Publishing a research report in a peer-reviewed journal is an important activity within the academic community. In addition, it will allow you to connect with other specialists, make your name and work known, and better define your ideas and research. While it is not easy to get a report published, you can increase your chances by presenting technically sound and creative but straightforward research. It is essential that you find an academic journal suitable for your topic and writing style. Therefore, tailor your report based on these factors and increase your chances of publishing it and gaining more recognition.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Submit (and resubmit) your report
Step 1. Ask a colleague or professor to review your research report
It is important that this person takes care of checking for grammatical, spelling and typographical errors, as well as clarity, conciseness and content. A research report should present a topic that is important and relevant. It should be clearly written, easy to follow, and appropriate for the target audience.
Have two or three people review your report. At least one should not be an expert on the main topic, since his "outside perspective" can be very valuable. Not all critics will be experts on your specific topic
Step 2. Review the report based on the critics' recommendations
You may need to do several drafts before you have the final version of your research report. Make a conscious effort to make it clear, interesting, and easy to follow to significantly increase your chances of publishing.
Step 3. Prepare the text according to the requirements of the chosen magazine
Use the correct format so that your report conforms to the publication guidelines. Most journals provide a document called "Instructions to Authors" or "Guide to Authors" that provides specific instructions on the layout, font type, and length of the reports. This guide also explains how to file a report and provides details of the review process.
Journal articles for some sciences often follow a specific organizational format, such as synopsis, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and acknowledgments or references. In general, texts related to the arts and humanities are less strict
Step 4. Submit your article when it's ready
Read the author's guide (or similar document) on the journal's website to review the submission requirements. Once you are satisfied and consider that your report complies with all the guidelines, submit it through the corresponding media or channels. Some magazines allow online submission, while others prefer to receive a hard copy.
- Submit the article one magazine at a time. Submit your report to the magazines on your list one at a time, as needed.
- When presenting online, use your college email. This will connect you with the academic institution, which will give your report greater credibility.
Step 5. Don't panic when you receive the initial response from the magazine
Few submissions receive immediate acceptance from a peer-reviewed journal. If this is your case, congratulations! Otherwise, stay calm when dealing with the response, which may be one of the following:
- Acceptance with revision. Only minor changes are needed based on feedback provided by reviewers.
- Review and new presentation. More substantial changes (as described) are needed before considering publication, but the journal is very interested in the report.
- Rejection and new presentation. Currently, the article is not eligible for consideration, but some substantial changes and a new approach could change the outcome.
- Rejection. The report is not and will not be suitable for this publication, which does not mean that it cannot be useful for another journal.
Step 6. Accept the reviewers' comments as constructive criticism
Very often, you will have to review your report and resubmit it based on feedback provided by several (usually three) anonymous reviewers and an editor. Study their criticism carefully and make any necessary changes.
- Don't get too attached to your original presentation. Instead, take a flexible stance and go back to work on your project based on feedback. Apply your skills as a researcher and writer to create a better quality report.
- However, you don't need to be totally submissive to critics' comments if you feel they are out of place. Start a conversation with the editor and explain your position with respect and confidence. Remember that you are an expert on the subject!
Step 7. Keep trying to publish your report
As much as your favorite magazine rejects your report, keep rewriting it and present it in other publications.
- Remember that the fact that a report is rejected does not mean that it is of poor quality. There are different factors (many of them beyond your control) at play when determining the acceptance of an article.
- Submit your report to your second favorite magazine. You can even ask for help finding a more suitable option through the editor of the first magazine.
Method 2 of 3: Choosing the Right Magazine for Your Presentation
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with the potential posts
Consider published research and current questions and studies in your field. Pay particular attention to the writing style of other research reports, such as the format, the type of article (quantitative vs. qualitative studies, primary research, review of existing reports), writing style, topic and vocabulary.
- Read academic journals related to your field of study.
- Do an internet search to find published research reports, conference papers, and magazine articles.
- Talk to a colleague or teacher for a suggested reading list.
Step 2. Choose a publication that fits your research report
Each publication has its own audience and way of writing. For example, decide whether your report is best suited to a highly technical journal aimed solely at academics, or a more general journal in nature that targets a wider audience.
The "fit" is crucial. The most renowned magazines in your field may not be the best for your specific report. At the same time, don't underestimate yourself by assuming that your report will never be good enough for a premium post
Step 3. Take into account the circulation and exposure of the magazine
Once you narrow down your list of potential presentation venues, do a little more research to find out how widely read and cited their articles are. More exposure of your report is definitely a benefit, especially if you want to make yourself known early in your career.
- However, you should always prioritize peer-reviewed journals, as industry scholars review submitted reports anonymously. This is the basic standard for academic publications.
- You can significantly increase your readership by publishing your report in a public access journal. As such, it is freely accessible as part of an online archive of peer-reviewed academic reports.
Method 3 of 3: Reinforce Your Presentation
Step 1. Make your report have a clear vision
Good quality journal articles usually address the topic directly throughout the entire report. State exactly the topic to explore, research, or reach from the beginning, and make sure that all subsequent paragraphs build on this vision.
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Create a clear and strong statement of vision for your thesis. Compare the following weak statements to strong statements:
- "This report explores how George Washington's experiences as a young officer have shaped his perspectives during difficult circumstances as a commander."
- "This report argues that George Washington's experiences as a young officer in the 1750s on the Pennsylvania border have directly affected his relationship with his Continental Army troops during the harsh winter in Valley Forge."
Step 2. Limit your focus
A clear perspective can also be distinguished, but journal articles do not lend themselves to in-depth examination of large-scale topics. Academics who review the content of a thesis or dissertation often have difficulties with this aspect. You will need to be able to remove (or at least significantly reduce) background information, literature reviews, and methodological discussions of a journal article.
This is very important for younger scholars when entering a field. Allow more established scholars to handle the most extensive scans (still only 20-30 pages)
Step 3. Write a first-rate synopsis
The synopsis is the first impression you will make on the critics about your report, so you will have to work hard. Make sure there are no typos or unnecessary elements. You will only have 300 words for this section. Present your ideas boldly and use an original approach. However, don't overestimate what your article actually provides.
- The goal is for your synopsis to make people want to read your article without feeling disappointed when they finish it.
- Have as many people review the synopsis as possible for constructive criticism before submitting the report to a magazine.