A guide to publishing for Early Career Researchers

There can be a lot of pressure on early career researchers to work towards publication. With this in mind, it is essential to have a clear plan in place to ensure you utilise your time effectively, and can confidently navigate the processes associated with publishing your work.

Whether you’re working towards a journal article, or a chapter in a book or you want to explore the option of open-access, explore our guide below for our top tips on getting started.

How to get started

Similar to planning and executing a research project, working towards publication requires a clear focus, specific deadlines to work towards, and an explicit aim and set of objectives.

Step 1: Identify and research the main publishing opportunities in your area

It will be helpful from the outset to consider and identify the publishers you are intending to approach and to research their requirements.

An important consideration for further exposure of your work is whether they offer opportunities for open access. Benefits of this might include:

1. To increase the readership of your work beyond and within academia, for instance, readers might be practitioners, professionals in the commercial sector, or those reading for interest;
2. To increase the dissemination of your published work, which – in turn – is likely to increase instances of citation;
3. To meet policies for funding – this is especially relevant for REF (Research Excellence Framework) assessment exercises and other UKRI Research Councils’ requirements.

It’s also important to consider the credibility of the publisher you choose. Access Think, Check, Submit to ensure you are submitting your work to a trusted journal.

Step 2: Understanding the requirements

When narrowing your focus on who to target and understanding their procedures, ask yourself the following:

• Is the article or chapter you are working towards within the scope of the publication you want to submit to?
• Do you recognise any of the editorial board? This will be an indication of whether your research topic is relevant to the publication.
• Do they have regular submission windows?
• What is their process for peer review?
• Are there any implications of the research funding you have received?

Step 3: Consider how you are going to stand out

Having made a list of target publishers, journals or websites, make sure you consider what is likely to catch their attention – what is your work’s USP? Why should they consider your submission?

Whilst working towards publication, ensure you are building your portfolio and profile. This might include submitting conference papers, producing blog content for relevant websites, and/or contributing to digital forums or journal blogs. Getting your name out there will be key.

Once you have published work, increasing your research visibility will enable you to continue to build your identity as a researcher and can increase engagement and citations. It also helps ensure you receive credit for your work. Examples of online platforms offering opportunities to share your research include Kudos, Altmetric, and ORCID. We would also encourage you to ensure you have an up to date staff profile on your institution’s website or directory.

Step 4: Utilise the support available to you

It will also be helpful to understand whether your own institution offers any training, coaching or support in relation to your research career development. This might include a dedicated mentor within your department or faculty, or support may come from your line manager. Either way, consistently accessing any assistance available to help you work towards and achieve publication will be valuable.

Make sure you consider the following:

• Are there regular opportunities for feedback from your supervisor/mentor to assist with your work towards publication?
• Are there opportunities to present your work to others in the academic community?
• Are there opportunities to engage in peer review and feedback?

Step 5: Draw up your publishing timetable

Consider how quickly you want to see your paper published. With some journals ranking more highly than others, the probability of being rejected will be greater.

You will need to think about whether or not you need to see your work published quickly as timescales will vary between publications. Some journals might have advance access so that once your article is accepted it appears on the journal website. This will be particularly relevant if you are preparing for a job interview and need to show that your work is publishable.

How to keep up momentum

Setting the initial parameters of your research paper and identifying the publication you want to target are just the first steps towards achieving the end goal of published work. Ensuring you make consistent progress and develop positive habits will be essential.

Here are suggestions on how to keep on track:

• Set clear SMART goals: make sure you identify specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound goals that inform your plan to work towards publication. Critically review this regularly.
• Prioritise your work tasks: you will, inevitably, have competing priorities on your time, whether that’s teaching commitments, supporting tutees, attending conferences or time spent focusing on your research and writing. Therefore, ensuring you prioritise your tasks to meet any deadlines will be important.
• Access mentorship, if available: being held to account by a mentor, colleague or peer who you check-in with will help you to stay on track. Be proactive in asking for feedback, whether that’s on your publication plan and/or written content. They may also provide helpful guidance and direction based on their own experience of working towards publication.
• Look after yourself: this needs to be your top priority. With the pressure that comes with establishing yourself as a career researcher comes the necessity to take care of your well-being. Taking time away from your academic pursuits to maintain a healthy work/life balance will be key. Coming back to your work refreshed and with new ideas will enable you to keep up momentum longer-term.

Enjoy the journey

Whilst most early career researchers feel under pressure to achieve publication, it is important to approach the process with a positive mindset.

Try to avoid getting weighed down by fear or a sense of imposter syndrome. View the process as a new learning opportunity – one that can be enjoyable, and can open up new areas of interest, inform your ongoing career development, or enable you to secure your next project, publication or collaboration.

Finally, remember, that success is not always linear. The journey towards publication won’t always be straightforward and setbacks are likely. However, embracing the challenges, taking opportunities, and being proactive when building your research profile will all contribute to your future success in achieving publication.

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