GETTING IT “WRITE”: KEY INGREDIENTS FOR PROMISING MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSIONS TO GEOSCIENCE JOURNALS

Publishing our scientific ideas, results, and interpretations is one of the most important things we can do as geoscientists. Papers in scientific journals mark completion of a specific study, communicate that study’s findings with the wider scientific community, and serve as a historic record of the data. Published papers are also a demonstration of the success of the authors, and are “as good as money in the bank”, especially for early career researchers, as a mentor once suggested.

How can authors best prepare manuscripts for submission and the review process? Early considerations should include defining the appropriate audience and choosing a journal. Becoming familiar with recent papers in that targeted journal can help authors meet the journal’s style. It is also helpful to follow the journal’s instructions for authors. Besides well-written, original manuscript text and supporting figures, tables, and references, a promising submission includes a concise cover letter to the editor and suggestions for multiple potential reviewers. Well-prepared submissions garner easier reviewer recruitment and streamline the review process to focus it on the science. Organized responses to reviewers that accompany revised and resubmitted manuscripts also greatly aid the road to manuscript acceptance and publication. Starting with a well-prepared manuscript submission commonly results in a final publication that presents the best version of the science of the study.

Tips for manuscript preparation, submittal, and revision are passed on to students and post-docs by excellent mentors and are typically learned by writing and revising manuscripts as a team. However, some early career scientists do not have the benefit of attentive mentors to gain these skills. This talk will discuss some detailed advice from the perspective of an author, reviewer, and editor.