Know and use your contacts

Editors and other publishing contacts can provide a lot of support throughout the publication process.

It’s worth finding out how your publisher provides support to authors at different stages, including prior to submission, during peer review, and after acceptance. Many publishers encourage prospective authors to contact the editor of their chosen journal to ask if their work is a suitable fit, and to find out what support is available during publication.

Large publishers often provide a lot of support online, including FAQs and an online helpdesk, with limited access to individual publishing contacts. If you’re working with a smaller publisher or a learned society, you may be assigned a named contact who you can speak to directly. If you’re publishing a monograph, you’re likely to work closely with a specific Commissioning Editor throughout the process. Don’t be afraid to ask about the level and type of support available, so you’re clear on this before you begin.