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What goes in the cover letter
Sue Silver
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
What goes in a cover letter?
No cover letter
A brief note
A short letter
A long letter
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Basic information Title
Names of all authors
Contact information for corresponding author
The correct journal name!
What goes in a cover letter?
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Scientific information Background (workshop, interdisciplinary collaboration)
Scientific background information (short)
Explanation of article contents (short)
What is new
Why it is important
Why this journal?
Why now?
What goes in a cover letter?
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
This manuscript is the product of a workshop
which took place at the ESA’s meeting in
Merida, Mexico, “Ecology in an Era of
Globalization”….
What goes in a cover letter?
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
What goes in a cover letter?
Scientific information Background (workshop, interdisciplinary collaboration)
Scientific background information (short)
Explanation of article contents (short)
What is new
Why it is important
Why this journal?
Why now?Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
In this manuscript we attempt to explain why,
although the ecological processes that create
treeline patterns across western North America are
mechanistically similar, and are linked to climate,
actual patterns differ greatly. We discuss what this
means in terms of treeline response to climate
change.
What goes in a cover letter?
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
What goes in a cover letter?
Scientific information Background (workshop, interdisciplinary collaboration)
Scientific background information (short)
Explanation of article contents (short)
What is new
Why it is important
Why this journal?
Why now?Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Charcoal is generated in all biomass burning events and is one of the only legacies of forest fire. However, to date, it has received very little scientific attention. In this manuscript, we summarize the existing literature on charcoal deposition, ecological function, and storage in forest ecosystems. We also provide an analysis of how forest management influences charcoal formation and discuss the implications for long-term carbon storage in forest ecosystems of the Rocky Mountain region.
What goes in a cover letter?
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
What goes in a cover letter?
Scientific information Background (workshop, interdisciplinary collaboration)
Scientific background information (short)
Explanation of article contents (short)
What is new
Why it is important
Why this journal?
Why now?Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Our findings (on dramatic increases in nitrogen
and phosphorus in freshwater ecosystems) have
direct implications for stream management and
restoration…..
What goes in a cover letter?
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
What goes in a cover letter?
Scientific information Background (workshop, interdisciplinary collaboration)
Scientific background information (short)
Explanation of article contents (short)
What is new
Why it is important
Why this journal?
Why now?Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
These findings should be of great interest to
both applied scientists and policy makers. We
therefore believe Frontiers would be the ideal
forum to highlight these new insights.
What goes in a cover letter?
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
What goes in a cover letter?
Scientific information Background (workshop, interdisciplinary collaboration)
Scientific background information (short)
Explanation of article contents (short)
What is new
Why it is important
Why this journal?
Why now?Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
We think this is timely and of broad interest
because of the recent discovery of quagga
mussels in Lake Mead, MV, which has lead to a
lot of management-related initiatives.
What goes in a cover letter?
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Ethical information Declare conflicts of interest
Assure Editor that the rules have been followed (study Instructions to Authors)
Contribution of each author
Mention peer reviewers who should or shouldnot be approached
What goes in a cover letter?
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Author of a paper criticizing the UN Convention on
Desertification:
I would like to take this opportunity to mention a possible
conflict of interest. I undertook some consultancy work
for the UN Convention on Desertification and did discuss
some ideas with people there, regarding the political
feasibility of the initiatives proposed in this paper….
What goes in a cover letter?
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
What goes in a cover letter?
Ethical information Declare conflicts of interest
Assure Editor that the rules have been followed (study Instructions to Authors)
Contribution of each author
Mention peer reviewers who should or shouldnot be approached
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
All the authors have seen and approved the final
version of this manuscript. (Useful)
The text is just under 3500 words in length, as
mentioned in the Instructions to Authors. (Not
necessary)
What goes in a cover letter?
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
What goes in a cover letter?
Ethical information Declare conflicts of interest
Assure Editor that the rules have been followed (study Instructions to Authors)
Contribution of each author
Mention peer reviewers who should or shouldnot be approached
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Dos and DON’Ts of manuscript submission
Sue Silver
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Submitting your manuscript
Three important things to remember
FIND the Instructions to Authors
READ the Instructions to Authors
FOLLOW the Instructions to Authors
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Before submission, DO Identify the main audiences
Find out if there are page charges or color charges
Examine a copy (or online version) of the journal
Find out how to submit the manuscript and in whatformat
Use low resolution illustrations for peer review
Provide high resolution versions for publication
Submitting your manuscript
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Before submission, DOSend all figures and tables mentioned in the text
Check that all citations appear in both the text and the reference section
Check that all citations are correct
Check that any internet links are still live
Ask for a sample issue
Submitting your manuscript
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
When writing the manuscript, DO Follow the instructions on writing style
Avoid jargon and specialist terminology (where absolutely necessary, define/explain when first used)
Spell out acronyms when first used, then use only the acronym
Submitting your manuscript
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Before submission, DON’TSend the manuscript to more than one journal at the same time
Send a research communication to a review-only journal or an essay to a primary research journal
Ignore the upper word limit and requested number of references
Submitting your manuscript
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Submitting your manuscript
When resubmitting to another journal following rejection, DON’TLeave the references in the style for the previous journal
Send the same ms – follow Instructions to Authors of new journal
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
When preparing photos and graphics, DOProvide low resolution versions for peer review
Provide high resolution versions for printing (study Instructions to Authors for details)
Get permission from the publisher before reproducing a previously printed illustration
Acknowledge source of each photo or graph that is not your own
DON’T scan photos/illustrations from other printed material
Submitting your manuscript
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Perspectives on Peer Review: As an Author and Peer Reviewer
Laura A. Meyerson
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
What is peer review?
