How to Start an Online Academic Journal

Establishing an online academic journal can be a satisfying experience.

Creating an online academic journal can be a satisfying experience, as you can fully develop the scope of the journal and what topics will be covered. An academic journal is not simply a magazine written by journalists or freelance writers, but rather all entries within this journal are contributed by experts within a specific field. To start an online academic journal you must secure web space and find professionals willing to contribute to the journal.

Things You'll Need

• Academic experts
• Website

Instructions

1. Select a purpose for the academic journal and find expert contributors. Online academic journals differ from magazines, as their content is focused on readers, not profitability for the publisher. Content must contain information that is relative to current or cutting-edge issues within the field the journal covers. You may find contributors by speaking with professors at universities or contacting professionals working in the field your academic journal specializes in.

2. Determine the publishing frequency of the journal. Academic journals are typically published quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. By not rushing to produce weekly or monthly editions, you can ensure the information in the journal is well-researched, accurate, and full of detailed information.

3. Secure web space where the academic journal can be published. You may create a website by using free website-creation software or by purchasing professional-grade web publishing software. Free software is obviously a more cost-efficient route but oftentimes this software lacks enhancement features such as flash support or built-in templates. Professional-grade software can be an expensive choice but with advanced user interface and professional-style add-ons you can create a more attractive website without having to hand-code the site.

4. Include a discussion board within the web site so readers can comment and exchange ideas. That will create interaction among readers.

5. Create the first edition of the journal. Once the articles are written have other experts within the field review and comment on the articles. This will ensure information is accurate, relevant to the subject, and non-biased. Take note that academic journal content should be solely factual. You may find experts within a specific field by contacting them through email, telephone, or U.S. mail and providing an outline that discusses the purpose of the journal. If you are unable to provide monetary compensation, other forms of compensation such as print copies of the journal and links to the experts' university work can be sufficient.

6. Finalize the journal and place the content online. Review the placement of articles to ensure they display properly and then publish the journal.

7. Contact universities, professionals, and business establishments who would be interested in reading the academic journal. Create a mailing list of all organizations and individuals who would be interested in the journal. Mail postcards informing the aforementioned persons and organizations about the launch of the journal. Include the website address, contributors' names, a two-to-three sentence description of the website, and your contact information including telephone number and email address.

Tips & Warnings

• To establish reader loyalty, create a job opening section within the online academic journal. Only place jobs that are related to the industry the journal covers.

• Do not publish an academic journal that is written by non-experts. You may create a magazine with content written by journalists, but academic journals should be written and edited by industry professionals.

References

• Denis G. Jerz: Academic Journals Compared to Magazines
• Leigh Thompson: Tips on How to Write a Paper for an Academic Journal

Resources

• Weebly Web Creation
• Denis G. Jerz
• Academic Journals: List of Academic Journals