Research Manuscript Publication
-Good Research from an Editor’s Eyes
Yuanlong Liu, PhD
Department of Human Performance and Health Education
2013
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Why talk about research submission…?
What is a good submission?
Why look at from an editor’s eyes?
Why me…..?
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Who am I?
What is an Editor’s Job?
What Does an Editor see?
85% papers are killed!
What is the Problem?
Quality!!!
I have a Dream…
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It is HARD!
• Teaching
Carpenter
• Service
• Research
Tenure and Promotion
Tenure Clock
Runs Faster
You Should Know Where
You Are Going from the
Very Beginning
Questions to Ask Yourself
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Is my research program focused?
How frequently am I publishing papers?
In which journals am I publishing?
Are these important journals (why)?
Am I meeting departmental expectations for
independent work, collaboration, authorship?
Am I publishing from data collected here?
Have I gotten (or tried to get) external grant
support?
How am I fitting into departmental and
interdisciplinary research groups?
Do I participate in departmental/interdisciplinary
research activities (e.g., journal and discussion
groups)?
Based on Thomas. (2006). A Stylus Briefing.
Overview of an Editor’s
“Eyes”
• An Attractive Title
• Good Literature Review
• Good Answers for the Four W
Questions
• In general, the editor is looking for
Beautiful ART (a good story)!!
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Give an Attractive Title
-Good Title from an
Editor’s Eyes
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Shortest Title
Science, 1988, 24:1130
Longest Title
Be interesting ….
Grab their attention
45 Words
Science, 1988, 24:1130
Give an Attractive Title
-Good Title from Editor’s Eyes
Formal and informal clothing in different
occasions in US - From a girl’s eyes!
Assessing the best track and field
performances -Is sky the limit?
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Good Literature Review?
Tips:
Show gaps in the research
Justify your own research (how good)
Demonstrate your Understanding of
your field (art)
Summaries and evaluate past research
Show similarities and differences
Give an overview of controversies
(Did you include the editor and
reviewers’ research?)
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Four W Questions
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What was the problem
How did you study the problem
What did you find
What do these findings mean
A Good Story!!
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Reviewers – The Luck of
the Draw
Longest Editorial Delay
26 Years, 5 months
Be patient
Received by Bulletin of the JSME (Japanese Journal):
April, 1960
Published:
September, 1986
Science, 1988, 24:1130
Always take something good
and learn from a review
Hearing from the Editor
• You will be upset (highly likely)
• Read the reviews
• and put them away
– Come back to read them again when
your heart rate is around 71/min
• What can you learn and do?
• Return revision in a timely manner
Your worst fear or
nightmare
Editor-in-Chief
Handling Reviewers
• “This is the WORST paper I have EVER read.”
– Many times
Positive Attitude!
• “This is the BEST paper I have reviewed for this
journal.”
– Jack Pot
• Questions in your mind:
– Who are these stupid reviewers?
– Do they really know the content and/or methods?
• Relax – You’ll be a reviewer too!
– Unpaid volunteers
– “Treat others as you would have them treat you”
PEANUTS
“Sometimes” you get rejected
Handling Rejection
• It happens to everyone
• Should you contact the Editor?
• Look & learn
• There are other outlets
If NOT
You CAN handle
rejection
Revising and Resubmitting
• Be timely
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– Know when it is due
– Know to whom it is to go
“Thank you very much”
Point-by-point response
Clarify
Don’t be afraid to disagree
Be patient
Be persistent
Be realistic
Scientific Misconduct
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Plagiarism
Fabrication and falsification
Non-publication of data
Faulty data collection
procedures
• Poor data storage and
retention
• Misleading authorship
• Sneaky publication practices
Scientific Misconduct Examples
• Co-authorship – How many?
• Dual Publication
• Professional embarrassment –
fake data?
• “It was the student who did it!”
• Your name in the paper!!
• “Publish my papers QUICKLY,
please”
Some Student/Novice Thoughts
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Attention to detail
Choose an appropriate journal
Follow guidelines
Format carefully
Determine author order a priori
Good Writing
Strong writing can not compensate for bad ideas….
Writing takes practice.
But weak writing can easily ruin good ideas.
You should . . . .
• be aware of what the Journal
wants
• be aware of who the Editor is
• not be hesitant to call (or e-mail)
• be complete
• be patient
More suggestions
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Neatness DOES count
Line numbers
Formatting
Co-authors
– Reviewers
– Keep them informed
Bibliographic Reference Software
MS Word 2007
When it’s ready….
send it in.
Working Together!!
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Common interests
Personality
Work ethic/habits
Your expectations
Colleague/Advisor’s
expectations
• Changing your Mentor/Advisor
Kay Williamson RQES paper - 1993
My Friendly Secret Suggestion
Work Hard
Confidence
Find a Model
Collaboration
Thank you for listening!
Have a Great Bronco Year!
Questions?
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