Writing for Publication: Transitions and Tools that Support Scholars’ Success - Mary Renck Jalongo, Olivia N. Saracho 2016
Preparing the Manuscript for Submission
From a Research Project to a Journal Article
Conference Proposals and Article Types
For many scholars seeking to publish their work, the evaluation process for research articles can seem like the proverbial “black box” in a mechanical or electronic device that performs a single task but remains complex or secretive. Authors are sometimes reluctant to subject their work into the so-called black box of editing due to misgivings about how they will fare and an aura of mystery about how the process operates (Baruch, Konrad, Aguinis & Starbuck, 2008; Stolerman, 2009). Nevertheless, many academics feel pressured to publish in scholarly, peer-reviewed journals. At universities that are known to be major research institutions, faculty may even get a short list of the journals that will count towards tenure and promotion. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of manuscripts submitted fail to make it through the journal review processes. To increase your chances of success, use every tool in this chapter first. Then plan to submit a manuscript that:
· is written for the readership of the journal
· conforms to the writing style of the outlet
· is representative of the journal’s quality
· convinces the editors and reviewers the study is important
· advances knowledge in the field
· uses a methodology that is systematic and rigorous
· selects appropriate measurement tools
· analyzes data accurately
· explains empirical findings
· articulates the nature of the contribution made and its impact on the field (Ortinau, 2011).
Reflect also on the researcher’s role. The sixth edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA, 2010) indicates that researchers are responsible for: preparing the manuscript; assuming organizational and ethical responsibilities; fulfilling the journal’s policy prerequisites; and collaborating with the journal editor, editorial staff, and publisher. Such obligations involve key issues, such as using an accurate research design to accept or reject the hypotheses, theoretical framework that supports the research hypotheses, data analyses, interpretation of the results, and required formatting of the manuscript as well as a well-written study. Clearly, researchers need to assume numerous responsibilities and demonstrate a constellation of skills to develop and submit an appropriate manuscript to a scholarly research journal.