Academic Publishing Landscape: What, Why, and How

 Academic Publishing Landscape: What, Why, and How

Janpha Thadphoothon

I believe it is important for academics and scholars to share their findings, ideas, beliefs, and even anxieties within their respective fields. Communication with the public is common among academics, especially university lecturers and researchers.

I heard somewhere that academics need to perform the so-called public function, which involves contributing their wisdom and insightful knowledge to the general public.

Publishing their research findings serves several purposes, indeed.

What is Academic Publishing?

Academic publishing refers to the process of contributing new knowledge to the academic community and the broader public through various types of publications. These include journal articles, books, conference papers, and reports. The primary goal is to disseminate research findings, theoretical insights, and scholarly debates to a wider audience, including fellow researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the general public.

Why is Academic Publishing Important?

1. Advancing Knowledge: Publishing allows researchers to share their discoveries and advancements in their fields, fostering further research and development.

2. Building Reputation: For academics, publication records are often a key metric for career progression, reputation, and securing funding.

3. Peer Review and Validation: The peer review process helps validate the quality and credibility of research, ensuring that only rigorous and well-conducted studies are disseminated.

4. Informing Practice and Policy: Research findings can influence practices in various professional fields and inform public policy, contributing to societal progress.

5. Educational Resource: Publications serve as valuable resources for teaching and learning, providing up-to-date information and case studies for students and educators.

6. Professional Development: You might be rewarded for your achievement.

How to Navigate the Academic Publishing Process?

1. Identify the Right Journal: Choosing the appropriate journal for your research involves considering the scope, audience, impact factor, and submission guidelines of potential journals.

2. Prepare Your Manuscript: Ensure your manuscript is well-structured, clear, and follows the specific formatting requirements of your chosen journal. Include a compelling abstract, a thorough literature review, and a robust methodology.

3. Submit and Revise: After submission, your manuscript will undergo peer review. Be prepared to receive feedback and make necessary revisions. This iterative process enhances the quality of your work.

4. Understand Open Access: Consider the benefits and challenges of open access publishing, which makes your research freely available to a wider audience but may involve publication fees.

5. Promote Your Work: Once published, actively promote your work through academic networks, social media, and conferences to maximize its reach and impact.

Viktor Frankl once said, "The meaning of life lies in finding a purpose and taking responsibility for ourselves and other human beings. By having a clear 'why' we can face all the 'how' questions of life." This philosophy can be applied to the academic publishing landscape, where understanding the "why" behind publishing can guide us through the "how."

Viktor Emil Frankl (26 March 1905 – 2 September 1997) was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, philosopher, writer, and Holocaust survivor.

On reflection, publishing your work is a key metric for evaluating your contribution and merit in terms of academic achievement. This concept, however, is not without its criticisms and disagreements. Nevertheless, it is the most logical approach we currently have. Like it or not, this is how the world operates.

The academic publishing landscape is a vital component of scholarly communication. By sharing their research findings, academics not only contribute to the advancement of knowledge but also fulfill a crucial public function. Understanding the what, why, and how of academic publishing empowers researchers to effectively disseminate their work and make a meaningful impact on their fields and society at large.


About Janpha Thadphoothon
Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand.