How to Get a Journal Article Published

Professionals, educators and researchers commonly seek out journal publications to add to their credits and further exemplify their expertise in their fields. By publishing their articles in these professional journals, they become a source for academics and a go to resource for those seeking expert opinions or other facts.The process by which these individuals get published in these journals is complicated for several reasons. Not only does the work need to be top notch, it is in competition with many others. There are some specific tips and guidelines necessary to follow o better the chances of publication, many of which are not provided in a written set of guidelines.

Things You'll Need

• Current Issue of "Writer's Market"

Instructions

1. 

   Before setting out to attempt to get your journal article published, it is important to ensure it is written well. Look for a writing group that offers critiques. There are many online. They're also offered through colleges and some bookstores.

2. If you fail to find a critique group in your area, seek a critique from a peer or colleague. Explain the purpose of the journal article and what you hope to accomplish. Ask pointed questions, and then take their advice with an open mind. Some critiques can be quite brutal, but they're meant to serve your best interest.

3. Make a list of goals you're hoping to achieve through publication of this journal. Are you looking for a promotion? (Research which journals will help you with this.) Are you trying to increase your salary? (Research how many articles you need to publish before this goal is achievable.) Are you trying to show your area of expertise in a tangible way? (Research quality journals to publish through.) Writing out these goals and why you want to achieve them is a road map to success for many. If you have a firm understanding of what you hope to achieve, you have a better chance of making it happen.

4. 

   Research where to publish the piece. One of the best resources is a curent edition of "Writer's Market." Many writers swear by the online version because the contact information and submission guidelines are updated more frequently. Look for academic publications, as well as small publishing opportunities accepting new writers.

5. If you are not new to the writing and publishing industry and are able to show published clips, you may have a greater chance of being published. However, if you’re working with an editor who looks solely at the work being presented, then you’re fine. These editors look at the writer’s content presented at the time of submission, rather than her track record to judge her merit and capabilities.

6. 

   Refereed journals are said to be the best targets for publishing journal articles. These journals are listed among the top picks because the articles go before a set of “referees” before they’re accepted for publication. Only the very best articles make the cut in these cases. Make a list of all the publications currently featuring work similar to yours. Research online or in "Writer’s Market" to determine if they’re refereed journals or not. Even if these publications aren’t all refereed, don’t discount the opportunity to become published.

7. Be sure your query letter, otherwise known as a cover letter, is complete and written correctly. Your query letter will make you or break you. If it is written in a substandard way, then the referee or editor will assume that your work will be similar.

8. 

   The query process can take between two months and two years depending on how long the referees or editors take to read your material and how many others are ahead of you. There may also be a backlog of articles waiting for publication, even after your article is accepted. The key is to be patient throughout the entire process because it is lengthy.

Tips & Warnings

• Proofread everything, and then proofread it again.

• Brush up on query letter writing skills.

• Figure out the style guides for each publication to ensure your article meets its standards and requirements.

• Make sure all of your resources and source material is updated and complete.

• Don't send an article without doing market research first, otherwise you may send your piece to the wrong publication and this will result in an automatic rejection.

• Don't rush through the article causing it to be too short or missing information.

• Don't forget to explain everything so the referee or editor isn't left questioning various aspects of the article.

Resources

• Writer's Market Online Version