submitting Your Paper• Make sure the abstract is consistent with the rest

of your paper.• Revise, revise, revise the paper.• Show the paper to other people, and revise it

some more.• Re-check the journal’s instructions to authors.

• Make sure the abstract is consistent with the restof your paper.

• Revise, revise, revise the paper.• Show the paper to other people, and revise it

some more.• Re-check the journal’s instructions to authors.

Understanding the Review andUnderstanding the Review andPublication ProcessesPublication Processes

And Interacting with Editors

Submitting the PaperSubmitting the Paper• Submission of text (and, if applicable, tables,

figures, and supplementary materials)—commonly through a website

• Inclusion of a cover letter or the equivalent• Completion of required forms

• Submission of text (and, if applicable, tables,figures, and supplementary materials)—commonly through a website

• Inclusion of a cover letter or the equivalent• Completion of required forms

Initial Screening by the JournalInitial Screening by the Journal• For appropriateness of subject matter• For compliance with instructions• For overall quality (sometimes)• For importance (sometimes)

• For appropriateness of subject matter• For compliance with instructions• For overall quality (sometimes)• For importance (sometimes)

Peer ReviewPeer Review• Evaluation by experts in the field• Purposes:

o To help the editor decide whether to publish the papero To help the authors improve the paper, whether or not the journal

accepts it

• Evaluation by experts in the field• Purposes:

o To help the editor decide whether to publish the papero To help the authors improve the paper, whether or not the journal

accepts it

The EditorThe Editor’’s Decisions Decision• Based on the peer reviewers’ advice, the editor’s

own evaluation, the amount of space in thejournal, other factors

• Options:o Accept as is (rare)o Accept if suitably revisedo Reconsider if revisedo Reject

• Based on the peer reviewers’ advice, the editor’sown evaluation, the amount of space in thejournal, other factors

• Options:o Accept as is (rare)o Accept if suitably revisedo Reconsider if revisedo Reject

Revising a PaperRevising a Paper• Revise and resubmit promptly.• Indicate what revisions were made. Typically:

o Include a letter saying what revisions were made. Ifyou received a list of requested revisions, addresseach in the letter.

o If requested, show revisions in Track Changes.• If you disagree with a requested revision,

explain why in your letter. Try to find a differentway to solve the problem that the editor orreviewer identified.

• Revise and resubmit promptly.• Indicate what revisions were made. Typically:

o Include a letter saying what revisions were made. Ifyou received a list of requested revisions, addresseach in the letter.

o If requested, show revisions in Track Changes.• If you disagree with a requested revision,

explain why in your letter. Try to find a differentway to solve the problem that the editor orreviewer identified.

Answering QueriesAnswering Queries• Queries: questions from the manuscript editor• Some topics of queries:

o Inconsistencieso Missing informationo Ambiguitieso Other

• Advice: Respond promptly, politely, andcompletely yet concisely.

• Queries: questions from the manuscript editor• Some topics of queries:

o Inconsistencieso Missing informationo Ambiguitieso Other

• Advice: Respond promptly, politely, andcompletely yet concisely.

Writing Effectively inWriting Effectively inEnglishEnglish

Writing Effectively inWriting Effectively inEnglishEnglish

The EssentialsThe Essentials• The essentials are content, organization, and

clarity.• If a paper has excellent content, is well

organized, and is clear, it is likely to be acceptedeven if the English is so-so.

• If a paper has poor content, is badly organized,or is unclear, it is likely to be rejected even if theEnglish is excellent.

• The essentials are content, organization, andclarity.

• If a paper has excellent content, is wellorganized, and is clear, it is likely to be acceptedeven if the English is so-so.

• If a paper has poor content, is badly organized,or is unclear, it is likely to be rejected even if theEnglish is excellent.

Writing ReadablyWriting Readably• In general, avoid

o Very long paragraphso Very long sentences

• Perhaps useo Headingso Bulleted or numbered listso Italics and boldface (but don’t overuse these)o Easy-to-understand graphics

• In general, avoido Very long paragraphso Very long sentences

• Perhaps useo Headingso Bulleted or numbered listso Italics and boldface (but don’t overuse these)o Easy-to-understand graphics

Understanding feelings aboutUnderstanding feelings aboutwritingwriting

• A recent survey of 400,000 U.S. faculty revealed 26%spent zero hours per week writing.

