Publication Strategy: Introduction

So, you are undertaking your research and you are starting to consider where you will publish.  Some points to consider, to assist with this activity are:

• Set publishing objectives. Are you wanting to build a publishing record, contribute to new knowledge, disseminate research findings or increase your research profile or impact?
• Do you need to consider access, turnaround times for publication and readership including target audience?
• Speak with your colleagues / supervisors about where to publish.
• Which publication titles are coming up when undertaking a literature search?
• Who are the key researchers in your area and where are they publishing. Use some of the tools within citation databases such as Scopus to identify these.

In addition to selecting the publication type (journal article, conference paper, book or book chapter) for your research, some other points to consider are:

• Is the publisher reputable?
• Do you have co-researchers or co-authors?
• Is there any issues relating to the authorship of your publication that you need to consider or resolve?
• Are there any copyright implications relating to the publication of your research output?
• How long does the process take from submission to publication?
• Check if there is a cost associated with the publishing process.

I would like to thank Michelle Dalton, UCD Library, for permission to use content from her guide https://libguides.ucd.ie/publishing.