7. Picking the right journal and getting published

Navigating journal and peer review processes

Learning outcomes:
➔ Know the key points to consider when choosing a journal
➔ Know what the term “indexed journal” means
➔ Understand measures of impact, particularly journal impact factor
➔ Know the typical peer review process and how journals try to minimise bias in this process
➔ Know the typical peer review process
➔ Know how to avoid predatory journals

Compliance with journal and ICMJE requirements

Learning outcomes:
➔ Understand why journals vary widely and have different editorial policies
➔ Know the core requirements for all medical journals
➔ Know the Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals from the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)
➔ Understand the importance of key ICMJE policies (on authorship, conflicts of interest, clinical trial transparency)
➔ Know the overview of the authorship rules and the role of the corresponding author
➔ List examples of specific journal policies eg The BMJ’s patient review of research.

Patients’ and participants’ consent for publication

Learning outcomes:
➔ Know why consent to publication about potentially identifiable living patients matters
➔ Understand the circumstances in which journals need such consent to publication
➔ Know how journals handle consent, and what they do when consent is unavailable or privacy is breached
➔ Know the policies, regulations, and laws that protect study participants’ privacy

Surviving peer review

Learning outcomes:
➔ Know how to submit an article
➔ Understand the typical author journey through the peer review process
➔ Know the roles and responsibilities of authors, editors, and reviewers during peer review
➔ Understand why ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) is useful
➔ Know what peer reviewers do
➔ Know how to respond to comments and revise the manuscript
➔ Know what happens after manuscript acceptance
➔ Know how to approve proofs
➔ Understand how to work with media and use social media to disseminate research
➔ Know when to respond to post publication peer review

What to do with rejections and appeals

Learning outcomes:
➔ Know why journals reject research
➔ Understand evidence on what might lead to rejection
➔ Know how to interpret rejection letters
➔ Know what to do after rejection
➔ Understand waste in research and how to avoid it
➔ Know when and how to appeal against rejection

Presubmission inquiries and cover letters

Learning outcomes:
➔ Understand why a presubmission inquiry can increase the efficiency and success of peer review for both authors and editors
➔ Know when to make a presubmission inquiry
➔ Know the key elements of a presubmission inquiry
➔ Know how to write the cover letter when submitting research
➔ Know when and how to disclose overlapping and prior publication
➔ Know when and how to request fast track peer review