• 27% never published a peer reviewed journal paper.• 43% had published nothing in the last 2 years.• 62% never published a book.• Only 28% had produced two publications in the past two

years.• Only 25% of faculty spent more than eight hours a week

writing. This was self reported the real number could bemuch lower. (Lindholm 2005)

• Some scholars believe this number is 15% of facultybeing productive writers (Moxley and Taylor)

• A recent survey of 400,000 U.S. faculty revealed 26%spent zero hours per week writing.

• 27% never published a peer reviewed journal paper.• 43% had published nothing in the last 2 years.• 62% never published a book.• Only 28% had produced two publications in the past two

years.• Only 25% of faculty spent more than eight hours a week

writing. This was self reported the real number could bemuch lower. (Lindholm 2005)

• Some scholars believe this number is 15% of facultybeing productive writers (Moxley and Taylor)

Collect a pool of potentialCollect a pool of potentialjournals for each articlejournals for each article

• For each paper, note the pool of potential journals.• Do not submit two papers to the same journal in two

months, especially if the two articles are related.• Editors prefer to publish two articles by different authors.• Do homework on journals.• Submit paper to a journal with a rising impact factor and

higher acceptance rates. avoid declining journals withlow acceptance and diminishing impact factor.

• Could cause the journal to be removed from the SSCIand SCI ranking.

• For each paper, note the pool of potential journals.• Do not submit two papers to the same journal in two

months, especially if the two articles are related.• Editors prefer to publish two articles by different authors.• Do homework on journals.• Submit paper to a journal with a rising impact factor and

higher acceptance rates. avoid declining journals withlow acceptance and diminishing impact factor.

• Could cause the journal to be removed from the SSCIand SCI ranking.

Betting your research where youBetting your research where youhave the highest probability forhave the highest probability for

publicationpublication..

• Sometimes journals have biases andpreferences

• Subject matter: Empirical, Theoretical papers?• Check past issues of the journal. How many

Chinese names can you find?• Preferences are known; biases are difficult to

detect.

• Sometimes journals have biases andpreferences

• Subject matter: Empirical, Theoretical papers?• Check past issues of the journal. How many

Chinese names can you find?• Preferences are known; biases are difficult to

detect.

Approach different types ofApproach different types ofjournalsjournals

• Sending all papers to top journals is risky• Sending all papers to low-quality journals is

unsatisfactory• Quantity and quality important.• Having three papers in different journals is better

than three in one journal, if the relative quality ofthe journals is the same.

• Sending all papers to top journals is risky• Sending all papers to low-quality journals is

unsatisfactory• Quantity and quality important.• Having three papers in different journals is better

than three in one journal, if the relative quality ofthe journals is the same.

Don't put two good ideas inDon't put two good ideas inone paperone paper

Separate them into two papers.• As the paper's length increases, the chance of

acceptance drops.• When a topic is split into two papers, the probability of

getting at least one of them accepted more than doubles.• You also will get a paper accepted sooner.

o Editors like short papers.o The chance that a referee will detect a mathematical

error declines.o Referees will return the report faster.

• The chance that a referee will misunderstand the paperalso decreases.

Separate them into two papers.• As the paper's length increases, the chance of

acceptance drops.• When a topic is split into two papers, the probability of

getting at least one of them accepted more than doubles.• You also will get a paper accepted sooner.

o Editors like short papers.o The chance that a referee will detect a mathematical

error declines.o Referees will return the report faster.

• The chance that a referee will misunderstand the paperalso decreases.

Incorporate English editing intoIncorporate English editing intoyour supply chainyour supply chain

Use professional editorial assistance• Particularly if you are not a native English

speaker• Editors will not publish papers with grammatical

errors.• Referees are often biased; they have an excuse

to recommend rejection with grammatical errors

Use professional editorial assistance• Particularly if you are not a native English

speaker• Editors will not publish papers with grammatical

errors.• Referees are often biased; they have an excuse

to recommend rejection with grammatical errors

4%

9%

7%

8%

13%

2%

16%

7%7%

English Errors27%

Faulty methodology

Inadequate references

Poor quality supporting figures

Outside the scope of journal

Not enough contribution to field

Authors did not follow manuscript instructions

Poor writing style and use of English

Title not representative of study

Subject of little novel interest or not generally applicable

Poorly written discussion

Reasons for major revision or rejection of Taiwanesejournal papers

4%

9%

7%

8%

13%

2%

16%

7%7%

English Errors27%

Faulty methodology

Inadequate references

Poor quality supporting figures

Outside the scope of journal

Not enough contribution to field

Authors did not follow manuscript instructions

Poor writing style and use of English

Title not representative of study

Subject of little novel interest or not generally applicable

Poorly written discussion

Imitate skillful writersImitate skillful writersRead how successful writers introduce their topic andcite literature

