Publication process
Improving your chances of acceptance next time
Fundamentals of publishing
You are probably familiar with the saying “publish or perish”. To ensure your publishing career thrives, we recommend investing a little time in understanding how the process works.
In these fundamentals of publishing modules, we cover the basics. You will learn about the publishing cycle and we introduce you to some of the key players and their roles. We zoom in to examine the origins of Publishers and walk you through their services. And, we offer some sound advice on weighing up the value and accuracy of the research you read. Last, but definitely not least, we turn our thoughts to the problem of unconscious bias in the publishing process.
- An introduction to publishing and the key players
- Key points to consider when evaluating research
- A frank discussion on unconscious bias
10 reasons to get – and use – an ORCID iD
Names are far from unique. With an ORCID iD, researchers can benefit from being properly identified.
The journal publishing cycle
Your handy guide to scholarly publishing and the journal publishing cycle.
Making sense of science stories
Find out why you should always ask whether research is peer reviewed. And if it isn’t, ask why not.
The origins of scientific publishing
Setting out on your publishing career? Find out what publishers get up to behind the scenes to smooth your path.
Gender Bias in academic publishing
Unconscious gender bias: what is it and what can we do to make the publishing process fairer for all?Research metrics
Metrics have become a fact of life in many - if not all - fields of research and scholarship. It is not only used to evaluate the quality of a journal, but it can also be used to determine the quality of your research and the impact you are making in your field.
In this series of modules, we walk you through some of the key players in metrics.
We explain the importance of each metric, where you can find them and most importantly how to use them responsibly.
- An introduction to an array of research metrics
- Insights into why they are important
- Top tips on how to use them responsibly
CiteScore for early career researchers
What if we told you there is a transparent metric out there that can help you evaluate high quality journals in a free and open space?
Introduction to Journal Impact Factor & H-index
You have finally overcome the exhausting process of a successful paper publication and are just thinking that it’s time to relax for a while.
Why you should know about SNIP & SJR
These metrics might not be as well-known as the others – but they are equally important.
Introduction to PlumX
PlumX metrics provides insights beyond the traditional citation metrics: it looks into ways people interact with individual pieces of research output (articles, conference proceedings, book chapter
What journal acceptance rates really mean
Rejection hurts...especially in the research world, where you pour all the hardwork and energy into your paper.
Responsible use of research metrics
Now that you have gained your knowledge on what research metrics are and why they are important - it's time to make sure you know how to use them responsibly.Finding the right journal
If you want to get your paper published, one of the key challenges you face is finding the right journal for your research. From the aims and scope, to the journal’s values and ethical practice, there are many points to take into account.
You will want to consider the impact of the journal and there are various metrics available to help you do that. In this series of modules, we explore all these important decision factors in detail. We hear from experts who have practical tips to help you make the right choice. And, we share a useful checklist you can use when evaluating the many journals available.
- Tips for assessing a journal’s aims and scope
- Advice on judging a journal’s ethics
- A useful guide to journal and article metrics
Rejected manuscripts: Next steps and finding the right fit
Has your paper ever been rejected? Most likely yes. Do you know how to deal with it the right way? Probably no.
Understanding manuscript rejection and reasons why
It is important not to take manuscript rejection personally.
Improving your chances of acceptance next time
Since you’ve taken stock of the editor/reviewer comments and found the right journal, what’s next?
Appealing the rejection and why you should think twice
Although appealing the decision is within your right as an author, it’s worth noting that most appeals are not successful unless invited.
Finding the right fit: Resources that make your search easier
In most cases, you’re more likely to find success by submitting your manuscript elsewhere after a rejection.
Transferring your paper and the benefits explained
If you receive a transfer offer, a curated list of journals that match your work is right at your fingertips.
Using the most relevant metrics to help you choose the right journal
After investing so much time and effort in your manuscript, you want to find a journal that has a suitable scope and the quality level you are looking for – not always an easy task.
How to easily spot reliable journals
Learn the steps required to select the right home for your research, improving your chances of publication success.
Using AI to match your abstract to the right journal
When it comes to finding the right journal – there is a lot to consider.Ethics
Breaking the publishing ethics rules can badly damage your reputation as a researcher, and even spell the end of your career. In this module series, we provide you with the support and advice you need to ensure your manuscript and actions are ethically sound.
We explore why it is crucial to observe the existing guidelines and the consequences when you fail to meet those obligations. We then look at some of the rules around authorship and plagiarism in a little more detail. And, we explain your rights as an author, and how you go about obtaining permission to use content from copyrighted publications.
- An explanation of publishing ethics
- Insight into the rules you should observe
- Information about content ownership and permissions
Plagiarism: Decision making & dealing with grey-zones across academic Fields
Plagiarism is often considered a classic form of scientific misconduct.
Detecting Image Manipulation: Routines, Tools & Limitations
Advancing technology has put the control of scientific images in the hands of researchers and authors.
Plagiarism
While plagiarism is serious, it’s easy to avoid. We explain how to keep on the right side of the rules.
Authorship
We explore what it takes to really earn your place on a paper’s list of authors.
Content ownership
You’ve written a paper, but who technically owns it? We clear up the mystery.
Why you can't afford to ignore publication ethics
How publishing ethics can help make or break a researcher’s career.
Demystifying permissions
Everything you need to know about permissions and the pitfalls to avoid.Open science
Open science is the new buzzword but what does it actually mean? And what about open access? Where does that fit into the story? In these modules, we cover the topics in detail. We look at the many definitions of open science and how you can use it in your own research and publishing career. We also explore open access and whether there are any specific points to consider when choosing to go down that publishing path.
- What is open science
- New insight into how you can benefit from it
- Points to consider when publishing open access
Fundamentals of open access
In light of the 15th anniversary of International Open Access Week, Researcher Academy is launching a three-part module series aiming to give early career researchers an entry point into the world
Cost of publishing open access: how and why
In light of the 15th anniversary of International Open Access Week, Researcher Academy is launching a three-part module series aiming to give early career researchers an entry point into the world
How to submit and publish an OA article
In this module, we provide hands-on guidance for those who are ready to publish open access.
How to leverage open hardware to improve your research
Why is Open Source Hardware important? Did you know it offers fundamental advantages to the research community?
Publishing open access
Understand how open access publishing works and how you can publish open access.Publishing in the Chemical Sciences
The publication process isn’t easy, whatever your discipline. In this series of modules we turn the spotlight on getting published in the Chemical Sciences. You will hear from several experts in the field who talk openly about their own experiences.
You will learn the ingredients required to create a strong manuscript, including article structure, writing style, and language. The area of publication ethics is explored in detail, so you know where the pitfalls and danger points lie. Additionally, there are lively discussions on the topic of peer review in the Chemical Sciences, with tips on what makes a good review and what to consider before accepting a review request.
- How to prepare your manuscript
- The publishing ethics involved
- Guidance on peer review
How to get published in the Chemical Sciences
Top tips for preparing a submission to a chemical sciences journal – which will also prove helpful for those in other disciplines.
Publishing ethics in Chemical and Material Sciences
We share some ethics do’s and don’ts and explain why you should be passionate about meeting the right standards.
The fundamentals of peer review for the Chemical Sciences
Discover the many benefits of reviewing in Chemistry and how you can get involved.