How to Choose the Right Publisher for your Publication
Once you have written your academic paper and are ready to get it submitted, there’s one final step that can make all the difference to the success of your endeavours: choosing the right publisher. There are many factors to keep in mind and a whole host of reputable platforms out there, so how do you know which one best fits your requirements? The good news is that we’re here to help, so let’s take a look at the things you need to keep in mind before making your selection.
Your publication, your way
Opting for a peer-reviewed journal will increase your chances of reaching the right audience for your work. Narrowing down to the publishers that align with your niche in both aim and scope can be a fantastic idea – and when you consider that the wrong one can affect your career and reputation moving forward, you’ll see why this can be especially important.
The good news is that a journal favoured by an academic publisher will have a very specific field of interest and as a result, will be simpler to find than more generalised publishers that cater to a host of topics. When you have a few companies in mind, it can be worthwhile to reach out and check that they accept the style of work that you’re hoping to submit.
Their recent publication history should factor into your decision, as well as their engagement, to ensure that you’re getting the best possible platform for your work.
What’s the journal’s turnaround time
There are a few different time frames to consider when submitting to a journal, like the peer review period and how often publications are released, but these often go hand in hand. The quicker they distribute, the sooner they’re likely to complete reviews, so your work will get the go-ahead and get published (for example, some put out issues monthly, others yearly). Keep in mind that this may vary with online editions, so be sure to check out the typical protocols regarding to these also.
Get the visibility you really want
It’s no secret that many industries have had to evolve in the last few years, due to technological advancements and even the way that audiences interact with the information presented to them. This means that anyone hoping to publish needs to consider the mediums that their potential journal facilitates. The more platforms they cater to (I.e. electronic databases, physical publications, online portals), the better your chances of being noticed and recognised for your work.
Minimise the chances of rejection, maximise your potential for success
When you choose a journal that doesn’t fit the specifics of your work, the chances are that it’ll get rejected. Always read the instructions outlined (also known as Instructions to Authors) to ensure that you tick all of the right boxes. Sometimes there are restrictions regarding formatting, word counts, image principles and the way citations are made, so your work needs to be compliant. There are also the costs of publication to consider when you make your final choice, so your budget should come into play, too.