Journal Publishing: A Review of the Basics

Abstract

Objectives: To provide an overview of publishing in nursing journals, including topic identification, manuscript formats, manuscript assembly, journal selection, and the manuscript review process.

Data sources: Journal articles, publishers' information for authors, online publishing resources, discussions with nursing journal editors, personal experience.

Conclusion: Publishing a scholarly article is a major step in developing as a professional. Novice nurse authors should become familiar with the journal article publishing process before preparing a manuscript to best prepare the manuscript, target an appropriate journal, and increase the likelihood of publication.

Implications for nursing practice: Nurses at the point of care need to write about what they do to showcase nursing's value, and contribute to nursing's body of knowledge and the public's knowledge of nursing's work.

Keywords: journal publishing; peer review; scholarly writing.