The following constitutes the basic information on journal article publication for an author considering to submit an article for publication consideration. Note that these guidelines may differ from one journal to another.
Format: The basic outline of publishing a research article with a scholarly journal would take an IMRaD approach of Scientific paper outline: Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion and Conclusions
Each journal accepts articles with particular number of pages which could range between 2,500-3,500 words in length (5-7). The articles should in particular language depending on the journal’s language option; in Microsoft Word, Times Roman, Size 12, Single spacing (although this may vary from journal to journal).
The style of writing may be in any consistent format such as Harvard system, APA, MLA, Chicago, Turabian, etc.). Authors are encouraged to use DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for sources where suitable. Images (figures and tables) should be in-line (within document) and not more than 700 pixels. As much as possible, try to minimize the use of images or ensure you have a copyright to use the images.
Common Journal Publication Process
The process of publishing with a journal would basically entail the following:
Receipt of the manuscript: Email Address is ordinarily provided
Acknowledgement: Once the manuscript has been submitted, the journal’s editor or editorial staff will acknowledge receipt with an e-mail.
First reading: The journal conducts an in-house review to determine if the manuscript fits the journal demands. Once in-house review is done, the journal sends an e-mail to indicate that the manuscript has been sent out for review (peer review). If the journal rejects your manuscript on an in-house reading, the editor will inform you of the decision and may offer an explanation for the rejection. If the rejection letter offers suggestions for improving the manuscript, consider the advice carefully. Your feelings may be hurt, but incorporating the counsel may enable you to place your manuscript elsewhere.
Referees: The editor will send your manuscript to two (2) referees. Editors select referees on the basis of the manuscript’s subject matter and the needs of the journal. Review of manuscripts is a double-blind process. The author does not know who reviewed the manuscript, and the referees do not know who wrote the article.
Feedback from the referees: Referees advise the editor whether the manuscript is suitable for publication, with major or minor revisions, or unsuitable for publication. No matter the determination, referees are expected to provide commentary on the manuscript. Referees are chosen because they are familiar with the subject area and anxious to see good scholarship published. Their comments can provide helpful guidelines to improving your work. As an author, it may be difficult to accept the criticisms offered on a manuscript you viewed as exceptional.
Revisions: Once the work has been refereed, the Journal takes up the recommended revisions. Most manuscripts that are accepted for publication require some revision. If the journal deems a particular revision is not needed, the decision may be explained to the editor when re-submitting the revised article.
Images, Figures, and Tables: If the manuscript being submitted has Figures or Tables (images) for publication, the journal manement checks for permissions to publish and provide captions and attributions. Otherwise try to minimize the use of images from external sources.
Copyediting: Your revised manuscript is copyedited by the Journal’s editorial team (Copyediting is intended to remove spelling, syntax, or grammatical errors and make the manuscript conform to the print requirements of the journal.
Publication: After copy editing, the work is ready for publishing. The author can afford to sit back and enjoy the accolades that his/her hard work and careful scholarship have produced.
Author(s): Each is required to submit 3-4 lines of his / her profile.
Copyright: The Journal may reserve copyright to the author(s). However, the corresponding author gives exclusive right of use to the publisher. Once an article is accepted for publication, the corresponding author will be required to fill an online Publisher Right of Use form. The publication can only be made after the submission of duly filled form.
Article Processing Charges: The Journal charges a one time publishing fee to meet the running costs which include peer reviews, copyediting and hosting. The journal may charge between USD 100 to 350. The chargess vary from journal to journal.
For any inquiry about Journal Article publication in the fields of Education and Social Sciences, kindly visit The African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences or contact us