It’s always around this time of year that many Undergraduate and Masters Students are coming to that glorious moment when completing their dissertations. After a few days of self-glorification and a well-deserved break, most of us forget about our projects and move onto trying to find “Grown-Up Jobs”. What about all those hours of hard work? Do we just put it to the back of our heads? Within this post we will give you the tips needed for PUBLISHING your hard work.
Looking to gain Experience?? Check out the 6 Jobs for A Psychology Graduate straight out of university?
Just Finished your Undergraduate? Check out 5 Reasons why you should have a Masters in Psychology
Don’t know what to do now that you’ve Graduates? Check out the Timeline of a Psychology Graduate
Research Your Preferred Journal
This has to be your starting point. I hear many Graduates say they want to publish their work, but don’t know how or where to start. If you don’t know what Journals are out there, then you have no chance of being published. We live in an age where you have the internet right at your fingertips; so use this to research what Journals fit your philosophy and favour your area of research.
Top Tip: Have a look at The Quarterly produced by PsyPAG which are an organisation dedicated to helping Psychology Graduates. http://www.psypag.co.uk/the-quarterly/
Tailor your Writing
Now I know that this is probably the last thing you want to hear but it’s true. Majority of graduates, when first starting their projects, would have followed their universities guidelines. These are very different to a journals guideline. Once you’ve researched what Journal you would like to be published in, then you must go back to your write-up (I know it’s hard) and tailor it to the journals wishes.
Top Tip: Some journals have very similar guidelines which will save you a lot of time, instead of editing your dissertation multiple times. Every journal has a section outlining their requirements so have a look.
Speak to your Supervisor
This is where having a good relationship with your dissertation supervisor comes in handy. Most likely they will have either, direct experience in being published or have helped someone get published. They will be able to point you in the right direction and can also provide advice and support throughout this process.
Top Tip: This doesn’t have to be restricted to just your dissertation supervisor. This can be anybody you know with experience in publications. PsychAssist is always here if in need of some advice just leave a comment or follow us on Twitter: @Psych_Assist
Submit
Eventually you will get to the point of submission (whether that is of your work or your sanity). Be proud of yourself, this is a journey not many people embark on. Once you have submitted relax and take it out of your head. You have no control over it until it comes back.
Top Tip: The timescale from submission to response is usually quite lengthy so why don’t you have a look at gaining some clinical experience while you wait (check out the 5 Tips on Getting that Assistant Psychologist Job)
Edit and Re-Submit
Unless you are very lucky, you will have either a rejection or an acceptance with some corrections. Don’t fear however, as many journals will give you very good feedback on your work and even if they reject you, they still give you this feedback and urge you to resubmit. Either way you look at it, it’s a win-win situation as you learn something new and are given the tools to come back and have a better chance of getting published.
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