HINTS AND TIPS FOR EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS

As an early career researcher, you’ll face many challenges, including the pressure to publish. Getting your work published is a huge achievement but one that can be a complicated and arduous process for any researcher. This is especially true when you consider that 85-90% of prominent authors admit to having their work rejected. For those just starting out, the challenges along the way are even greater.

At AIP Publishing, we know that navigating the world of scholarly publishing is tough for early career researchers. This is the time you need support most, so we’ve put together some ideas and guidance to help you maximize your chances of publication success and develop your research presence.

Get to know the publishing process
The route to publication is complicated. Until you’ve been around it for a while, not knowing what you don’t know is a potential pitfall. Mentors will be able to offer help, but they’re busy people too and most likely can’t devote as much time to this as they’d like. Most publishers issue “How To” guides, like AIP Publishing Academy, which focuses on key aspects of navigating the publishing process.

Practice your writing
If writing doesn’t come easily to you, you are not alone. Test the clarity of your writing by asking a trusted friend to read your abstract, introduction and conclusion for clarity. It’s crucial to communicate your ideas as clearly as possible – this will greatly increase your chances of acceptance. Invest in your writing skills, and you’ll find your confidence increases as you go and you’ll soon be writing compelling papers.

Target the right journal
It’s always a good idea to write with a particular journal in mind. It will help your paper have a stronger focus. Not only that, but you’ll also have a better chance when it comes to publication as there’ll already be a good “fit” with the journal you are submitting to. AIP Publishing’s Journal Selector Tool helps you identify the most appropriate journal for your research.

Tap into your library
Your librarians are there to help you with almost every aspect of publishing your research. Assisting in the research process is a core part of their role. They might offer workshops as well as one-to-one sessions on writing, soft skills (such as how to work conference opportunities), promoting your paper, your research profile, and the publishing process in general. Ensuring your research is published and read by as many people as possible benefits everyone at your institution, and the library is a key enabler in this process.

Stay informed
Read as much and as widely as you can. Go to seminars, on different disciplines as well as your own, as you’ll pick up ideas which you can relate to your own field of expertise. If you do this you’ll ensure the focus of your research isn’t too narrow, and expand the possibilities open to you.

Network, network, network
There will be highs and lows when you’re getting started in academia. Sharing these experiences with your peers is a tremendous source of support. By getting together you can also develop your knowledge and skills, and stay abreast of developments in your field. Attend conferences – speak at conferences – and create your own networking opportunities, sharing ideas and showing an interest in other people’s work. Network online by getting involved with blogs in your field. It isn’t always easy to start, but learning how to network early on will pay dividends later – forming strong professional relationships is a key component of establishing your professional identity, and career success.

Keep going!
If you’ve evaluated your research and you’re happy with it, get it out there. Don’t waste any time. Along the way take the advice of more seasoned academics, which can be invaluable, but trust your intuition as well. Make full use of your mentor, who should offer objective career advice. And finally, don’t let negative feedback get you down – welcome all feedback as it’ll help improve the scientific quality of your paper, so accept it and move on. Keep your drive and determination going!

Spread the word
Once your paper has been published, do everything you can to boost its visibility. The process doesn’t stop at publication. The more people that read your work, the better for your career. So take advantage of every opportunity – upload it to your institution’s repository, spread the word on social media, and talk about it at events.

Ask the professionals
If you’re unsure about any aspect of the publishing process, you can always call on professional help. Author Services from AIP Publishing offers a range of services, including editing, translating, and figure creation and formatting. Getting your paper in the best shape possible will maximize your chances of success.

Find out more about the fast and reliable support we can offer at
https://authorservices.aip.org
You’ll be one step closer to publication success.