Frequently Asked Questions about Publishing Research Paper

Q:HOW MANY TIMES DOES A JOURNAL PUBLISH ISSUES WITHIN ONE YEAR?
A: The frequency at which a journal publishes issues within one year can vary widely depending on the journal. Some journals are published daily, some are weekly, some are monthly and some are quarterly. Some journals may also be published bimonthly (once every two months) or semi-annually (twice a year).

Many journals are published monthly, and some are published more frequently. For example, some scientific journals that cover rapidly advancing fields may be published weekly or even daily to ensure that the latest research is available to their readers as soon as possible. On the other hand, some journals, such as those in the humanities, may be published less frequently, such as quarterly.

It's important to check the publication frequency of the journal when submitting your paper, as this will give you an idea of how long it will take for your paper to be published.

Q: WHAT PROCESS WILL MY ARTICLE GO THROUGH UPON SUBMISSION?

A: Upon submission, your article will go through a process known as peer review. The process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Initial screening: An editor or a team of editors will review your article to ensure that it meets the submission guidelines and that it is suitable for the journal's scope. If it passes this initial screening, it will be sent for peer review.
  2. Peer review: Your article will be sent to 2 or more experts in the field (peers) for review. These reviewers will provide feedback on the article's strengths and weaknesses, as well as suggestions for revisions.
  3. Reviewer feedback: You will receive feedback from the reviewers and you will be given an opportunity to make revisions to your article.
  4. Final decision: After revisions have been made, the editor or editorial board will make a final decision on whether to accept the article for publication.
  5. Proofreading: If the article is accepted, the author will receive a proof version of the article and will be asked to check for errors and make any final corrections.
  6. Publication: The final version of the article will be published in the journal.

It's worth noting that the review process can take some time, from a few weeks to several months, depending on the journal and the number of revisions required. It's also important to note that the acceptance rate

Q: HOW LONG WILL ALL THAT PROCESS TAKE?

A: The time it takes for an article to go through the peer-review process can vary depending on the journal and the field of research. In general, the process can take several months.

The time from submission to the initial decision can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the journal and the number of submissions they receive.

Once revisions have been made, it can take an additional few weeks to a few months for the final decision to be made.

After the article is accepted for publication, the time from acceptance to publication can also vary. Some journals have a fast-track publication process, where the article is published online within a few weeks, while others may take several months to publish.

It's important to check the guidelines of the journal you're submitting to and their estimated time frame for the review process. It's also important to keep in mind that the review process is an important part of the scientific process and helps to ensure that the research is of high quality and is communicated clearly.

Q: MAY I PUBLISH MY THESIS IN A JOURNAL?

A: Yes, you may publish your thesis in a journal, but you will likely need to make some revisions to the manuscript before it is suitable for publication.

When publishing your thesis as a journal article, you will need to adapt it to the format and conventions of the journal you are submitting to. This may involve:

  1. Shortening the manuscript: Journal articles are typically shorter than theses, so you will need to condense your thesis into a shorter format.
  2. Removing some of the background information: Journal articles usually assume that the reader is already familiar with the background information, so you will need to remove some of the background information that was included in your thesis.
  3. Revising the language and style: Journal articles have a different style and tone than theses, so you will need to revise the language and style to make it suitable for the journal.
  4. Removing the literature review: Some journals have a different format and may not include a literature review in their articles.
  5. Following the guidelines: Each journal has its own guidelines for submissions, make sure you understand and follow them.

It's also worth noting that some journals may not accept articles based on a thesis, so it's important to check the guidelines of the journal you're submitting to, and also to ask your supervisor or thesis advisor for help in publishing your thesis.

Q: WHAT IS A GOOD JOURNAL ARTICLE?

A: A good journal article is one that is well-written, well-researched, and makes a significant contribution to the field of study. Here are a few characteristics that a good journal article typically has:

  1. Original research: A good journal article presents original research that is based on a well-designed study or experiment.
  2. Clear and concise writing: A good journal article is written in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for the reader to understand the research question, methods, results, and conclusions.
  3. Adequate literature review: A good journal article includes a comprehensive literature review that puts the research in context and shows how it contributes to the field of study.
  4. Accurate and reliable data: A good journal article presents accurate and reliable data that supports the conclusions drawn from the research.
  5. Ethical considerations: A good journal article has considered and followed ethical guidelines throughout the research process.
  6. Adequate methodology: A good journal article has a clear methodology that is appropriate for the research question and makes the study replicable.
  7. Clear and concise figures, tables and graphs: A good journal article has clear and concise figures, tables and graphs, that support the main findings of the research.
  8. Properly cited: A good journal article has proper citations and a bibliography that follows the appropriate citation style.
  9. Significance of the research: A good journal article shows the significance of the research, what impact it may have in the field and what new questions it may open.
  10. Implications and recommendations: A good journal article includes implications and recommendations

Q: HOW DO I CHOOSE A JOURNAL TO SUBMIT MY ARTICLE?

