How to Publish in Biological Sciences

This book is a guide specifically for Early Career Researchers on how to publish in the Biological Sciences, whether that be your first manuscript or if you're already experienced - there's something for everyone. Following on from How to Write a PhD in Biological Sciences: A Guide for the Uninitiated, it will guide you through taking your manuscript to publication in peer-reviewed journals and disseminating your research more broadly. It talks you through the peer-review process, including how to respond to reviewers' comments, the meaning and importance of Impact Factors and how to get citations. It also explores the challenges in the academic community around Open Access and other debates, including transparency, overlay journals, paywalls, publication bias, predatory journals and the dangers of bullying. Whether you are a student just completing your studies, or a supervisor struggling with rejections, this book will provide the insider information you need to get ahead.

John Measey is Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Stellenbosch Uni>versity. He has authored or co-authored more than 200 peer reviewed scientific papers and book chapters, and five books. He has been the Editor-in-Chief of an ISI journal for 9 years, and currently serves as Associate Editor for 4 other journals. He has graduated more than 20 postgraduate students, and his blog on writing and publishing in biological sciences is read by thousands globally. British born and educated, he lives and works in the beautiful Western Cape, South Africa.

Welcome About the Author Part I - Getting your manuscript ready for submission Chapter 1 The transition from closed to open Chapter 2 What is a scientific journal for? Chapter 3 What is peer review? Chapter 4 Transparency in publishing Chapter 5 What can you publish? Chapter 6 What is Impact Factor, and why is it so important? Chapter 7 When should you be an author? Chapter 8 Citations and metrics Chapter 9 Growing your network Chapter 10 Preprints Part II - Submission, reviews and reviewing, revising and resubmitting Chapter 11 Writing your cover letter Chapter 12 Suggesting reviewers Chapter 13 Choosing the right journal Chapter 14 Open Access or a paywall for your manuscript? Chapter 15 Submitting a paper to a journal for peer review Chapter 16 Expectations of peer review? Chapter 17 Receiving the editor's decision Chapter 18 Why should an editor read your submission? Part III - Once your paper is published Chapter 19 Now that your manuscript has been accepted Chapter 20 Once your paper is accepted Chapter 21 Writing a press release Chapter 22 Why write a popular article? Chapter 23 Altmetrics from traditional and social media Part IV - Further challenges in academia Chapter 24 Is Open Access good? Chapter 25 How to conduct peer review Chapter 26 The problems with peer review Chapter 27 What are predatory journals? Chapter 28 Why did some journals go behind paywalls? Chapter 29 Are researchers writing more, and is more better? Chapter 30 When should you correct or retract your paper? Chapter 31 Are you bullying or being bullied? Chapter 32 Keeping track of your mental health Chapter 33 Habilitation, DSc and Tenure Last Note Bibliography