Keys to publishing in peer reviewed journals

Abstract

A plethora of literature exists to which new engineering educators can refer that will assist them succeed as scholars. Blocking out time to write every day or every week; learning to say "no"; ignoring bad reviews and heeding critical reviews; reading; writing, writing, writing; exhibiting a willingness to change; being flexible; and being reasonable are included among the suggestions the literature promotes. The intent of this paper in contrast was to provide new engineering educators with a framework for negotiating the journal publication process. In particular, the paper addresses the procedures for producing a manuscript, negotiating the review process, and negotiating the process for producing an article. The paper also identifies the more frequent manuscript shortcomings and reviewer suggestions for improving a manuscript. Evaluating content; design and reporting research; authorship; types of manuscripts; length, headings, and tone; parts of a manuscript; editorial style; manuscript preparation; author responsibilities; online submission; manuscript acceptance and production; and post publication considerations are among the topics addressed. While publishing in the Engineering Design Graphic Journal serves as the framework and medium, the practices associated with manuscript preparation, review, and article production and the strategies, techniques, and requirements addressed are applicable to virtually all peer reviewed journals. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2010.