A: Choosing the right journal to submit your article is an important step in the publication process. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a journal:

  1. Journal scope: Check the journal's scope and make sure your research topic is a good fit.
  2. Impact factor: Impact factor is a measure of the frequency and relevance of citations of articles published in a journal. It's a good idea to check the impact factor of the journal and compare it to other journals in your field.
  3. Publication frequency: Check the publication frequency of the journal, and consider how long it will take for your article to be published.
  4. Open access or Subscription-based: Consider if you want your article to be freely accessible to the public or if you are okay with it being behind a paywall.
  5. Author guidelines: Check the author guidelines and make sure you understand the submission process, the format requirements, and the length of the article.
  6. Peer-review process: Check the journal's peer-review process, and make sure it aligns with your expectations.
  7. Reputation: Check the reputation of the journal, look for articles published in the journal, and see if they are of high quality and respected in the field.
  8. Reach: Consider the reach of the journal, who are the target audience, and where the journal is indexed.

By considering these factors, you can narrow down your options and select a journal that is the best fit for your research.

Q: CAN I PUT MY SUPERVISOR’S NAME AS CO-AUTHOR?

A: Whether you can put your supervisor's name as a co-author on your research paper depends on the specific contributions they made to the project. In general, co-authors are individuals who have made a significant intellectual contribution to the research and the writing of the paper.

According to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) criteria for authorship, authorship should be based on the following criteria:

  1. Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data for the work; AND
  2. Drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content; AND
  3. Final approval of the version to be published; AND
  4. Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

If your supervisor meets these criteria, then they can be listed as a co-author. However, if they only provided general guidance or supervision, but did not make a significant intellectual contribution to the research, then they may not meet the criteria for authorship and should not be listed as a co-author.

It's always good to have a clear agreement with your supervisor about authorship before starting the research and to keep track of the contributions of each author.

Q: HOW DO I FORMAT MY ARTICLE?

A: Formatting your article correctly is an important step in the submission process. The format requirements will vary depending on the journal you are submitting to, so it's important to check the author guidelines of the journal you are submitting to. However, here are some general guidelines for formatting an article:

  1. Use a word processing software: Use a word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs to write and format your article.
  2. Use a standard font: Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial, and choose a font size that is easy to read.
  3. Use double spacing: Use double spacing for the main text, including the abstract, figures, and tables.
  4. Use appropriate headings: Use headings and subheadings to organize your article and make it easy to read.
  5. Use appropriate formatting: Use appropriate formatting such as bold, italics, and underlining to emphasize important points.
  6. Use page numbers: Include page numbers on each page of your article.
  7. Use appropriate citations: Use the appropriate citation style for your article, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago.
  8. Use a reference list: Include a reference list at the end of your article that includes all of the sources you have cited.
  9. Follow the journal's instructions: Each journal has its own instructions and format, be sure to follow them.
  10. Proofread: Proofread your article carefully before submitting it to ensure that it is error-free and that all of the formatting is correct.

It's important to be consistent throughout your article, and to check the author guidelines of the journal you are submitting to for specific format requirements.

Q: HOW DO I FIND IDEAS OF THINGS TO WRITE ABOUT?

A: Finding ideas for things to write about can be a challenge, but there are several ways to generate ideas for your research paper. Here are a few:

  1. Review the literature: Review the literature in your field of study, and look for gaps in the research or areas that have not been well-explored.
  2. Attend conferences and workshops: Attend conferences and workshops in your field of study, and listen to presentations on current research.
  3. Talk to experts: Talk to experts in your field of study and ask them about their current research and what they believe are important areas for future research.
  4. Look for trends: Keep an eye on current trends in your field of study, and consider how you can contribute to them.
  5. Use online resources: Use online resources such as journals, databases, and news articles to find inspiration for your research.
  6. Look for connections: Look for connections between your field of study and other disciplines, and consider how you can apply ideas from other fields to your research.
  7. Look at everyday life problems: Look at everyday problems or issues that you encounter, and think about how your research can help to address them.
  8. Look at current events: Look at current events and news, and consider how your research can contribute to understanding or addressing those issues.
  9. Reflect on personal experiences: Reflect on personal experiences, and consider how they can be used as a starting point for research.
  10. Collaborate with others: Collaborate with other researchers, students, or experts in your field, they may have different perspectives and can contribute new ideas.

It's important to keep an open mind, be curious and explore different topics, and to not be afraid to ask for help or feedback from others in your field.

Q: CAN I PUBLISH CONFERENCE PAPERS IN A JOURNAL?

A: Yes, you can publish conference papers in a journal. Many conference papers are later expanded and developed into full journal articles. However, it's important to keep in mind that the journal's editor may ask for revisions or additional data to be included before accepting it for publication.

The process of publishing a conference paper in a journal is often referred to as "journal extension" or "journal follow-up" of the conference paper. The main difference between a conference paper and a journal paper is that conference papers are usually shorter, have a more restricted format, and are intended for a more specialized audience. While journal papers are usually longer and more detailed, follow a specific format and are intended for a broader audience.

