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The Ins and Outs of Publication
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At SEAC 2005, the SEAC Committee for Student Affairs sponsored a student workshop on strategies for publishing articles and books. The following are some notes from the workshop.
The Ins and Outs of Publication |
The Ins and Outs of Publication
SEAC 2005
Jamie Waggoner, organizer
Lynne Sullivan, editor of Southeastern Archaeology
David Anderson, SAA Press
Judith Knight,
Lynne Sullivan focused her discussion on the peer review process and emphasized the fact that criticism should be taken in a positive way. Articles go to reviewers who write comments and rank papers according to certain criteria. It is important to revise and resubmit; persistence pays off. One should take reviewers comments to heart as they are trying to help. Have a professor or a trusted colleague review your manuscript before submission.
Judy Knight also discussed the review process and in particular its lengthy nature. All writers should have input; one should not write alone. Don’t take a long time revising your manuscript as the world/research/science don’t stop while you work and reviewers may come up with new issues for you to address the second time around. The process involves a lot of details and permissions, so don’t make it any harder on yourself than it has to be. Know copyright rules. Be careful when using illustrations – modify them so that they are your creative way of expressing the data. Avoid using over 500 words from one individual/publication as it requires permission and takes time away from publication. Be prepared to address the issue of people asking for money for their permission.
David Anderson made several points about writing and the publication process. Write everyday. Read if you want to write, so that you can see content but also how papers are put together. Write efficiently. Think and have something important to say; keep your research current. Don’t try writing theoretical papers at first; use primary data and do something with it. Talk to press reps – what are they looking for? When you present papers at meetings or write them for class, think about using them and publish. Work with people who have a track record in publication; involve yourself. Write CRM reports with a mind to publications – advancing knowledge. Active researchers will magnify/multiply your efforts. Don’t be secretive – share your work and ask advice.
Lynne Sullivan recommended an article Writing Archaeology, by Kintaugh, published in the most recent SAA record. This article promotes writing as presenting research as opposed to just describing process. Judy Knight added that when moving your dissertation to a book format, throw out that lengthy literature review.
A question and answer session followed:
Is there any particular style editors are looking for? Should one avoid the passive voice, etc.? Reviewers want to see content, that you have something to say. Once you have content, your words will go to a professional copy editor who will make sure that your writing is clear, consistent, straightforward, and avoids redundancy. As a courtesy though, please spell check and review for major inconsistencies. Copy editors can make it sound good but they can’t do the research. Being engaging is good but not essential; you must have something important to say.
What are other places to publish papers? It depends on what you write. State journals, regional, national, other subfields…Also something you wrote a long time ago may come back into fashion in a particular field; pick it back up and publish it.
Is it inappropriate to send to several journals/presses at once? In general the panel said yes; pick one and go with it. In particular, the panel expressed the concern that this action would be unethical, as editors work hard for you exclusively through sometimes a long process. Also, portions of your work appearing in other journals should be acknowledged.
When you become a reviewer, think back to when you were reviewed. Learn how to review from reviews that you get. Read reviews. How would you feel? Offer constructive criticism; a critical review with no suggestions is no good.
You will engage in a partnership with a series of editors. Acquisitions editors are looking for the prize, what you have to say or offer to the discipline. Copy editors put on the polish to your words.
Should you always send complete manuscripts or will presses advance contracts or take research proposals? Unless you have some reason to exchange superfluous papers, in general, you should just send a complete manuscript. Advance contracts are usually used in the case of professors on sabbatical. Send a complete manuscript as publication takes time, so why prolong it? Also, advance contracts don’t imply commitment, only interest.
How do I get involved with an edited volume? Book chapters? Get to know people in your field, as it is largely an invitation process. Network, be aware, and sell yourself. Participating in symposia sometimes leads to a thematic issue of a journal or an edited volume.
In general, never give up, never surrender.
How do I find a press that might be interested in my work? To
find one, look at their catalogs and see what kind of books they have out. Many presses specialize. In general, for Southeastern
archaeology, look at
Length? Depends on the journal but in general 40 double spaced pages with figures, tables, and bibliography is an acceptable article length
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