Ep. 50 - Publishing in Academic Journals: Views from the Editorial Board
May 2, 2024
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Guests Sarah Paterson, Virginia Torrie, and Kieran Tranter provide insights on submitting papers to academic journals. They discuss contrasting academic journal types, open access publishing, navigating the submission process, choosing the right journal, handling reviewer feedback, and maintaining patience throughout the publishing journey.
Consider institutional requirements when selecting a journal to meet diverse expectations.
Focus on creating long-lasting and impactful content for sustainable contributions to the legal field.
Be aware of open access requirements and funding considerations when choosing a journal for publication.
Deep dives
Considerations for Selecting an Academic Journal
When selecting an academic journal, it is crucial to understand your institutional requirements and determine what is valued in your context. Different institutions may have diverse expectations, so knowing what is expected of you is essential. Consider the audience you want to reach and the conversation you aim to join. Identifying the target audience helps in framing your writing effectively. Additionally, think about whether the journal is open access and how broad your audience will be. Being aware of whether the journal allows sharing on platforms like SSRN can also influence your decision. It is advised to write for the long term, ensuring your work makes a sustainable contribution to the field even if covering current developments. Checking if the journal has an online-first approach or allows placement on SSRN can help manage publication deadlines effectively.
Writing for Long-Term Contribution and Timing Considerations
When writing, focus on creating content that will have a lasting impact and make a sustainable contribution to the legal field, even if discussing current developments. Ensure that your work will remain valuable in the future, regardless of temporary trends or changes. Consider online-first approaches or the option to place your work on platforms like SSRN, which can help bypass publication timing issues. Writing strategically for long-term relevance and availability can enhance the impact of your research.
Addressing Open Access and Preprint Options for Publication
Addressing the importance of open access considerations and funding requirements tied to publishing in an open access format is essential. It is vital to be conscious of the open access aspect when selecting journals for publication. Some fundings are associated with publishing in open access formats, making it a significant factor to consider during journal selection. Circulating drafts for review within your network before publishing on platforms like SSRN and leveraging forthcoming statements upon acceptance can help manage publication timelines effectively while considering open access requirements.
Importance of Understanding Publishing Agreements
It is crucial to comprehend the contents of publishing agreements before signing, as they can have long-term implications on copyright ownership. By signing an exclusive publishing right agreement, authors grant publishers the exclusive right to publish for a specified period, after which copyright reverts back to the author. Understanding these terms is essential, especially if authors plan to repurpose their work in the future, such as incorporating it into a book.
Navigating Reviewer Comments and Journal Quality
Dealing with reviewer comments and discerning a journal's quality based on feedback are key aspects of the publishing process. Contradictory or unclear reviewer comments can indicate editorial shortcomings and impact the decision-making process. Engaging in the peer review process not only sharpens one's critical skills but also highlights the importance of constructive reviews. Additionally, being prepared for rejections and seeking feedback from peers before submission can enhance the manuscript's quality and publication prospects.
In this episode, Sarah Paterson, London School of Economics; Virginia Torrie, University of Saskatchewan; and Kieran Tranter, Queensland University of Technology, give their perspectives and advice on submitting papers to Academic Journals. Our panellists are members of editorial boards of leading law journals.
This episode seeks to demystify the often opaque process of scholarly publishing, providing listeners with practical strategies for enhancing the likelihood of their work being accepted for publication in an academic journal.
This episode originally aired as part of the INSOL ERA TAG Panel series on 1 May 2024.
Interviewer: Ilya Kokorin, Leiden University, The Netherlands Introduction and credits voiced by Lisa McNeil, INSOL International Edited and produced by Harriet Norman, INSOL International