How To Publish A Research Paper In An International Academic Journal

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Successfully publishing a research paper in international journals is a key part of a researcher’s work and can shape the trajectory of their careers. This not only helps advance the knowledge in a researcher’s field of work but also helps them build networks and even secure funding for new research in the long run. However, irrespective of the discipline, a beginner with even a brilliant research record often struggles to understand how to publish a paper in an international journal, and especially how to prepare their manuscript such that it passes peer review. While there is no simple formula or “one size fits all” approach, especially to publishing in international journals, this article provides you with a basic overview of the key steps that will help you achieve your publishing goals

• Make a publication plan

It’s important to have a research publication plan as soon as you think about publishing in an international journal. This involves shortlisting potential target journals, chalking out timelines for different tasks (such as finalizing the manuscript, submission to the journal, revisions based on reviewer comments, resubmission, etc.) It will also involve a plan for next steps in case the manuscript is rejected and you want to submit your manuscript elsewhere. Good planning is especially important with multiple co-authors, since this means a lot of coordination and communication for each publication-related task.

• Choose an academic journal

The key to publishing in a reputable international journal is selecting a suitable one for your paper.  Ideally, choose a target journal for your research even before starting to write because it will help you tailor the manuscript to the journal’s requirements as you write rather than spending considerable time later to revise it. Those wondering how to publish a research paper in an international journal, should pay special heed to this step.

Here are some tips to help you select the right journal for your manuscript:

1. Review the aims/scope of the journals you’ve shortlisted and choose the one that is the best fit for your manuscript.
2. Journal impact factors, though a topic of much debate, can be useful in evaluating the overall quality of journals. Use them as a guide rather than as rigid criteria for where you should publish your manuscript.
3. Be cautious of predatory journals.
4. When looking at publishing in international journals, take note of the average time taken by the journal for acceptance/rejection and publication of a research paper as this will help you plan your publication strategy.
5. Familiarize yourself with the costs associated with the publication process in any journal before submitting your work.

• Write your research paper

Early career researchers, in particular, can find it daunting to put together a well-written research paper, even if their research is highly impactful. Here are some tips on how to ensure good standards of academic writing and increase your chances of publishing in international journals:

1. Write clearly and concisely. Avoid long sentences and grammatical errors.
2. Be thorough and patient while editing and re-editing your research work. Be your own critic and address any gaps in your research that could be commented on by reviewers, who determine your manuscript’s chances of publishing in international journals.
3. Get feedback from friends and colleagues, even those from other fields of research.
4. Refer to the articles published in the chosen journal to get an idea of the style and structure of the research papers and write accordingly.
5. Your paper should be compelling and advance a line of research, with the body of the paper supporting the central theme with a comprehensive study of the research topic.

Refer to online resources, such as this one, on how to write a good research paper.

• Submit your manuscript

Once your manuscript is ready, it’s time to get one step closer to publishing in an international journal — submit it to your target journal. Consider the following steps while submitting your manuscript:

1. Each journal has specific requirements for tables, images, length of the abstract/main body, etc. Prepare your manuscript accordingly.
2. Ensure that your submission package is complete.
3. Understand the submission process/system used for publishing in an international journal and find out whom to contact and how in case you have queries.
4. Write a compelling cover letter. This document is probably the first submission item that a journal editor will read and can influence the fate of your manuscript.
5. Do not submit your manuscript to more than one journal at a time because this is unethical.

• Address peer review comments and resubmit a revised manuscript

Peer review is one of the most important parts of the publication process. Receiving and responding to review comments is often stressful for researchers. It not only acts as a quality control measure for publishing in international journals but also provides the necessary feedback for researchers to improve the research paper before submission. When you receive the peer review comments, go through them and understand any concerns that the reviewers may have highlighted and revisions they may have suggested. Spend time to consider each point carefully and conclude whether you agree or disagree with the comment. Accommodate the reviewers’ suggestions you agree with. If you do not agree with any, explain why by providing a clear rationale in your response letter/resubmission cover letter. Be honest but polite while doing so.

A well-written and well-edited research paper is a must to improve your chances of publishing in a reputed international journal. This can be a real struggle for graduate students and early career researchers, especially non–English-speaking researchers who may not be able to afford professional high-quality editing services or have the skill/time to write their papers in standard academic English suitable for publishing in international journals. So, Editage is here with a cost-effective professional English editing service: Advanced Editing Service. In this service, two expert editors improve your paper for language, overall readability, and accurate use of technical terms so that you can submit your paper to journals confidently. This service, therefore, offers high-quality editing at an affordable cost, helping researchers get closer to their goal of publishing in international journals with minimal stress.