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. 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. 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. 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
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.
Tips to help you select the right journal for your manuscript:
- Review the aims/scope of the journals you’ve shortlisted and choose the one that is the best fit for your manuscript.
- 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.
- Be cautious of predatory journals.
- 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.
- 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. Tips on how to ensure good standards of academic writing and increase your chances of publishing in international journals:
- Write clearly and concisely. Avoid long sentences and grammatical errors.
- 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.
- Get feedback from friends and colleagues, even those from other fields of research.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Each journal has specific requirements for tables, images, length of the abstract/main body, etc. Prepare your manuscript accordingly.
- Ensure that your submission package is complete.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Well-written and well-edited research paper is a must to improve your chances of publishing in a reputed international journal. 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. 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.
FAQs
How do I choose the right journal for my research paper?
- Look for journals that specialize in your field of study. Consider factors like the journal’s impact factor, audience, and submission guidelines.
What are the steps to prepare my research paper for submission?
- Ensure your paper is well-written, follows the journal’s formatting guidelines, includes all necessary sections (abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion), and is free of plagiarism.
How do I submit my research paper to an international journal?
- Most journals have an online submission system. Create an account, fill in the required details, upload your manuscript, and submit it for review.
What is the peer review process?
- After submission, your paper will be reviewed by experts in the field who will evaluate its quality, validity, and relevance. They may suggest revisions or recommend acceptance or rejection.
How long does the publication process take?
- Time can vary widely, from a few months to over a year, depending on the journal and the complexity of the review process.
What should I do if my paper is rejected?
- Review the feedback provided by the reviewers, make necessary revisions, and consider submitting to another journal. Rejection is a common part of the publication process.
Can I submit my research paper to multiple journals at the same time?
- No, simultaneous submissions are generally not allowed. Submit your paper to one journal at a time and wait for their decision before submitting elsewhere.
What are open access journals?
- Open access journals make their articles freely available to the public. Authors may need to pay a publication fee, but their work reaches a wider audience.
How can I improve the chances of my paper being accepted?
- Ensure your research is original, well-conducted, and clearly presented. Follow the journal’s submission guidelines closely and address any reviewer comments thoroughly.
What are the ethical considerations when publishing a research paper?
- Avoid plagiarism, ensure proper citation of sources, disclose any conflicts of interest, and follow ethical guidelines for conducting and reporting research.
