Requirements and understandings for publishing academic research: an insider view

The chapter summarizes the authors' personal experiences gained over several decades of active engagement with scholar activities. The chapter outlines alternative forms of publication—books, book chapters, commissioned reports, research monographs, professional journal articles, referred journal articles, and conference papers; the art of writing a research paper—identifying and justifying topics, writing up one's work, individual and team writing, and sundry considerations; dealing with editors and referees—target journals, what referees expect, editor decision types, dealing with delay and rejection, and preparation; and managing a research strategy. It also presents a strategic view of the publication process, a view that is targeted specifically towards the intending author. The chapter concludes that the most committed researchers and publishers continue to pursue research because they are energized by the pursuit of the new and unfamiliar, and gain immense satisfaction from their contribution to society through the power of printed words.