• Imitate their words and phrases, and modify them to suityour topic

• Create a file of template sentences

Read how successful writers introduce their topic andcite literature

• Imitate their words and phrases, and modify them to suityour topic

• Create a file of template sentences

Examples of offensiveExamples of offensivecitation:citation:

• “The deficiency of Smith’s approach is...”• “The problems with Smith’s paper are…"• “A serious weakness with Smith’s

argument, however, is that ......”• “The key problem with Smith’s explanation

is that ......”• “It seems that Smith’s understanding of

the X framework is questionable.”

• “The deficiency of Smith’s approach is...”• “The problems with Smith’s paper are…"• “A serious weakness with Smith’s

argument, however, is that ......”• “The key problem with Smith’s explanation

is that ......”• “It seems that Smith’s understanding of

the X framework is questionable.”

A better citation would be:A better citation would be:

• “Smith’s model was effective in X problem,however in Y…”

• “The X benefit of Smith’s approach are notapplicable to Y…”

• “Smith’s model was effective in X problem,however in Y…”

• “The X benefit of Smith’s approach are notapplicable to Y…”

Cite researchers who like yoCite researchers who like youu• Include references to authors who like your

papers. They might become referees.• Include references to people with who you met

at conferences.• This is to get a fair chance. Referees have to

make an effort to be fair to unknown authors.

• Include references to authors who like yourpapers. They might become referees.

• Include references to people with who you metat conferences.

• This is to get a fair chance. Referees have tomake an effort to be fair to unknown authors.

Meet 100 active researchersMeet 100 active researchers• There are about a hundred people in your research

field who are likely to be referees of your papers.• Prepare a list of one hundred active people in your

main research area. Try to meet them within a five-year period.

• Present papers at, or at least attend, twoprofessional meetings a year. When presentingpapers or attending regional, national, orinternational meetings, try to get to know thesepeople.

• This is your best opportunity for networking. Whenyou go to conferences smile and“work the room.”

• There are about a hundred people in your researchfield who are likely to be referees of your papers.

• Prepare a list of one hundred active people in yourmain research area. Try to meet them within a five-year period.

• Present papers at, or at least attend, twoprofessional meetings a year. When presentingpapers or attending regional, national, orinternational meetings, try to get to know thesepeople.

• This is your best opportunity for networking. Whenyou go to conferences smile and“work the room.”

Pay attention to reviewers’Pay attention to reviewers’commentscomments

• “I don’t think you treated Smith fairly in yourliterature review, his insights deserve morerespect.”

• “You forgot to include Smith as a reference inyour paper. His work is fundamental tounderstanding your research.”

• “I don’t think you treated Smith fairly in yourliterature review, his insights deserve morerespect.”

• “You forgot to include Smith as a reference inyour paper. His work is fundamental tounderstanding your research.”

Scan journal for related articlesScan journal for related articles• Try to find some related articles in the journal to

which you wish to submit your paper.• Authors who published a paper on a related

subject are likely to be referees. The editor stillremembers them and has a connection to them.Obviously, you need to cite their papers.

• Even if they are slightly related, try to use theirreferences. Explain how your work is related.

• Try to find some related articles in the journal towhich you wish to submit your paper.

• Authors who published a paper on a relatedsubject are likely to be referees. The editor stillremembers them and has a connection to them.Obviously, you need to cite their papers.

• Even if they are slightly related, try to use theirreferences. Explain how your work is related.

RejectionRejection• When rejected, try again• Even Nobel Laureates get rejection letters.• You may need to play“ping pong” with the

paper. Submit the paper to another journal withinone month.

• You do not have to revise a paper every time it isrejected. But if a paper is rejected 4 times, thereis a serious flaw in the paper. Find and fix theproblem.

• Why? The same referee might get it again.

• When rejected, try again• Even Nobel Laureates get rejection letters.• You may need to play“ping pong” with the

paper. Submit the paper to another journal withinone month.

• You do not have to revise a paper every time it isrejected. But if a paper is rejected 4 times, thereis a serious flaw in the paper. Find and fix theproblem.

• Why? The same referee might get it again.

