I am often asked how to write high quality journal papers. Academics around the world are feeling the pressure to not only publish but publish in high quality journals, typically those with impact factors.
I think those asking the question are not too happy with my reply. It would take several days to explain properly how to write high quality papers. In fact, I run a three day course going into this topic in some detail. So my short answer is this: If you have the desire, the ambition and determination you will publish in leading journals. Without those attributes it is unlikely.
It takes most researchers quite a few years of agony and disappointment to develop their skills to such a level that they can publish high quality papers. So to answer the quetion in an hour is not possible. Another part of the short answer is to recommend working with someone who has published in these journals. However, you need to ask the question, what is in it for them? What will they gain or learn from the process as they have presumably developed these skills and acquired the knowledge.
In other words, there is no quick solution, no series of tips that can help someone publish at a high level. It is usually a long process of learning and hard work. Sorry to give you the news but that is the reality of it!
www.CompletePhD.com
I think those asking the question are not too happy with my reply. It would take several days to explain properly how to write high quality papers. In fact, I run a three day course going into this topic in some detail. So my short answer is this: If you have the desire, the ambition and determination you will publish in leading journals. Without those attributes it is unlikely.
It takes most researchers quite a few years of agony and disappointment to develop their skills to such a level that they can publish high quality papers. So to answer the quetion in an hour is not possible. Another part of the short answer is to recommend working with someone who has published in these journals. However, you need to ask the question, what is in it for them? What will they gain or learn from the process as they have presumably developed these skills and acquired the knowledge.
In other words, there is no quick solution, no series of tips that can help someone publish at a high level. It is usually a long process of learning and hard work. Sorry to give you the news but that is the reality of it!
www.CompletePhD.com
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Thanks for this post. I'm studying part time & exernally, while working full time, and have been procrastinating badly over the last few weeks. This post has reminded me that I'm on a learning curve, that it takes time to develop skills, and that I believe it's absolutely worth it in the end.
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Hi notmensa
ReplyDeleteI am glad the post was of use. I will in time explain what the key features are of good research papers.
On top of desire, ambition and determination, a little bit of "journal research" is also wise. Some journals appear to be more open to empirical work (or lack of) than others - some might have a preference for qualitative work while others for quantitative. It helps to do a bit of research - read the scope of the journal and look over past issues to get an idea of what sort of work has been published there before. This is not to say that high quality work won't be published outside of the usual focus of the journal but you need to put some thought into selecting the right target for your work.
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