2. Why Publish a Research Paper?
Publishing a research paper in a journal or conference is an
important activity within the academic community.
It allows you to network with other scholars and to further refine
your ideas and research.
Academic journals are probably the most common place for
scholars to publish their research.
Find the most suitable academic journal for your topic and writing
style so you can tailor your research paper easily and increase its
chance of being published.
Steps…………
3. Step 1: Familiarize yourself with potential publications.
It is important to be aware of the research already published and
the current questions and studies in your field.
Pay special attention to how other research papers are written:
The format, the type of articles (quantitative studies versus
qualitative ones, primary research, review of existing papers), the
writing style, the subject matter, and the vocabulary.
Read academic journals related to your
field of study.
Search online for published research
papers, conference papers, and journal
articles.
Ask a colleague or professor for a
suggested reading list.
4. Step 2: Choose the publication that best suits your research paper.
Each publication has its own audience and tone of writing.
Decide if your research paper would fit better in a journal that is
highly technical and meant only for other scholars or
A journal that is more general in nature that would appeal to a
broader audience.
Know your audience and write accordingly.
5. Step 3: Prepare your manuscript.
Format your research paper so it fits the guidelines for that
publication.
Most journals provide a document called "Instruction to Authors"
or "Author's Guide" that offers specific instructions about layout,
font type, and length.
This guide will also tell you how to submit your paper and will
provide details of the review process.
6. Step 4: Ask a colleague and/or professor to review your research
paper.
They should edit your paper for grammar, spelling errors, typos,
clarity, and conciseness.
At this time, they should also verify your content.
Research papers need to present an issue that is significant and
relevant.
They should be clearly written, easy to follow, and appropriate for
the intended audience.
Have two or three people review your
paper, more if possible.
7. Step 5: Revise your paper.
It is likely you will go through three or four drafts before final
submission of your research paper.
Make a special effort to make your paper clear, engaging, and easy
to follow.
This will greatly increase your chances of being published.
8. Step 6: Submit your article.
Go back to the Author's Guide to review submission requirements.
Once you are satisfied that your paper meets all of the guidelines,
submit the paper through the appropriate channels.
Some journals allow online submission, while others prefer a hard
copy
9. Step 7: Keep trying.
Sometimes journals will ask you to revise your paper and
resubmit. Study their criticisms carefully and make the necessary
changes.
Do not get over-attached to your original submission.
Instead, remain flexible and rework the paper in light of the
feedback you received.
Use all of your skills as a researcher and a writer to create a
superior paper.
Even if you are ultimately rejected by your "target" publication,
continue to re-write your research paper and submit it to other
publications.
Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Publish-a-Research-Paper