Page 113 - How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, 8th Edition 8th Edition

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(an annual volume supplementing the Science Citation Index). By use of this reference document, you can determine
which journals are cited most frequently, both in gross quantitative terms and in terms of average citations per article
published ("impact factor"). The impact factor especially seems to be a reasonable basis for judging the quality of
journals. If the average paper in Journal A is cited twice as frequently as the average paper in Journal B, there is little
reason to question that Journal A is the more important journal.

The Frequency Factor

Another factor to consider is frequency of the journal. The publication lag of a monthly journal is almost always
shorter than that of a quarterly journal. Assuming equivalent review times, the additional delay of the quarterly will
range up to 2 or 3 months. And, since the publication lag, including the time of editorial review, of many (probably
most) monthlies ranges between 4 and 7 months, the lag of the quarterly is likely to run up to 10 months. Remember,
also, that many journals, whether monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly, have backlogs. It sometimes helps to ask
colleagues what their experience has been with the journal(s) you are

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considering. If the journal publishes "received for publication" dates, you can figure out for yourself what the average
lag time is.

The Audience Factor

Prestige, circulation, and frequency are all important, but what audience are you trying to reach? If you are reporting
a fundamental study in biochemistry, you should of course try to get your paper published in a prestigious
international journal. On the other hand, suppose your study relates to a tropical disease found only in Latin America.
In that situation, publication in Nature will not reach your audience, the audience that needs and can use your
information. You should publish in an appropriate Latin American journal, probably in Spanish.

Packaging and Mailing

After you have decided where to submit your manuscript, do not neglect the nitty-gritty of sending it in.

How do you wrap it? Carefully. Take it from a long-time managing editor: Many manuscripts are lost, badly delayed,
or damaged in the mail, often because of improper packaging. Do not staple the manuscript. Damage can result either
from the stapling or from later removal of the staples. Giant paperclips are preferable. (Special note: Always retain at
least one hardcopy of the manuscript even if you maintain the manuscript in a computer file. I have known of several
dummies who mailed out the only existing copies of their manuscript, and there was an unforgettable gnashing of
teeth when the manuscripts and original illustrations were forever lost.) When submitting a computer disk along with
one or more hardcopies of the manuscript, use a special floppy disk mailer, or secure the disk between oversize pieces
of cardboard.

Insert the manuscript and disks into a strong manila envelope or even a reinforced mailing bag. Whether or not you
use a clasp envelope, you will be wise to put a piece of reinforced tape over the sealed end.

Authors should not submit oversize photographs. The maximum size should be 8½ by 11 inches. Oversize
photographs usually get damaged during transit.

Make sure that you apply sufficient postage and that you send the package by first-class mail. Much of the manila-
envelope mail handled

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