Delete or hide the references toDelete or hide the references toundesirable potential refereesundesirable potential referees

• You can guess the identity of the reviewers from thereviewers’ comments because of references andwriting style.

• Editors select reviewers from your references. If somereviewers always recommend rejection of your papers,drop their papers from your references (the first timeyou submit). You can add them later (after the paper isaccepted). You can also put them into the body of thepaper where they are harder to find

• This may require rewriting the introduction with adifferent perspective

• You can guess the identity of the reviewers from thereviewers’ comments because of references andwriting style.

• Editors select reviewers from your references. If somereviewers always recommend rejection of your papers,drop their papers from your references (the first timeyou submit). You can add them later (after the paper isaccepted). You can also put them into the body of thepaper where they are harder to find

• This may require rewriting the introduction with adifferent perspective

Do not waste time on dead orDo not waste time on dead ordying topicsdying topics

• If your most recent references are ten years old,it is a dead issue.

• If the most recent references closely related toyour paper are 5 years old, it is a dying issue.

• It is also difficult for the editor to find suitablereferees for outdated topics.

• Your inability to find enough references indicateso You have not read the literature.o Others are not interested in the topic, so, it is unlikely

to get published.

• If your most recent references are ten years old,it is a dead issue.

• If the most recent references closely related toyour paper are 5 years old, it is a dying issue.

• It is also difficult for the editor to find suitablereferees for outdated topics.

• Your inability to find enough references indicateso You have not read the literature.o Others are not interested in the topic, so, it is unlikely

to get published.

How to identify “Hot Topics”How to identify “Hot Topics”Look for clues to anticipate the next ‘big thing’• Read top journals to identify ‘new problems’• Read letters to the editor• Look for controversies and unexplained findings• Look for crossover areas with other domains• Do database keyword searches• Attend conferences

Look for clues to anticipate the next ‘big thing’• Read top journals to identify ‘new problems’• Read letters to the editor• Look for controversies and unexplained findings• Look for crossover areas with other domains• Do database keyword searches• Attend conferences

Everyone gets rejectedEveryone gets rejected• Your options:

o Abandon the article.o Send the article with no changes to another journal.o Revise the article and send it to another journal.o Protest the decision and try to resubmit the article to the rejecting

journal

• Your options:o Abandon the article.o Send the article with no changes to another journal.o Revise the article and send it to another journal.o Protest the decision and try to resubmit the article to the rejecting

journal

Avoid the journals whichAvoid the journals whichconsistently reject your papersconsistently reject your papers

o Temporarily avoid journals which always reject youo The editor still remembers bad comments about your

papers.o Wait until a new editor is appointed.o If you think there is prejudice on the basis of sex, race,

or nationality, you may consider using initials insteadof spelling out the first and middle names.

o First and middle names, as well as last name, oftenreveal the sex, race, or nationality of the authors.

o You may write your full name after the paper isaccepted.

o Temporarily avoid journals which always reject youo The editor still remembers bad comments about your

papers.o Wait until a new editor is appointed.o If you think there is prejudice on the basis of sex, race,

or nationality, you may consider using initials insteadof spelling out the first and middle names.

o First and middle names, as well as last name, oftenreveal the sex, race, or nationality of the authors.

o You may write your full name after the paper isaccepted.

Waiting for the Journal’sWaiting for the Journal’sdecisiondecision

• Causes of quick rejection:o Back-logo Previous paper on subjecto Editor doesn’t like topic or style

Do not attack refereesDo not attack refereesGenerally, it is not a good idea to attack the

reviewers.oDo not say: "The referee's idea is bad, but

mine is good."o Better to say, the referee has an interesting

idea, but the proposed idea is also good,particularly because of this or that fact.

o If the referee makes a good point, explain whyyou are not pursuing that strategy in the paper.

Generally, it is not a good idea to attack thereviewers.oDo not say: "The referee's idea is bad, but

mine is good."o Better to say, the referee has an interesting

idea, but the proposed idea is also good,particularly because of this or that fact.

o If the referee makes a good point, explain whyyou are not pursuing that strategy in the paper.

Writers write (and don’tWriters write (and don’talways enjoy it.)always enjoy it.)

• Common misunderstanding that good writersenjoy writing

• Many hate writing. But enjoyed the results.• Forced themselves into a daily writing routine.

• Common misunderstanding that good writersenjoy writing

• Many hate writing. But enjoyed the results.• Forced themselves into a daily writing routine.