It's important to check the guidelines of the journal you're submitting to, as some journals have specific instructions for submitting conference papers. Some journals also have a fast-track process for publishing conference papers.

It's also important to note that the conference paper must be original and not be already published in another journal, and that you have the right to submit the paper to the journal, as some conference organizers or publishers may have specific rules regarding conference papers.

In summary, it is possible to publish conference papers in a journal, but it's important to check the journal's guidelines and to make sure that the paper is original and you have the rights to submit it.

Q: DO I NEED TO SEND MY ARTICLE TO A PROFESSIONAL PROOFREADER?

A: It is a good idea to have your article professionally proofread before submitting it to a journal. Even if you have carefully proofread your own work, a fresh set of eyes can often catch mistakes that you may have missed. A professional proofreader can check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, as well as inconsistencies in formatting and style.

Proofreading can also help to ensure that your paper meets the guidelines of the journal you are submitting to. Many journals will reject papers that do not meet their formatting and style guidelines, so it's important to make sure that your paper is properly formatted and that it follows the appropriate citation style.

However, not all journals require professional proofreading, and some may not cover the costs associated with it. Some journals also may provide their own proofreading process.

It's important to check the guidelines of the journal you are submitting to, and also to ask your supervisor or thesis advisor for help in proofreading your paper.

In summary, it's always a good idea to have your paper proofread professionally before submitting it, to catch errors that may have been missed and to ensure that it meets the guidelines of the journal. However, whether this is a requirement or not, depends on the journal's guidelines.

Q: HOW DO I KNOW WHO IS REVIEWING MY ARTICLE?

A: The peer-review process for journal articles is usually anonymous, which means that the reviewers do not know the identity of the authors, and the authors do not know the identity of the reviewers. This is done to promote objectivity and to prevent any bias that may occur if the authors and reviewers know each other.

However, the editor of the journal will know the identity of the reviewers and the authors. They are responsible for selecting the reviewers and ensuring that they are qualified to review the article. The editor will also manage the review process and make the final decision on whether to accept or reject the article.

It's worth noting that some journals use open peer-review, where the identity of the reviewers and authors are known to each other, this is less common than the anonymous process.

If you have any concerns about the review process, you can contact the editor of the journal and ask for more information about the reviewers. They should be able to provide you with the qualifications of the reviewers, as well as the reasons for their decision.

In summary, the peer-review process for journal articles is usually anonymous, and the identity of the reviewers is not known to the authors. However, the editor of the journal will know the identity of the reviewers and the authors and should be able to provide you with more information if you have any concerns.

Q: WHAT IF I DISAGREE WITH THE REVIEWER'S CRITICS OF MY ARTICLE?

A: It is not uncommon for authors to disagree with the reviewer's criticisms of their article. If you disagree with the reviewer's comments, you have the opportunity to respond to them and provide additional information or clarification.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when responding to reviewer's comments:

  1. Be professional: Maintain a professional and courteous tone in your response, even if you disagree with the reviewer's comments.
  2. Address each point: Address each point made by the reviewer, providing a clear and concise response to each comment.
  3. Provide evidence: Provide evidence to support your response, such as additional data or literature references.
  4. Be open to revisions: Be open to making revisions to your article, if the reviewer's comments are valid and can improve your research.
  5. Seek help: If you are unsure how to respond to a particular comment, seek help from your supervisor or other experts in your field.
  6. Keep the journal's requirements in mind: Make sure that your response and any revisions you make to your article, meet the journal's guidelines and requirements.

It is important to keep in mind that the peer-review process is an important part of the scientific process and is designed to improve the quality of research. Reviewers provide valuable feedback and it is important to consider it and respond to it in a thoughtful and professional manner.

The editor of the journal will make the final decision on whether to accept or reject the article based on the reviewers' comments and the author's response.

Q: HOW DO I SUBMIT MY ARTICLE TO A JOURNAL?

A:

The process of submitting an article to a journal can vary depending on the journal, but here are some general steps to follow:

  1. Check the journal's guidelines: Before submitting your article, check the journal's guidelines to make sure that your article is suitable for the journal and that you have followed all of the formatting and style requirements.
  2. Create an account: Most journals have an online submission system, create an account and log in.
  3. Prepare your manuscript: Prepare your manuscript, including the title page, abstract, main text, figures, tables, and references.
  4. Submit your manuscript: Submit your manuscript to the journal through the online submission system.
  5. Provide additional information: Provide any additional information that is required by the journal, such as funding information or conflict of interest statements.
  6. Submit any required fees: Some journals may require submission or processing fees, be sure to submit any required fees.
  7. Wait for a response: Wait for a response from the journal, which will usually come in the form of an acceptance or rejection letter. If the article is accepted, the journal will provide instructions on the next steps, such as revisions or proofreading.

It's important to keep in mind that the submission process can take several weeks or even months, so be prepared for a wait. Also, keep a record of the submission and any correspondence with the journal, in case there are any issues or questions later on.

It's also important to note that not all journals accept online submissions, in that case you will need to follow their instructions for submitting your manuscript