Skip to Main Content

Strategic Publishing: Getting Published

A Publishing Strategy is Required 

Getting published requires a publishing strategy!

Identifying where to submit your work can be challenging; a publishing strategy will help get your work accepted and read by the right audience.

This guide covers the factors to consider and the specific strategies for five key steps to successful publishing.

 

Factors to Consider When Publishing an Article

The infographic below highlights key considerations when selecting a journal for academic publishing, ensuring that researchers make informed decisions. By considering these elements, researchers can enhance the dissemination and recognition of their work.               

Creative Commons BY SA
By Karolinska Institutet University Library

Where to Begin

Identify which format, publication and publisher best suits your research output and audience. This can enhance your chances of your work being read, cited, and reused.

Questions you might ask:

  1. What is my field of research?
  2. Where do key authors in my field publish?
  3. Which journals and publishers cover my research topic?
  4. Can I use articles or work from my thesis?
  5. Can I collaborate with an experienced researcher?
  6. What is the most ‘valuable’ format for my research field (or sub-field)?
  7. Can I find these on a (journal) publisher's website?*
  8. What is the quality and reputation of the editorial/advisory board? Talk with colleagues, supervisors, mentor or peers about their publishing experiences; see COPE
  9. What are my author/creator rights and obligations? Who will be the first author?
  10. What if my publication is available on open access in an institutional repository?
  11. How accessible is the publication to others (open access, subscription)?
  12. Which publishing model is best for me?
  13. Will I have to pay to publish? e.g. Article Processing Charge (APC) or Submission Fee, colour pages/figures
  14. What about publishing offers if I am completing my thesis? See the Thesis Information guide.
  15. Which journals have a high impact or rating in my field? See: Journal Metrics
  16. Want a presence in a particular database? e.g. Scopus, then target an Elsevier journal
  17. What is my timeframe to get my research 'out there'?
  18. What metrics do I need?

*e.g. aims and scope, editors, database indexing, submission guidelines, impact statement, acceptance rate, peer review process, article processing charges, and time until publication.

Questions to ask supervisors and departmental colleagues:

  1. Will this publication look good on my research profile?
  2. Will the publication add value to my academic career?
  3. Would publication adversely affect future research publications?
  4. Would the publication be counted as a research publication by the University's Publications Office?

 

Explore the resource tabs above to help you identify journals and publishers in your subject area, and to get a sense of their impact in comparison to others in the field.

Your Subject Librarian can provide support with these publishing tools.