• Peer review is the process by which manuscripts submitted to scientifically oriented journals are evaluated by experts in the appropriate fields to determine if the manuscripts are of adequate quality for publication.
• Reviewers are usually anonymous to the authors. • A “Peer Review Journal” is a scholarly journal
which requires that each article submitted for publication be judged by an independent panel of experts.
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
What is the purpose of peer review?
• Peer review is important to achieve clear, precise writing.
• Peer comments should give you feedback on the quality and clarity of your ideas and approaches.
• Ensures that your work meets scientific standards and the standards of the journal.
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
What are the benefits of Peer review for my papers?
• An opportunity to have my work judged by colleagues.
• A chance to receive valuable input on my work.
• An opportunity to improve my paper and incorporate perspectives that I have not previously considered.
• Improve my writing style.Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
What are the downsides of peer review?
• Negative feedback• Frustration • Reviewers can sometimes “miss your
point”• Paper may be rejected
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
How do I approach a paper that I am reviewing?
• Make sure I have enough time to dedicate: – depending on the paper 4-8 hours
• Make sure that I have enough expertise on the topic of the paper– If I am unsure, I contact the Editor. – Focus on those aspects of the paper that I know well.
• Make sure that I have no conflict of interest or other ethical issues:– Close relationship with the author(s).– Competition that would be affected by the publication / rejection of the
paper.
• Follow the reviewing directions provided by the journal– These are usually very specific– Comments for the Authors– Private comments for the Editor
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
How do I approach a paper that I am reviewing?
• Keep my comments constructive:• Criticism is fine, but it should be framed in a way
that offers the author(s) suggestions for improvement:
– Instead of “The approach the authors take in their analysis is out of date and completely wrong.” you could say,
– “The authors would strengthen their paper and results by conducting an alternative analysis. For example, the approach employed by Hu and colleagues (2007).”
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Why do I perform peer review?
• My duty as a member of the scientific community:– If I want my papers reviewed and published, I
must perform the same service for others.• Opportunity to see who is publishing what
in my field– But remember, all manuscripts sent to you as
a reviewer are confidential!
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Why do I perform peer review?
• Opportunity to dissect papers and think carefully about what makes a really good paper and what makes a bad paper.– This improves my own writing.
• Increases my knowledge of the journals that I am reviewing for.
• Credit from my university for performing this service to the scientific community.
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Who does what in peer review
Sue Silver
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Who does what in Peer Review?
Manuscript Decision?
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
The purpose of peer review is to make sure that a paper is:scientifically correct
new information
right for the journal
Who does what in Peer Review
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Who does what in Peer Review
Editor in Chief Publisher
Assistant or “Senior” Editors (staff)
Associate Editors
Peer reviewers (referees)
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
The Publisher Sets the topic, the readership, and the aims
of the journal
Provides the money
Hires staff and provides working space
Who does what in Peer Review
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Editor in Chief Responsible for the overall content of the journal Makes final decisions about accepting or
rejecting papers Chooses Associate Editors Considers appeals
Who does what in Peer Review
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Assistant Editors Responsible for keeping manuscripts moving
through peer review After acceptance, responsible for keeping
manuscripts moving through production Senior Editors can also make final decisions
about accepting or rejecting papers Respond to questions
Who does what in Peer Review
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Associate Editors Give expert advice in their specialty Read manuscripts Choose peer reviewers Read reports and make recommendations OR Make decisions Suggest ideas for papers to commission
Who does what in Peer Review
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Peer reviewers Read papers in their area of expertise Write detailed, constructive reports Make recommendations
Who does what in Peer Review
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Peer Reviewers usually DON’T get a reward for their work have much time to review the papers they are sent see the whole paper before they agree to review
So they may be impatient with poor science poor English poor presentation
Who does what in Peer Review
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
If asked to suggest reviewers for your paper Suggest people whose work you respect Avoid
• high profile experts • close colleagues• Anyone with a conflict of interest
Who does what in Peer Review
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
Decisions Two poor reviews – Reject
One good review and one bad review• Associate Editor can decide which is correct• Associate Editor can ask for a third reviewer
Two good reviews• Minor revision or Accept• Reject
Who does what in Peer Review
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou – 15/16 December 2008 How to get published
LUNCH!
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